BlepharoplastyEyelid Surgery in Latham, New York
Blepharoplasty
Upper vs. Lower Blepharoplasty
Two different types of eyelid surgery can target the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both.
Upper Blepharoplasty
Upper Blepharoplasty is performed when the upper eyelids begin to sag over time, creating a “tired” appearance and potentially impairing vision. Upper eyelid surgery can be performed using local anesthesia and involves a relatively limited recovery time (1-2 weeks).
In some cases, upper blepharoplasty may be deemed medically necessary to correct these vision issues. You should be aware that if the procedure is covered by your insurer there may also be additional costs and co-payments required.
Lower Blepharoplasty
Lower blepharoplasty targets the lower eyelids, erasing the appearance of puffy, loose skin or ever-present bags under your eyes. The procedure is strictly cosmetic, with the ability to transform your appearance and leave you looking refreshed and renewed.
Lower blepharoplasty requires the use of general anesthesia and involves a slightly longer recovery time (4-6 weeks).
The two procedures can also be combined and performed simultaneously to optimize your results and minimize your post-surgery downtime.
The Sliver Technique
Dr. Williams performs what he calls the “Sliver Technique” on the upper and/or lower eyelids. The purpose of this is to remove loose, excess skin. This excess skin can give someone the appearance that they are aging or constantly looking tired. This is an office procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia, anesthesia that patients would also receive at the dentist.
An incision is made in the upper eyelid crease, or just under the eyelashes in the lower eyelid. A small amount of excess skin is removed and sewn together with a very fine suture. The sutures are removed in about six days.
Bruising and swelling is common and lasts about a week, but for some patients it may take longer. This bruising can typically be camouflaged with makeup at around the eight-day mark, if still present.
It is important to keep in mind that everyone heals differently.
Patients will typically take Tylenol for any discomfort they may have. Post-care instructions are given to the patient on how to care for their incision lines, how often to apply ice and to keep their head elevated for the first few nights while sleeping.
As long as the patient does not request oral sedation, they are able to drive themselves home after the surgery.
Am I a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
Eyelid surgery is ideal for those who wish to refresh and rejuvenate their appearance by addressing some of the following issues:
- Sagging, droopy eyelids
- Eyelids that obstruct your vision
- Persistent puffiness in your lower eyelids
- Bags under your eyes that won’t go away
- Loose, wrinkled, or crepey skin around the eyes
You may be an ideal candidate for blepharoplasty if you suffer from one or more of the above issues, are a non-smoker, and not suffering from any chronic health issues that might impede recovery.
Blepharoplasty provides subtle rejuvenation that enhances your natural beauty, so it’s also important for patients to understand what they can expect from the procedure.
Schedule your consultation with the board-certified experts at The Williams Center to discover what’s possible with your blepharoplasty.
Blepharoplasty Surgery Recovery Information
After eyelid surgery, some tightness and soreness of the eyelids can occur and may be controlled with prescription pain medication. Patients should keep the head elevated as much as possible during the first few days and regularly apply cold compresses to help reduce swelling and bruising.
During the first week, patients may experience the following symptoms:
- Dryness
- Itchiness
- Burning
- Excessive tearing
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred or double vision
It typically takes ten days for the bruising to fade. Patients can usually resume reading within two to three days, and the stitches will be removed within six days.
Work and most normal activities may be resumed within seven to 10 days, while contact lenses may be worn after two or more weeks. More strenuous activities and alcohol consumption should be avoided for about three weeks.
While the blepharoplasty procedure rejuvenates the eyes, a facelift can erase the signs of aging in the entire face. Also, if patients are considering treatment for both eyelids, brow, and/or forehead, the brow lift can elevate the position of the eyebrows and reduce the lines and wrinkles in the forehead.
Ptosis Repair
Drooping of the upper eyelids is referred to as ptosis. Eyelid ptosis usually occurs when the muscle of the upper eyelid is not strong enough to raise the eyelid.
Mild ptosis repair is considered a cosmetic procedure. More severe ptosis repair can be covered by insurance. To determine whether this is a covered procedure, patients may have to have a field of vision study done to determine if this is a medically necessary procedure.
- Ava
Meet Your Blepharoplasty Surgeon: Dr. Edwin Williams
Dr. Edwin Williams is one of America’s leading experts in facial plastic surgery. Over a 30-year career, he has performed more than 10,000 facial surgeries – on patients of all ages, skin tones, and facial structures – including countless blepharoplasty procedures.
Why choose Dr. Williams?
Why Choose Dr. Williams?
- 30+ years of facial aesthetic specialization
- Expertise in upper/lower eyelid surgery
- Personalized, natural-looking results
- Supported by an expert team of handpicked surgical staff in Albany to deliver aesthetic results that exceed expectations and last for years to come
Enter your information in the form below and schedule a consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Interested in having Blepharoplasty surgery, but have some questions? Find answers to the most common questions our patients have during their consultation about cost, recovery, and preparation.
