Blepharoplasty in Miami, FL

Eyelid surgery (or blepharoplasty), by our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Jeffrey LaGrasso, corrects cosmetic issues of the eyelids. A loss of volume under the lower eyelid is one concern, and can cause patients to look tired. In other individuals, a droopy upper eyelid is the problem. This occurs when excess tissue and skin collect on the eyelid causing a droopy look. Both of these conditions are common facial concerns that can occur with aging and genetics, but can be corrected with blepharoplasty. In his Miami, FL plastic surgery practice, eyelid surgery has become increasingly popular with Dr. LaGrasso’s patients 35-years-of-age and older, which targets excess fat and skin, and tightens the underlying muscles to help the patient look well-rested, younger, and more alert.

A customized eyelid lift in Miami, FL provides several benefits, including:

• Improving eyesight by increasing line of vision in some patients
• Achieving a younger, refreshed look
• Minimizing sagging and/or excess in the lower and upper eyelids
• Resolving lumps in the lower lids
• Improving the contour and appearance of the eyes
• Decreasing discomfort by reducing friction from skin folds

Eyelid surgery is a cosmetic surgery sought out by both women and men. At your first visit, treatment options will be explained by Dr. LaGrasso based on your areas of concern. In most cases, ideal candidates wish to correct excess, hanging skin and folds on the upper eyelid or puffy skin just under the bottom eyelid. These irregularities can cause functional and vision difficulties that can get in the way of everyday life. For a more awake look, eyelid surgery may be the appropriate treatment. If you have excess, hanging skin on the upper eyelid, or puffy bags under the eyes, blepharoplasty can correct this to give you a more youthful aesthetic.

The procedure may either be performed on the upper eyelid only or the lower lid, or both. There will be a difference in approaches when it comes to the upper and lower eyelids but the method is similar; removing any loose skin or tissue, and extracting or repositioning the fat deposit. There will also be separate incisions spots. It is important to understand that this will not help with other cosmetic issues such as crow’s feet, wrinkles or dark circles. The results of an eyelid surgery are fairly isolated within the upper and lower lid section only. There are other procedures that can be combined, for example the use of BOTOX®, to create a maximized outcome.

The most common problem with the upper eyelid is excess skin that droops and hangs over the eyes. Not only does this look unappealing, but it can also obstruct vision for a patient. The doctor will create an incision along the natural fold of the eyelid and extract any excess fat and tissue to remove any bulges. Once done, excess skin will also be trimmed and the cut will be closed with fine sutures. There are cases when fat tissues are only repositioned instead of excised. 

There are two options for incisions when it comes to lower eyelid surgery. This treatment will improve any appearance of bulging and sagging below the eye. Incisions may be made just slightly below the lash line and excess fat, tissue or skin will be excised. If the skin has retained good elasticity, a transconjunctival incision may be a better option as the cut is made inside the lower eyelid, which effectively makes any resulting scar concealed. A lower lid lift does not necessarily improve the dark circles that may occur under the eyes. The surgeon may recommend combining a lower blepharoplasty with another procedure such as a chemical peel or an injectable filler.

Eyelid surgery is performed with general anesthesia. If the procedure involves both upper and lower eyelids, the plastic surgeon will typically manage the upper eyelid first. On average, it takes 1 – 2 hours to complete the operation. The patient will be sent home for recovery. For the first few days, there will be swelling and discoloration around the area. It is advised that the head is elevated for the first few days. Pain medications and antibiotics will be prescribed to manage the initial discomfort. Strenuous activities must also be restricted.

Eyelid surgery, whether upper or lower, generally does not cause visible scarring. This is because the surgeon takes great care to ensure that the incisions are made within the natural lines and folds of the eyes. Once the surgical healing has passed, the incisions will not be noticeable even to the naked eye.

Blepharoplasty not only corrects a cosmetic issue, but a functional one as well. Many patients with excess hanging skin on their upper eyelid are able to regain normal vision after surgery. For many, simply applying makeup without maneuvering around the excess skin is refreshing in and of itself.

Crow’s feet and forehead wrinkles are better treated with procedures such as a facelift, browlift or a cheek lift as the results of the eyelid surgery are confined to the eyelids only. Eyelid surgery can also be combined with a nonsurgical procedure such as BOTOX, which combats wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes. An injectable filler can also be effective because it adds volume to hollow areas for a softer, smoother appearance.

Complications and irritations after surgery are rare. Patients must strictly adhere to care instructions prescribed by the surgeon to minimize any risks of infection as the eyes can be sensitive after surgery. Patients must always take precaution of protecting the eyes from the sun and wind during the first few weeks of recovery. 

Eyelid surgery costs will vary depending on whether you're having an upper eyelid lift, lower, or both. When your treatment plan is decided in your initial consultation, our team can then discuss estimated costs. To get results that look natural and last a long time, it is better to concentrate on selecting a skilled Our Team whom you are comfortable with, like our team, instead of looking for the lowest cost. To make it easy for you to afford a great eyelid lift, Jeffrey LaGrasso M.D. takes many payment methods, including low-interest financing.

When excess skin is limiting your sight, your insurance might pay for part of your eyelid lift. Please tell our team during your initial consultation if you may be using your insurance. Someone at Jeffrey LaGrasso M.D. can help you submit the required paperwork and information to your insurance company to consider your claim. In most cases, you will require a diagnosis from an ophthalmologist or optometrist stating that blepharoplasty will restore your field of vision.

The face is often the first thing people notice when they meet you, and the eyelids are imperative in portraying your mood and energy. If drooping eyelids have been making you look tired or irritated, consider scheduling a consultation at Jeffrey LaGrasso M.D. in Miami, FL today. Our talented team is led by Dr. LaGrasso, who has countless years of experience performing blepharoplasty for a variety of patients.