Your eyelid skin and the skin around your eyes are very thin and fragile, often showing signs of aging before other areas of your face. At Atlanta Vision Cataract and Laser Center, Dr. David O’Day is trained in ophthalmic plastic surgery techniques to help improve the appearance and function of your eyelids and face. Dr. O’Day can perform surgical procedures on the eyelids, eye socket, tear ducts and face to help improve eyesight or your aesthetic appearance. He has a strong track record of successful procedures and can share his experience and results with you.
What is Blepharoplasty?
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is a very popular and effective method to improve sagging of the upper eyelids and bags under the eyes. This procedure can help you look more alert and rejuvenated and can also help improve vision that has become obstructed due to drooping eyelids.
How Eyelid Surgery Works
We perform eyelid surgery in Atlanta as an outpatient procedure.
- A local anesthetic is administered
- Incisions are made in the natural creases of the upper eyelids and/or the inside lower eyelid (scarring is minimal)
- Excess fat, skin and muscle is removed to achieve natural results
- The incisions are closed with small stitches that dissolve naturally
Eyelid Surgery Recovery
Dr. O’Day will provide instructions on how to care for your eyes as they heal. This may include medications, lubricating ointments, cold compresses and other techniques to minimize your risk of complications. It is common to experience mild bruising and swelling of the eyelids for a week or two after surgery. Your eyes might also be sensitive to light and be prone to tearing.
Possible Complications of Eyelid Surgery
As with any surgery, there are potential complications that may occur:
- Scarring
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Dry eyes
- Temporary lid lag
- Blurry vision
- Pain
- Vision loss
- Revision surgery
If you are unhappy with the appearance or function of your eyes, contact us today to discuss your individual situation and find out if eyelid surgery with our Atlanta eyelid surgery doctor might help you enhance your life.
How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost?
Every surgical procedure has a price range because different elements of the bill — including anesthesia, surgical facility fees and surgeon’s fees — vary in price. When it comes to blepharoplasty, (eyelid surgery) the technique and procedure type also impact the cost.
In the United States, the cost of blepharoplasty ranges from $2,000 to $7,000, the average being $4,000. This includes follow-up appointments to check on healing and provide ongoing care. Lower eyelid surgery may run slightly higher fees than upper blepharoplasty.
Eyelid surgery is an outpatient procedure, which limits expenses associated with the surgical suite. In some cases, blepharoplasty is covered by insurance due to vision impairment. Atlanta Vision Laser and Cataract Center accepts most major insurance providers.
Upper Blepharoplasty vs. Lower Blepharoplasty
Our eye surgeon offers upper and lower eyelid surgeries, and these procedures can be combined or performed separately. Upper blepharoplasty addresses sagging skin, fat deposits and weakened eyelid muscles that may obstruct vision. The surgery eliminates excess skin and tissue in the upper eye and restores eyesight. When the upper eyelid droops over the eye and pupil, it’s a cosmetic and functional concern. The upper blepharoplasty procedure removes fat and skin tissue and may tighten muscles.
Lower blepharoplasty corrects concerns with lower eyelid drooping and dark circles. Fluid and fat pockets may droop in the lower eyelids, causing puffiness, and extreme sagging may reveal more of the whites of the eyes and form pockets that pull away from the eyes. Lower blepharoplasty or eye bag surgery corrects sagging skin, wrinkles and bagginess in the under-eye area. The technique is customized to your anatomy and may involve an incision inside the lower eyelid or just under the lower eyelashes on the eyelid exterior. Our eye surgeon removes excess skin and fat and repositions remaining tissues to improve hollow areas.
Your Blepharoplasty Consultation at Atlanta Vision Laser and Cataract Center
Our board-certified ophthalmologist, Dr. David O’Day, has experience in blepharoplasty and eyelid ptosis and a detailed understanding of the ocular structures involved in the procedure. During your consultation, our eye surgeon will evaluate your eyelids, ocular health and general well-being and discuss pre-existing health conditions and risk factors that may complicate blepharoplasty. He will review your surgical options and recommend an approach to address your concerns. This appointment is when the surgery details, including anesthesia and recovery periods, are explained. Make sure you are forthcoming about smoking, drug use and any medications, vitamins and/or supplements you take, as they may complicate healing or the procedure itself.
Eyelid Surgery FAQs
What is blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)?
Blepharoplasty is a procedure designed to improve sagging upper eyelids and reduce bags under the eyes. It can help you look more alert and rejuvenated and may also improve vision if drooping eyelids are obstructing your sight.
How does eyelid surgery work?
Eyelid surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. A local anesthetic is administered, and incisions are placed in natural eyelid creases and/or inside the lower eyelid to help minimize visible scarring. Excess skin, fat, and muscle may be removed for natural-looking results, and the incisions are closed with small stitches that dissolve naturally.
What should I expect during eyelid surgery recovery?
Dr. O’Day will provide detailed instructions to support healing, which may include medications, lubricating ointments, and cold compresses. Mild bruising and swelling are common for a week or two, and your eyes may feel light-sensitive or tear more than usual during early recovery.
What are possible complications of eyelid surgery?
As with any surgery, complications are possible. These may include scarring, infection, bleeding, dry eyes, temporary lid lag, blurry vision, pain, vision loss, or the need for revision surgery. Your surgeon will review risks and how to minimize them based on your health and goals.
How much does eyelid surgery cost, and is it ever covered by insurance?
Blepharoplasty costs vary based on factors such as anesthesia, facility fees, and surgeon’s fees, as well as the technique and procedure type. In the United States, blepharoplasty commonly ranges from $2,000 to $7,000 (with an average around $4,000). In some cases, eyelid surgery may be covered by insurance when drooping eyelids impair vision, and Atlanta Vision Laser and Cataract Center accepts most major insurance providers.
Where will scarring be after eyelid surgery?
Upper eyelid incisions are typically concealed within the natural crease of the eyelid. Lower blepharoplasty incisions may be placed inside the lower eyelid or just beneath the lash line. Any visible scars generally fade over time, often becoming difficult to notice.