Eyelid surgery is a plastic surgery procedure that can rejuvenate the appearance of the eyes. In the aesthetics industry, this procedure is technically known as blepharoplasty.
Aging, sun exposure and certain conditions can cause the tissues of the upper and lower eyelids to become loose, saggy and wrinkled. Blepharoplasty can address some of the most common concerns of the eyelids. It can be performed on the lower eyelids, upper eyelids or both.
How Do I Know If I Qualify for Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid surgery candidates should have realistic expectations of what the surgery can achieve for them. Both men and women can undergo this procedure. At your consultation at Ridenour Plastic Surgery in St. Louis, MO, we can evaluate you and your goals to determine if you’re a qualifying candidate for eyelid surgery.
In general, you may be a blepharoplasty candidate if you experience one or more of the following concerns in your eyelids:
You Have Loose Eyelid Skin That Causes Wrinkles and Folds
Just like the skin on the rest of your face can become loose and wrinkled, your eyelid skin can develop these issues over time and may make you a candidate for eyelid surgery. Loose eyelid skin can become wrinkled and cause extra creases in the upper eyelids that affect your natural eyelid contours. Crepey skin can occur in the upper and lower eyelids as the skin gets thinner and develops fine, crepe paper-like wrinkles.
You Have Displaced Fat Deposits That Create Puffiness and Bags
There is natural fat in our eyelids that creates a plump, youthful appearance. Unfortunately, these fat deposits can fall or move out of place over time. When fat becomes displaced, it can create puffiness in the upper eyelids and bags or hollows in the lower eyelids that make you look consistently tired.
Blepharoplasty can redistribute or remove this displaced fat as necessary to smooth eyelid bags and puffiness.
You Have Drooping Tissues That Hang Over or Pull on Your Eyelids
Drooping upper eyelid tissues may hang over the eyes and make you look perpetually angry or upset. In drastic cases, they can hang so far down that they impair your vision. Drooping lower eyelid tissues may pull down along the lash line and reveal the whites of your eyes below your iris.
If you suffer from drooping upper or lower eyelid tissues, you may be a candidate for blepharoplasty to tighten the muscles that cause this sagging.
Is There an Age Limit for Blepharoplasty?
Adults of any age can undergo blepharoplasty; there is no upper age limit for this procedure. Elderly patients can get eyelid surgery as long as they are healthy and do not have any conditions that disqualify them as candidates.
While most blepharoplasty candidates are over 35 years old, younger patients can benefit from this procedure if they meet the qualifications. In some cases, young patients have genetic eyelid issues that make eyelid surgery necessary.
Is Blepharoplasty Ever Medically Necessary?
While blepharoplasty is generally considered a cosmetic procedure to improve the appearance of the eyes, it may be medically necessary in some instances. If you meet specific criteria based on one or more of the following situations, you may be a candidate for functional or reconstructive blepharoplasty.
Impaired Vision of the Upper/Outer Visual Fields
Blepharoplasty may be medically necessary if your upper eyelid tissues sag and block your vision. Sagging upper eyelid skin, excess fat and stretched muscles may hang over the eyes and impair your peripheral vision, blocking your full range of view and making activities like driving dangerous. This redundant upper eyelid tissue is known as dermatochalasis and may require functional blepharoplasty to correct your visual field impairment.
Ptosis (Sagging) That Causes Functional Impairment
Eyelid ptosis (blepharoptosis) caused by laxity of the upper eyelid muscles can cause impairment that requires blepharoplasty to restore normal functioning of the eyelids. In these cases, eyelid surgery is considered medically necessary.
Will Insurance Cover the Cost of Eyelid Surgery?
If your blepharoplasty is deemed medically necessary to restore the normal functioning of your eyelids or your full range of vision, insurance may cover all or a portion of your eyelid surgery costs. Review your insurance policy carefully and discuss it with Dr. Ridenour at your consultation to determine your coverage.
Can I Get Eyelid Surgery if I Wear Contact Lenses?
If you wear contacts, this does not disqualify you from being able to undergo eyelid surgery. During your blepharoplasty recovery, you will need to refrain from wearing your contacts for about one week, during which time you can wear glasses instead.
Eyelid Surgery Candidates Vs. Brow Lift Candidates
Some patients have skin hanging over their eyes due to laxity in the forehead and drooping eyebrows. In these cases, the patient is better suited for brow lift surgery (forehead lift surgery). To determine which procedure might be best for you, look in the mirror and use your fingers to gently lift your eyebrows. If this eliminates the redundant tissue in your eyelids, you may be a better candidate for brow lift surgery.
Who Is Not a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
Patients who are not in overall good health should not undergo blepharoplasty. If you suffer from serious eye issues or one of the following medical conditions, you may not be a candidate for eyelid surgery:
- Chronic dry eyes
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Circulation disorders
- Thyroid disorders
If you have glaucoma, you can discuss your condition with Dr. Ridenour to see if eyelid surgery would be safe for you.
A Consultation Can Determine If You’re an Ideal Blepharoplasty Candidate
Board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Brock D. Ridenour and his team at Ridenour Plastic Surgery can evaluate your eyelid concerns, health, previous surgeries and medical history to determine if blepharoplasty is the ideal procedure for you. At your consultation, we will also discuss the procedure steps, explain the realistic results you can achieve and review the potential risks blepharoplasty may have. We will answer any questions you may have to help you decide if eyelid surgery is right for you.
Learn More About Whether You Qualify for Eyelid Surgery in St. Louis
To schedule your eyelid surgery consultation and find out if you’re a good candidate, contact our St. Louis plastic surgery practice at 314-501-7946 today.
