Mr. Jackson
@mrjackson

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) in Charleston, SC

Do people ask if you are tired even when you feel well-rested? Do people often ask “what’s wrong?” or assume you are angry even when you’re happy? And when you look in the mirror, do you see why? Upper eyelids that are puffy or droop down, wrinkled, puffy, or sagging lower lids, bags under the eyes, and  dark circles under your eyes are common features of age. They can also be remedied by eyelid surgery, which can give your eyes a brighter and more youthful appearance. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian G. Widenhouse offers blepharoplasty for men and women who live in Charleston, Daniel Island, Mount Pleasant, Summerville and the surrounding communities in South Carolina.

What Is Blepharoplasty?

Our eyes are one of the first places to show our age. Many people feel their eyes make them look prematurely old. And for many people, eyelid surgery is a good solution to reduce a perpetually tired appearance. This makes eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) one of the most common surgical procedures for men and women in the United States.

Eyelid surgery can be performed on either the upper or lower eyelids. Both upper and lower eyelids can be operated on during the same procedure.

Blepharoplasty Case 2

Before
After

Full Face Laser CO2 Treatment

Click here to view gallery

How Much Does Blepharoplasty Cost in Charleston?

The cost of blepharoplasty will depend on the details of your procedure, which will be discussed during your consultation. We accept payments by cash, check, and major credit cards. We offer financing to assist our patients in covering the cost of cosmetic surgical procedures.

What To Expect After Blepharoplasty?

After your eyelid surgery, your eyes will be swollen and tender. You will be unable to drive. You may experience skin irritation and dry eyes. These should be controllable with medication. You may experience significant bruising. To help get the best possible cosmetic result, avoid sun exposure to your eyelids until recovery is complete. Although you may not experience much discomfort, it may be a week before you feel comfortable returning to work.

Will I Have Scars After Getting Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty does involve making incisions, so scarring will occur. Upper eyelid blepharoplasty utilizes incisions along the eyelid crease. As the incisions heal, they are fairly concealed by the natural crease of the eyelid and are normally not noticeable. When performing lower eyelid blepharoplasty, incisions are made along the lower lash line or inside the eyelid. If the incision is made within the eyelid, no visible scar will be left behind. If the incision occurs along the lower lash line, it is well concealed by the lower eyelashes. Generally, wearing eye makeup will completely cover blepharoplasty scars, but rest assured, they are barely noticeable without it.

When Will I See The Results?

Full recovery takes about a month or longer, but the initial results should be evident well before then. The sagging, puffiness and excessive wrinkling of your eyelids will be gone, leaving you with a much younger, more vibrant appearance.

What Are Possible Complications Of Blepharoplasty?

Complications which may result from blepharoplasty include:

  • Infection
  • Dry eyes
  • Irritation
  • Eye muscle injury
  • Skin discoloration
  • Temporarily blurred vision
  • Difficulty closing eyes

How Long Will The Results Of Blepharoplasty Last?

Eyelid alterations made through blepharoplasty are long lasting. Fat pockets removed will not return even if weight is gained. Eyelid hoods and under eye bags are resolved as well. Brow descension due to age may cause new folds to appear across the upper eyelids – this issue is typically treated with a brow lift or facelift.

Benefits of Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty offers both functional and aesthetic benefits. Sagging, drooping eyelid tissue can inhibit vision, making it difficult to see despite excellent vision. This procedure removes excessive eyelid tissue to correct eye obstructions. The procedure may also remove sagging tissue above and below the eyes which create a puffy, tired appearance that can be very aging. By removing this tissue, unattractive features resolve, creating a youthful, bright-eyed appearance.

Who Is The Ideal Candidate For Blepharoplasty?

If you are in good health with strong facial muscle and tissue, blepharoplasty may be appropriate for you. Individuals who typically benefit from this procedure are those who suffer from:

  • Drooping or sagging eyelids that interfere with vision
  • Puffy bags surrounding the eyes, producing a tired, aged appearance

What Do I Need To Do Before Blepharoplasty?

During your consultation with Dr. Widenhouse, your eyelid and lower eye area will be evaluated to determine if eyelid surgery is the appropriate approach to solve the issues you face. Your medical history will also be reviewed to make sure there are no health concerns which could complicate surgery or make it unsafe to perform.

Dr. Widenhouse will listen to your goals and concerns, forming a treatment plan that addresses the specific issues causing you distress. Your treatment may include surgery to the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both.

You’ll be given instructions to follow in preparation for your blepharoplasty. These instructions include discontinuation of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and nicotine products four weeks prior to surgery. You may be required to temporarily stop certain medications and supplements which could interfere with the surgical process or your recovery.

What Should I Expect On The Day Of My Blepharoplasty?

Eyelid surgery can be performed with local IV sedation or IV sedation. For upper eyelid surgery, incisions are made in the folds of the upper lids that allow the excess skin to be removed along with any fat if necessary.

During lower eyelid surgery, fat from puffy lower lids can be removed or sometimes redistributed to reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes caused by localized loss of facial fat. If you do not have a good amount of donor fat, sometimes fat can be taken from other areas, or injectable fillers can be used.

How Long Does It Take To Perform Blepharoplasty?

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty generally takes one to three hours to perform, while lower eyelid blepharoplasty takes about one to two hours to perform. These times may vary depending on the technique used and the extent of the surgery.

Blepharoplasty FAQs

Does eyelid surgery leave scars?

Any surgery, including eyelid surgery, will leave a scar. However, most scars fade within the first year following surgery. There are certain steps you can follow to minimize scarring, such as minimizing activity and following post-operative instructions immediately following your procedure.

Is eyelid surgery painful?

Most patients experience discomfort only for the first couple of days following surgery. The bruising and swelling can lest several weeks, thoug it is seldom painful.

Can I sleep on my side after eyelid surgery?

For the first few nights following eyelid surgery we suggest that you sleep on your back with your head propped up on pillows. This will aid in swelling reduction and can hasten recovery.

Dr. Brian G. Widenhouse is passionately committed to reflecting your inner beauty. Using the latest and most advanced procedures for cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, our team offers full body plastic surgery, emphasizing overall health and wellness to the residents of Charleston, Daniel Island, Mount Pleasant, Summerville and the surrounding communities in South Carolina. Contact Port City Plastic Surgery today!

LOCATION:

2683 Lake Park Drive
Charleston, SC 29406

LOCATION:

125 River Landing Drive
Suite 101
Daniel Island, SC 29492