Eyelid (Blepharoplasty) Surgery
In Portland, OR From Dr. John S. Lee M.D.
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Eyelid Surgery, also called blepharoplasty, is typically performed to improve the appearance of the eyes. As a person ages, the eyelid skin sags, the eyelid muscles loosen and fat deposits above and below the eye protrude and become prominent. The sagging eyelids and bags underneath the eyes can make you look older and more tired than you feel. Although it will not stop the aging process, lower blepharoplasty can take away that tired look making you look more rested and upper blepharoplasty can open up your eyes making them sparkly. Patients choose either upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty or combined upper and lower blepharoplasty. Fat injections to fill in the tear trough area where there is often hollowing is included with lower blepharoplasty. Many patients combine eyelid surgery with a browlift or facelift if desired.
What is the process for Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)?
To begin the journey you will meet with Dr. Lee for a free consult. His consult days are generally Tuesdays and Thursdays. Allow for about 40 minutes. During the consult Dr. Lee will listen to all your concerns, do a thorough examination, answer your questions and offer you his recommendations. You will also be given a written quote after the consult.
If you decide to move forward with surgery his scheduling staff will find you a surgery day and then a preoperative appointment about two weeks before the surgery date where you will meet with the nurse and go over pre and post op instructions, sign consents, get prescriptions and make your final payment.
Surgery will be done either on premises at our fully accredited surgery center, NW Plastic Surgery Center where you will go under IV sedation, also known as twilight anesthesia or in some cases at CSS (Center for Specialty Surgery) an outside surgery center under general anesthesia. This will be decided at your consultation at the recommendation of Dr. Lee.
What is the recovery period for Blepharoplasty Surgery?
You will go home the same day as your surgery and then come back for a two day and then a one week post op appointment. Healing and follow up will continue. There will be bruising and swelling post operatively. Bruising usually take between 2-3 weeks to resolve but can be covered with heavy makeup at the 2 week mark. Swelling takes a little longer to be fully resolved. Dr. Lee recommends between 2-3 weeks optimally to be back out in the world looking fabulous.
What is the Cost for Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)?
Dr. Lee does not take medical insurance for this procedure. You will be given a written quote at your consultation appointment which will include the following:
- Surgeon’s fee
- Hospital or surgical facility costs
- Anesthesia fees