The eyes are the "windows to the soul," and one of the first places that we see aging. Some patients develop bags and loose skin on their eyelids as they age. These changes often lead to a tired, or even grumpy appearance, no matter how much you work to be well-rested and rejuvenated. Dr. White’s approach to eyelid surgery is to remove excess skin and fat where it is puffy but also to add fat to certain areas below the lower eyelids and tear trough where patients have lost volume when needed. These techniques allow him to achieve a natural, balanced, and refreshed look. You can look younger and more refreshed with some of the best blepharoplasty Miami has to offer.
Blepharoplasty is a customizable surgical procedure that can be applied to the upper and lower eyelids. Your procedure may involve removing excess skin and repositioning underlying tissues to produce smoother contours and a more taut and youthful appearance.
Upper blepharoplasty is performed via an external incision that removes excess skin. This scar heals very well and tends to blend as if it were a thin lid crease. A small amount of fat is often removed simultaneously in areas that are bulging while leaving enough fat behind to prevent a hollowed-out appearance. If the eyelid lifting muscle is elongated to the point of blocking vision, Dr. White can shorten the muscle and restore functionality to the eyelid.
Lower blepharoplasty can be performed via an external incision to remove a small amount of excess skin or fat. The scar will be well hidden beneath the eyelashes. If the patient does not have much excess skin and the problem involves primarily fat deposits around the eyes, surgery can be performed to hide the surgery site behind the eyelid. This minimally invasive method results in a scar-free surgery in what is called the transconjunctival approach.
If you have concerns about the appearance of your eyes and would like a long-lasting solution, blepharoplasty may be the perfect treatment for you. You may be a candidate for cosmetic eyelid surgery if you are a non-smoker and in good general health. If you have any underlying medical conditions that could potentially impair your body’s ability to heal, you may be a better candidate for an alternative treatment.
Depending on your specific needs, the surgery will likely involve the removal of excess skin, fat, and/or muscle. Blepharoplasty is typically an outpatient procedure, and you will be administered either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia for your comfort during the surgery.
Dr. Jeremy White is one of the best blepharoplasty surgeons in Miami. Depending on the patient’s preferences, he can often perform upper blepharoplasty in the office under local anesthesia. Incisions will be made either along the crease of the upper eyelid or just below the lash line on the lower lid. In some cases in which no skin removal is necessary in the lower eyelid, the doctor may also remove fat via a transconjunctival incision or an incision made on the inside of the lower eyelid that is not visible externally (scarless blepharoplasty).
After the necessary corrections to the affected lid(s), the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures. Note that a certain amount of bruising and swelling is common for a few days or weeks after the surgery, but as these fade, you will begin to enjoy the results of your blepharoplasty. Your doctor may recommend an aesthetic treatment to improve any discoloration, such as arnica, to reduce swelling and bruising.
Blepharoplasty is a customizable and minor surgical procedure that delivers significant results. Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper or lower eyelids or both for optimal rejuvenation. While it is excellent as a standalone treatment, it is also often combined with other rejuvenating procedures for a younger appearance throughout the face. Benefits of eyelid surgery include:
Blepharoplasty is often combined with other rejuvenating procedures in patients who would like to maximize their strategy by addressing multiple concerns at once. The most common procedures combined with cosmetic eyelid surgery are:
Restores the youthful appearance of the face’s skin and underlying structures for the longest-lasting and most substantial facial rejuvenation achievable.
Restores your eyebrows and forehead's smooth, taut, youthful appearance.
Addresses signs of aging in mid and lower facial regions to smooth lines and folds and sculpt the jawline.
Reshapes and refines the nose for cosmetic or functional purposes.
Many aesthetic flaws can be resolved with eyelid surgery, including the following:
As we age, our skin naturally loses its volume elasticity, and the eyelids are no exception – while this deterioration shows up as wrinkles and sagging skin all over the body, it can be particularly noticeable in the eyelids, where drooping upper lids give the appearance of extreme tiredness. In some cases, this can even start to interfere with peripheral vision, making it less safe for the individual to operate a car and perform other tasks.
Puffy eyes are often due to fat deposits in the eyelids. Again, these can be more than just an aesthetic concern – they may also interfere with vision. Even if you’ve worked hard to lose weight, these fat deposits may stubbornly persist, including those on the eyelids. In this case, your surgeon will be able to use a blepharoplasty to remove excess fat from within the eyelids.
In addition to lost elasticity in the skin of the eyelids, drooping upper lids can also be caused by a weakening of the muscles which control the eyelid. It is important to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon before undergoing surgery to determine the nature and location of the problem causing the droopy appearance.
When your lower eyelids are drooping low enough that white is showing beneath your iris, it is definitely time to look into treatment options. Causes may range from a loss of elasticity and volume to weakened muscles. A qualified plastic surgeon can discuss the possible causes and available treatments for your particular condition with you.
The cost of a blepharoplasty in Miami will depend on if you are getting upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or both. The cost of both upper and lower eyelid surgery together can average between $5,000 and $7,000. During your consultation, Dr. Jeremy White will discuss every aspect of your treatment plan to optimally design all of your needs.
If you are interested in eyelid surgery in Miami, call ARC Plastic Surgery to schedule an evaluation and speak with our double board-certified plastic surgeon to determine whether the procedure is right for you. We serve patients across the planet, but if you live in the Miami area, including the communities of Hollywood, FL, and Aventura, our office is in your area, and you have direct access to a highly-respected double-board certified surgeon with Dr. Jeremy White. In your consultation with Dr. White, he will complete a personalized evaluation of your eyelid and brow area and discuss the surgical options to help you decide on what is the optimal approach for you. Contact our office to discuss eyelid surgery in Miami.
Immediately after the surgery, your eyes may be loosely covered with gauze to protect the incision sites. In the days following the procedure, you will be given ointment to apply to the incisions and may also use cold compresses to reduce discomfort.
Your surgeon will give you specific instructions regarding taking care of the area treated following surgery and how to watch for the warning signs of infection or other complications. He will also likely prescribe some type of oral medication to reduce discomfort and/or minimize the risk of infection. Swelling, bruising, and irritation at the incision sites are all common in the days following surgery, but reach out to your doctor if you have specific concerns – we are always available to discuss your questions and concerns.
You need to be vigilant regarding sun protection and wear dark-tinted sunglasses to protect your eyes and eyelids until the healing process is complete. As our Miami Blepharoplasty is usually performed on an outpatient basis, you will likely be able to return home the same day as your procedure, but you must be driven by a family member or friend. Before you leave our clinic, Dr. White will discuss the aftercare instructions and recovery information to make sure your healing process moves forward as smoothly as possible. He will also schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your progress.
Dr. White will prescribe eye drops and an ointment to lubricate your eyes and facilitate healing. You may also receive a prescription for pain medication to make your recovery more comfortable. You will need some time to rest at home and properly heal. Most patients take up to ten days off work.
You are advised to keep your head elevated while you sleep, which you can achieve by purchasing either extra pillows or a wedge to keep your head above your heart. Extra pillows will help you sleep comfortably and aid in alleviating swelling. A special sleeping mask may be needed to help protect your eyes while you sleep.
Cleaning your eye area is vital to recovery. Eye drops should be used four times daily or more if your eyes feel dry, and the ointment will prevent the treated area of the eyelids from drying out. You may find that dark sunglasses will help you avoid eyestrain and protect the treated area from sun exposure. If you expect to be in the sun for an extended amount of time, apply sunblock around your eyes and near any incisions, with products recommended by Dr. White starting two weeks after surgery. The incisions are placed carefully to help avoid visible scarring, and properly caring for your incisions helps to ensure the result is attractive and appealing.
Although you will be permitted to return to work a few days after your procedure, you should still avoid strenuous activities for two weeks. You should refrain from putting in contact lenses or wearing makeup near your eyes for two weeks. Dr. White will clear you for sports or other physical activities when the treated area has sufficiently healed. Every person is different in the length of time it requires to fully heal, so follow our plastic surgeon’s directions carefully and correctly during this period.
Recovery times vary based on the extent of the blepharoplasty procedure, and you may have bandages over the incisions for the first week or so. Minor swelling or bruising may be present at first. However, once your swelling improves, you will begin to see the results of your procedure and can enjoy your bright and youthful eye appearance, now free from the droops and sags of the aging eyelid skin or excess tissue that left unsightly bags below your eyes. You can expect your blepharoplasty results to last five years or longer. While upper eyelid surgery results typically last up to seven years, the effects of lower blepharoplasty can last the rest of your life.
The extent of blepharoplasty will determine how long your results will last. For minor procedures, patients may see results for up to five years, while surgeries with a larger scope may be permanent. Lower blepharoplasty very rarely requires maintenance or follow-up surgery.
While there is no perfect age for blepharoplasty, prime candidates usually have moderate to severe eyelid drooping while still possessing enough skin elasticity. Most of our Miami blepharoplasty patients are between the late 30s and 70s or even 80s.
Many blepharoplasty patients find that their pain is rated very low, typically only one to three out of ten. This is a very tolerable and relatively minor, minimally invasive surgery.
Blepharoplasty performed exclusively for cosmetic reasons is not covered by insurance. If you are undergoing the procedure for functional reasons such as vision obstruction, the blepharoplasty surgery should be covered by health insurance. It’s always best to contact your provider to see what is covered under your plan.
As aging continues, depending on your skin and lifestyle, under-eye bags could return. With a skilled surgeon, most patients see results for ten years or more.
If you’re considering plastic surgery in Miami, Aventura or Fort Lauderdale, choosing the right plastic surgeon could not be more important. Dr. Jeremy White is the recipient of many honors and awards, including the 2021 Doctor’s Choice Award Miami, the 2016 RealSelf Top 500, and the prestigious Castle Connolly Top Doctors Award Winner since 2017. We invite you to have a consultation about the procedure you need. Schedule your consultation today.
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