Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid Surgery in Houston, TX

If you’re noticing heavy bags, drooping skin, and other signs of aging around your eyes, then eyelid surgery could be your best option for long-lasting rejuvenation and a more awake, alert appearance. Our team offers eyelid rejuvenation to patients in Houston, TX, & surrounding areas who want to look and feel more youthful.

About Eyelid Surgery

Often known as blepharoplasty, plastic surgery to rejuvenate the eyelids is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States. The skin of the eyelids can become loose and lax as part of the aging process. If your eyelids are making it difficult to see or are making you look older and more exhausted than you feel, blepharoplasty of the upper or lower lids can help. Our team performs customized blepharoplasty procedures.

The eye area is often one of the first regions of the face to start displaying signs of aging, including sagging or drooping skin in the upper eyelids, heavy bags underneath the eyes, and a tired, sad expression, even after a good night’s sleep.

Eyelid surgery at our Houston practice can be performed on either or both the upper and lower eyelids, depending on the patient’s goals. During an eyelid lift, our team can remove excess skin and transfer fat to resolve hooded eyelids or puffy bags under the eyes. Fat can simultaneously be transferred to the hollowed-out areas while removing redundant skin during a lower blepharoplasty.  The result is a refreshed appearance that can last for years.

Benefits of Eyelid Surgery

For most patients, eyelid lift procedures are entirely cosmetic. Patients can look forward to a brighter, more youthful expression, a reduction in under-eye bags and/or sagging skin above the eyes, and enhanced self-confidence.

Some patients, however, can also gain functional benefits that improve their daily quality of life. When the procedure is performed on the upper lids, a surgeon can remove excess skin that may be hanging down enough to affect the patient’s vision. This can help patients see more clearly and look more youthful at the same time.

Upper or Lower Blepharoplasty?

Most people who are interested in rejuvenating their eyelids can immediately point to their main areas of concern. Some people have puffiness beneath their eyes and want to know how to get rid of eye bags. Others are tired of the sagging skin that is hooding their upper eyelids. Some patients experience both of these issues simultaneously!

Your aesthetic goals will determine the best procedure for your needs. For some patients, that means rejuvenating both the upper and lower eyelids. Our team will assist you in choosing the right surgery (or surgeries) that will help you reach your goals.

Good Candidates for Blepharoplasty

Healthy men and women who wish to improve aesthetic issues like excessive eyelid skin, droopy eyelids, bags under eyes, loss of volume, hooded eyelids, and other signs of aging in the eye area may be good candidates for surgical eye rejuvenation. Patients should be non-smokers or willing to quit before and after the procedure to ensure safety and proper healing.

Anyone interested in eyelid surgery needs to have realistic expectations. Facial plastic surgery can refresh and revitalize, but it cannot make a person look like they did when they were twenty. It’s a good idea to look at some eye lift surgery pictures before you schedule your consultation to ensure that your expectations are in line with what the procedure can deliver.

Your Eyelid Lift Consultation

If you think eyelid surgery could help you to achieve your aesthetic goals, then it may be time to schedule a consultation to discuss your candidacy for blepharoplasty. Our team offers private consultations to help patients determine the ideal treatment plan for their needs.

During your eyelid lift consultation, our team will ask you about your goals and expectations for the procedure. They will go over your medical history to ensure that you are healthy enough for surgery and may ask you questions about your habits and any medications you may be taking.

Once they have determined your candidacy, our team will go over your treatment options and begin to create a customized surgical plan for you. They will explain the steps of the procedure and recommend some options to help you reach your goals. You should feel free to ask questions or raise any concerns you may have.

Preparing For Your Surgery

You will receive in-depth instructions to help you prepare for your eyelid surgery procedure when you schedule your surgical appointment. You may be asked to:

• Stop smoking (typically at least several weeks in advance)
• Pause the use of certain OTC medications, prescriptions, and supplements
• Fill prescriptions provided by our doctors
• Visit your doctor for a checkup or medical tests
• Prepare your home for the recovery process
• Take time off from work and arrange for childcare/pet care
• Arrange for a ride to and from your surgery

The Eyelid Surgery Procedure

Both upper blepharoplasty and lower blepharoplasty will be performed in our surgical facility, Houston Plastic Surgery Center. Typically, during upper eyelid surgery, most patients are given local anesthesia with sedation. Patients undergoing lower blepharoplasty, or both, are given general anesthesia.

Once the anesthesia has been administered, our team begins by making small incisions that differ depending on the type of surgery. Upper blepharoplasty incisions are usually hidden by the natural crease of the eyelids. Careful placement of the incisions creates a natural appearance and minimizes or eliminates visible scars. Lower blepharoplasty involves hidden transconjunctival incisions, which means they’ll be hidden inside the lower lids.

After incisions are made, our team removes drooping eyelid skin, repositions or removes fat under the eyes that are causing puffy bags, and enhances the contours around the eyes for a more youthful appearance or to get rid of dark circles under the eyes.

Once all of the patient’s cosmetic and functional concerns have been addressed, she closes the incisions and applies dressings as needed.

If the surgery is only to address aging in the upper eyelids, the operation time will take 45 minutes. Performing both upper and lower eyelid surgery will take around two hours or more, which may vary on what the goals or concerns are.

Recovering From Blepharoplasty Surgery

Eyelid surgery recovery is typically smooth and easy. Patients will likely experience swelling, bruising, and minor discomfort for about 2-3 weeks, though we recommend leaving 6 weeks before any important events you need to attend.

A prescribed eye ointment needs to be applied along the treated area and sutures in the case of upper blepharoplasty patients. Medical ice slurry is recommended for those who underwent both the upper & lower eyelid operation. Taking prescribed medications, keeping the head elevated, and using ice packs as directed can help reduce pain & discomfort.

Strenuous activity should not be resumed for at least 2-3 weeks, on average. Your surgeon will let you know when it is safe to go back to your daily routines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Blepharoplasty

Is there any way to get rid of eye bags at home?

Many patients wonder how to get rid of under-eye bags at home. When puffy eyes are temporary and caused by problems like lack of sleep, several at-home remedies can be used to reduce puffiness. When under-eye bags are age-related, however, only surgery can effectively smooth out the area under the eye for a refreshed appearance.

Do I need upper eyelid surgery or a brow lift?

It can be difficult to determine on your own if the drooping that is creating hooded eyelids is caused by the eyelids themselves or the brows. Because of this, it is a good idea to have a one-on-one consultation with a member of our team.  You will receive a customized treatment recommendation and an answer on whether a brow lift, eyelid surgery or both is the right surgery for you.

What is ptosis?

Ptosis: the medical term for drooping or sagging. Droopy eyelid surgery can correct ptosis and provide long-lasting rejuvenation.

How much does eyelid surgery cost? 

Blepharoplasty costs vary depending on the surgeon, region, the extent of the procedure, and more. You can get a cost estimate for your specific treatment plan and learn about financing options at the time of your consultation.

Talk to an Expert About Your Eye Rejuvenation Options

Ready to learn more about cosmetic eyelid surgery? If you would like to talk to an expert about your eye rejuvenation options, then call Body By Ravi Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics at (281) 242-1061. Request a blepharoplasty consultation in Houston to see if this procedure is right for you!