What is it?

Blepharoplasty is procedure that helps reduce the signs of aging around the eye. It is also called Eyelid Rejuvenation Surgery .

What does it accomplish?

The eye is the main focal point of the face. The presence of bags and wrinkles around the eyes can make a person look perpetually tired.   The objective of this operation is to eliminate these wrinkles, reduce the bagginess of the eyes, and give the face a more youthful appearance.

What happens during the first consultation?

In the first consultation you will get a chance to discuss your concerns with our patient care coordinators and Dr. Marefat. We will tell you what you need to know about your procedure and will help you determine what is best for you.   You will receive information booklets, review before and after photographs, and receive pricing on the procedures.

How is it done?

The excess skin and fat is removed from the eyelids. The incisions are hidden in the natural folds of the eyelids. Sometimes we can extract fat through an incision that is made on the inner surface of the eyelid. In either case the removal of the excess skin and fat eliminates the bags and wrinkles giving a more rested and youthful shape to the eye. Laser resurfacing is sometimes used as an adjunct to help eliminate fine wrinkles. Eyelid surgery is often combined with other procedures such as forehead lift or facelift. Combining these procedures does not increase the risk of the operation.

What can I expect after surgery?

After surgery you will have some swelling and bruising. Usually this is not very severe and subsides within a few days. Your eyes will be sensitive to light so that most people find it useful to wear shades for the first several days after surgery. I generally ask my patients to take one week off from work. This will give you ample time to recover from the operation. You should be able to go back to your usual exercise routine after 3 weeks.

When are the sutures removed?

The sutures come out in less than one week.

How many visits do I have after surgery?

We like to see our patients frequently after surgery. You are seen by the doctor or nurse within 2-3 days of surgery. Then the normal routine is 1 week, 1month, 3 months, 6months, and 12 months after surgery. Of course if there is a need, you are seen as many times as necessary. We encourage our patients to come for routine follow-up visits every 3-5 years.

Can I cover my bruises with make-up?

Yes. You should be able to put makeup on your bruises few days after surgery. However, we do not recommend your putting makeup on your incisions until they are completely healed because this may result in tattooing of the scar by pigments of the makeup.

Am I a good candidate?

The best candidates for Eyelid surgery are those that have excess skin of the upper eyelid and fat pockets in the lower eyelid. These problems can make one look old and tired. Once these problems are removed the person looks rested and youthful.

The ideal candidate for plastic surgery needs to be self-motivated and have realistic expectations about the results.   Generally the younger you are the better a candidate you are for surgery. But the physiologic age of a person is more important than the chronological age. That is to say you may be 60 years old, but your skin and general health could be better than most who are 50 years old.

What does the surgery cost?

The cost of surgery varies but here are some guidelines that will help you determine roughly what you could expect. Remember that these are only rough estimates. The best way for you get an accurate cost analysis is to see a doctor.

Blepharoplasty Upper:    $2,500 - 3,500

Blepharoplasty Lower:     $3,500

Blepharoplasty Upper and lower:     $5,275 - $6,000

Canthopexy:       $3,450

How do I pay for surgery?            

You can pay for surgery by certified check, credit card, or cash. Payments for cosmetic

surgery is expected prior to the procedure. If you are scheduling several weeks in advance of surgery you can pay by personal check.

Procedure: Blepharoplasty continued

Will I have scars?

Yes. However the scars of eyelid surgery are very inconspicuous. The upper eyelid incision is hidden in the natural fold that is present in the lid. The lower eyelid incision is either completely hidden in the inner surface of the lid, or if present on the outside, it is

covered by the lashes. The skin of the eyelid is very good in healing itself and almost never scars badly.

Does it hurt?

Yes. However, the pain involved in Blepharoplasty is very tolerable. We have heard our patients describe it as 'headaches' or just 'soreness of the eyes'. Many patients do not finish the pain medications prescribed to them for pain relief. But having said that remember that pain is very subjective, and it is not easy to predict what degree of pain you will have.

Will I be awake during surgery?

Eyelid surgery is very delicate and it is better to have some kind of anesthesia while you are doing this operation. However if you are just removing a little excess skin from the upper lid it may be possible to do this operation with local numbing medicine.

Where is the surgery performed (i.e. office suite or hospital)?

If you are doing both your upper and lower lids it is done in the outpatient surgery center. If you are just doing your upper lids and you are young and healthy it may be possible to do this operation in an office operating room. Only in rare situations in which the patient may have risk factors does Dr.Marefat suggest the hospital environment for surgery.

Are medical photographs taken?  

Yes. Photographs are mandatory for all cosmetic and reconstructive cases. Photographs are the only way for us to compare before and after results. Photographs in plastic surgery serve the same role that x-rays serve for orthopedic surgery.

Date Revised: 1-23-07

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