Question: Is blepharoplasty always performed in a hospital? Answer: No. Blepharoplasty can take place in a hospital, a surgeon’s office-based facility, or an outpatient surgical center.
Question: What sort of anesthesia is used for blepharoplasty? Answer: Local anesthesia combined with sedation is most commonly used during blepharoplasty surgery.
Question: Where are the incisions located for blepharoplasty? Answer: The incisions for blepharoplasty are placed within the natural skin creases, making them less visible. When excess fat is removed from the inside of the lower eyelids, there is no visible scarring.
Question: Does blepharoplasty leave scars? Answer: The incisions made during blepharoplasty surgery will result in scars, though they are typically placed within the normal creases and folds of the eyelids and tend to be well-concealed.
Question: Will blepharoplasty fix sagging brows or crow’s feet? Answer: Sagging brows and crow’s feet cannot be treated with blepharoplasty and are typically better treated with a brow lift.
Question: Will blepharoplasty fix dark under-eye circles? Answer: Though blepharoplasty may result in a slight improvement of dark undereye circles, other procedures like chemical peels and laser resurfacing are typically a better option.
Question: What are the complications that can occur with blepharoplasty? Answer: Adverse anesthesia reaction, bleeding, bruising, ectropion of the lower eyelid, heavy scarring, infection, swelling, temporary difficulty closing the eyelids, temporary blurred vision, temporary light or wind sensitivity, and wound disruption are some of the potential complications that can occur with blepharoplasty.
Question: How much time will I need to take off of work after blepharoplasty? Answer: Patients typically can return to work within seven to ten days after blepharoplasty.
Question: How soon after blepharoplasty can I exercise? Answer: Patients should refrain from exercise and strenuous activities for the first three weeks.
Question: What is the recovery like after blepharoplasty? Answer: After blepharoplasty, the eyelids are healed within one to two weeks. Bruising and swelling is common, and special camouflage makeup can be worn to help conceal discoloration.
Question: When are the stitches removed after blepharoplasty? Answer: The stitches are typically removed within two to seven days after blepharoplasty.
Question: Does insurance every cover the cost of blepharoplasty? Answer: Insurance typically does not cover the cost of blepharoplasty procedures performed solely for cosmetic purposes. However, some degree of coverage may be available when blepharoplasty is used to treat visual impairment caused by excess skin of the upper eyelids. Patients should be sure to check with their own insurance carrier.
Question: Can blepharoplasty surgery be financed? Answer: Financing is available for many plastic surgery procedures.
Question: How long do the results of blepharoplasty last? Answer: The results of blepharoplasty tend to be long-lasting and touch-up procedures are rarely required.
Contact Dr. Mingrone to learn more about blepharoplasty surgery or to schedule a consultation.
Dr. Mingrone's office in Los Gatos, San Jose, CA is conveniently located near the following:
