Blepharoplasty
Conveniently located to serve the areas of New Bern, NC
Cosmetic eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure that improves the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, restoring firmness to the area surrounding the eyes and making you look more rested and alert. As we age, the skin around our eyes may start to lose elasticity and sag, resulting in droopy eyelids, excess skin on the eyelids, and puffy under-eye bags. These changes can make us appear tired or older than we actually are. Blepharoplasty rejuvenates the eyelids, providing patients with more youthful and refreshed eyes. Upper lid lifts also help many people see better as their peripheral field of vision is improved.
At Zannis Plastic Surgery in North Carolina, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. John Zannis has extensive experience with blepharoplasty procedures, and his renowned skill makes him a top choice for cosmetic eyelid treatments. To learn more about how you can diminish signs of facial aging, contact our New Bern office or call (252) 633-1197.
Contents
- 1 Before and After Photos
- 2 About Blepharoplasty
- 3 Blepharoplasty Benefits
- 4 Blepharoplasty Candidates
- 5 Consultation
- 6 How to Prepare for a Blepharoplasty
- 7 Blepharoplasty Procedure
- 8 Recovery
- 9 Results
- 10 Corresponding Procedures
- 11 Cost of Blepharoplasty in New Bern
- 12 FAQ
- 12.1 When can I see the results of an eyelid lift?
- 12.2 Will I have visible scarring from a blepharoplasty?
- 12.3 Is the recovery from an eyelid lift difficult?
- 12.4 Can an eyelid lift be combined with other procedures?
- 12.5 Can an eyelid lift correct my field of vision?
- 12.6 Can I wear makeup and skincare products after an eyelid lift?
- 13 References
Before and After Photos
About Blepharoplasty
As one of the most popular cosmetic procedures worldwide, blepharoplasty resolves droopy skin (ptosis), wrinkles, and excess eyelid fat– the first signs of eyelid aging. (1) Surgeons completed 115,261 eyelid surgeries in 2022, (2) and the treatment’s popularity continues to increase. If eyelid ptosis is affecting your field of vision or fatty deposits are creating a puffy, tired appearance (infraorbital edema) we can renew your complexion in the following ways:
- Upper blepharoplasty: An upper blepharoplasty removes skin from above the eyes that droops uncomfortably, impairs vision, and covers the upper eyelid fold.
- Lower blepharoplasty: A lower blepharoplasty eliminates excess fat and puffiness below the eyes, colloquially known as “eye bags,” that create a tired appearance.
- Quad blepharoplasty: A quad blepharoplasty addresses the upper and lower eyelids in one surgery to help you look your best.
Blepharoplasty Benefits
Many patients undergo a blepharoplasty for the following benefits:
- A more youthful appearance
- Elimination of droopy skin
- Removal of puffy under-eye bags
- Restoration of tired-looking eyes
- Precision eyelid contouring
- Improved field of vision
- Increased confidence
Blepharoplasty Candidates
If you are struggling with droopy skin, puffy bulges, and wrinkles around your eyes, you are likely a good candidate for a blepharoplasty. Ideal candidates are generally in good overall health, have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure, do not have severe problems with dry eyes, and do not use blood thinners.. It’s important to note that an individual’s chronological age is not necessarily a limiting factor for blepharoplasty.
Eyelid surgery is customizable, and we adjust each procedure based on your skin type, goals, and facial structure for the most natural-looking result.
Consultation
Dr. Zannis understands that every individual is unique and requires personalized care. During your consultation, he will conduct a thorough evaluation of your medical history and aesthetic concerns related to your eyelids. This evaluation will typically involve a physical examination of the eyelids, assessing the condition of the skin, the presence of excess fat, and the overall harmony of the eyelid contours with the rest of your facial features. Based on his findings, he will recommend the most appropriate blepharoplasty technique tailored to your specific needs. He will explain the procedure in detail, discussing the potential risks and benefits, expected outcomes, and answer any questions or concerns you may have. This detailed consultation process ensures that you are well informed and confident about moving forward with the treatment.
Contact our office and schedule an in-person consultation with Dr. Zannis.
How to Prepare for a Blepharoplasty
Before your procedure, you will need to stop taking blood thinners for 1-2 weeks and stop smoking, if applicable, for 6 weeks. To prepare for a blepharoplasty, you will also need to:
- Take 1-2 weeks off work
- Prepare meals for a comfortable recovery
- Arrange for a trusted adult to drive you home
Please arrive at the office in comfortable clothing with a clean face. You will need to remove all makeup, gel, hairspray, and accessories before your appointment.
Blepharoplasty Procedure
Before your procedure, we will administer the appropriate anesthesia so you will be comfortable throughout the surgery. After this, Dr. Zannis will make discrete incisions to remove excess skin and fat, depending on the type of procedure you need. For an upper blepharoplasty, he will make a small incision along the natural crease of your upper eyelid to remove excess skin and underlying fatty tissue. For a lower blepharoplasty, he will make an incision inside the lower eyelid to remove excess tissue and modify the underlying muscle to correct under-eye bags.
Recovery
Following blepharoplasty, a specialized eye ointment may be applied, and the eyes may be covered with bandages for protection. It’s normal to experience some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort during the initial recovery period. Dr. Zannis will provide specific postoperative instructions, which may include:
- Taking prescribed medications, including pain relievers and antibiotics, as directed
- Applying cold compresses to the eyes to minimize swelling and bruising
- Keeping the head elevated while resting to reduce swelling
- Avoiding strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and bending over for several days or as advised
- Attending follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress
Results
The results of an eyelid lift procedure are noticeable almost immediately after surgery. During the initial days of recovery, you may experience some swelling and bruising, but as these subside, you will be able to observe the gradual improvement in the appearance of your eyelids. Full results will become more apparent once any residual swelling has completely subsided.
Maintaining Your Results
After eyelid surgery, you can enjoy younger, brighter-looking eyes. Caring for your incisions properly will help them fade so that they are imperceptible. Incisions are very discrete and will continue to fade for up to a year. Taking good care of your skin, wearing SPF, and avoiding sun exposure will be very important for maintaining your results because ultraviolet light exposure can cause wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and roughness. (3) In some cases, we may recommend a resurfacing treatment to smooth the skin in the eye area further.
Corresponding Procedures
We offer several corresponding procedures to help you achieve facial harmony.
Facelift
A facelift is a procedure that tightens and lifts facial skin to reduce moderate to severe facial aging. Repositioning your skin with a facelift is an effective way to achieve a more youthful look. During a facelift, we can make a subtle incision along the hairline that is easy to conceal so you can enjoy a younger-looking facial contour..
Find out more about the Allurelift by Dr. Zannis.
Brow Lift
A brow lift tightens the skin on your forehead to diminish wrinkles. We can quickly eliminate years of facial aging with a brow lift by making a thin incision along your hairline to reposition your skin and remove excess tissue. This is one of the most effective procedures to combine with a blepharoplasty for a younger look. To learn more about additional procedures, see our blog.
Cost of Blepharoplasty in New Bern
The cost of a blepharoplasty will depend on whether you’re interested in upper, lower or all four lids to be treated, as well as whether or not you combine it with something else like a facelift. In general, blepharoplasty costs $3,000-$4,000. If you live outside of our region, you can also take advantage of our fly-in program. The cost-effective program allows patients from all over the country to benefit from Dr. Zannis’s experience and skills. Contact our office in North Carolina or call (252) 633-1197 to learn more about how we can rejuvenate your eyes.
FAQ
When can I see the results of an eyelid lift?
Although you will see results immediately, it can take a few weeks for your incisions to heal and swelling to subside. You can enjoy the full effects after 1-2 months.
Will I have visible scarring from a blepharoplasty?
No, we take care to make delicate incisions that are easily hidden in the natural folds of your eyelids.
Is the recovery from an eyelid lift difficult?
No, although you will have some discomfort the first few days after your procedure, the treatment is well-tolerated. We prescribe medicated eye drops to help you recover comfortably and quickly.
Can an eyelid lift be combined with other procedures?
Yes, surgeons often combine eyelid lift surgery with other cosmetic procedures, such as facelifts, brow lifts, or injectable treatments like Botox and dermal fillers. Combining procedures can deliver even more remarkable results by addressing multiple concerns simultaneously.
Can an eyelid lift correct my field of vision?
While blepharoplasty primarily focuses on aesthetic improvements, if droopy upper eyelids interfere with your vision, eyelid surgery can help elevate and reshape the lids, potentially improving your visual field, and making activities like reading and driving much easier.
Can I wear makeup and skincare products after an eyelid lift?
After your treatment, we will provide recovery instructions and let you know when you can resume your normal skincare routine. You will need to stop wearing eye makeup for a couple of weeks to let your skin heal and prevent infections.
References
- Miotti G, Zeppieri M, Pederzani G, Salati C, Parodi PC. Modern blepharoplasty: From bench to bedside. World Journal of Clinical Cases. 2023;11(8):1719-1729. doi:https://doi.org/10.12998/wjcc.v11.i8.1719
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Procedural Statistics Data Insights Partners: 2022 ASPS Procedural Statistics Release.; 2023. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2022/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2022.pdf
- Manríquez JJ, Cataldo K, Vera-Kellet C, Harz-Fresno I. Wrinkles. BMJ Clinical Evidence. 2014;2014. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4278179/