Also Serving Eyelid Surgery Patients in Beachwood
As you age, you may find that your efforts to maintain a youthful and well-rested eye appearance fall short. This is because over time, the delicate skin on your eyelids loses its once-elastic and firm quality and the eyelid muscles weaken, resulting in droopy eyelids and crepe paper-like wrinkles about the eyes. When moisturizers, anti-aging creams and serums are no longer enough, blepharoplasty (otherwise known as eyelid lift) can effectively lift and tighten eyelid skin and muscles for a rejuvenated look.
Drs. Mark A. Foglietti and Alanna Foglietti Fostyk are the trusted choice for men and women seeking blepharoplasty in Cleveland and the surrounding area. Using precise technical skill and an artistic touch, the board certified plastic surgeons are able to smooth out wrinkled eyelid skin and lift sagging tissue in a way that looks completely natural. If tired or aging eyes are detracting from your beauty or youthful spirit, let Drs. Foglietti and Foglietti Fostyk help you turn back the clock. Rest assured that they will help you obtain an energetic and softer look while still preserving your unique beauty.
Am I a Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
You may be an ideal candidate for blepharoplasty if you are bothered by any of the following:
- Excess, saggy skin on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both
- Fatty tissue on the lids
- Drooping skin on the upper eyelids that hangs over the eyelashes and interferes with vision
- “Bags” or puffiness under the lower eyelids
- Wrinkled skin on the lower eyelids
Drs. Foglietti and Foglietti Fostyk understand that the eyes age differently in everyone. Rest assured that they will tailor their technique to your unique concerns, goals and facial anatomy. Depending on your desired outcome, they may recommend combining blepharoplasty with another facial rejuvenation procedure such as brow lift, facelift, or Botox. All of your cosmetic options will be thoroughly discussed during your consultation.
Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty: Understanding the Difference
Upper and lower eyelid surgery are two separate (but frequently combined) procedures. Upper eyelid surgery focuses on “hooding,” a condition where excess skin and fat on the brow weighs down the upper eyelid, making it difficult to open fully. By tightening the eyelid muscles and removing the loose tissue, the eye can open more completely, rejuvenating the face.
Lower eyelid surgery is concerned with the hollows or “bags” immediately below the eyes. Dr. Foglietti and Dr. Fostyk remove and reposition fat and loose skin to reestablish a smooth texture in this area so that the patient looks younger and better rested.
What to Expect During Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty is performed under anesthesia on an outpatient basis. The procedure may involve treating the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both. In upper blepharoplasty, the surgeon makes tiny incisions in the natural crease line of the upper lids. Through these incisions, excess skin and fat are removed while the underlying muscles are repositioned to create a lifted and more natural-looking appearance. The overlying skin is re-draped on the modified tissues, smoothing out wrinkles and lines.
In lower blepharoplasty, incisions are made underneath the lower lash line (concealing visible scarring). The surgeon reduces under-eye bags by removing excess fatty tissue and repositioning the muscles. Fine lines and wrinkles around the lower eyelids are smoothed out.
Eyelid Surgery Recovery
In most cases, our doctors recommend an extended and/or overnight stay following surgery so that medical professionals can monitor your blood pressure and properly manage any lingering pain. Blepharoplasty is a very safe procedure, but this is a precautionary step to avoid and address potential complications for a smooth recovery.
Patients should focus on resting and relaxing for the first several days. Avoid activities that can tire and strain your eyes, like watching television or reading, in favor of listening to music or podcasts. Most patients feel well enough to return to work and normal activities in one to two weeks. Our surgeons periodically check on your progress to ensure you are healing properly.
Eyelid Surgery Results
Most patients enjoy their lower eyelid surgery results for the rest of their life. However, the results from upper eyelid surgery are not as long-lasting, usually remaining visible for seven to 10 years before the aging process weakens the muscles and causes eyelid drooping to begin again. If you would like to maintain your upper blepharoplasty results for longer, you may opt to repeat the surgery.
Blepharoplasty Costs
The price of eyelid surgery depends on whether you choose upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty or both, as well as the extent of the aging that needs to be addressed. The total price includes the cost of the surgeon’s work, the facility fees and anesthesia costs. During a consultation, Drs. Foglietti and Fostyk can devise a treatment plan and provide you with a complete quote.
Because eyelid surgery is a cosmetic procedure, it is not covered by most health insurance plans. However, financing options are available to help pay the total cost of surgery in installments.
Blepharoplasty FAQs
Would I benefit more from upper eyelid surgery or brow lift?
This differs from patient to patient. If you are more concerned with the loose skin and fat pushing down your upper eyelid but are happy with the shape and elevation of your eyebrow, blepharoplasty is probably the best choice. While tightening the skin on the forehead with brow lift can improve the position of the eyelid, it is primarily concerned with minimizing lines on the brow and raising the eyebrows.
Thanks to their in-depth understanding of facial anatomy, Dr. Foglietti and Dr. Fostyk can make an appropriate recommendation for surgery after assessing your eyes and forehead during a consultation.
What are my non-surgical options for improving the appearance of my eyelids?
Injectable treatments can replicate some of the changes possible with eyelid surgery. Dermal fillers like Juvederm can improve the texture of the skin around the eyes, smoothing it out with hyaluronic acid. Injectables can also thicken the skin and lighten its tone in patients whosethinning skin has exposed blood vessels, creating a darker appearance.
Is eyelid surgery appropriate for men?
Eyelid surgery is currently one of the most popular plastic surgeries for men. Much of its popularity can be attributed to the subtle transformation it provides. Since men are especially opposed to having obvious surgical results, the fact that blepharoplasty patients look like they are getting more sleep and in a better mood makes this surgery appealing.
Can blepharoplasty address eyelid asymmetry?
Facial symmetry is an attractive quality, but not all people are born with matching eyelids. If you have one eyelid that droops more than the other, blepharoplasty is a great procedure for helping your eyes to look more alike. Your surgeon may decide to operate on one eyelid, but often both are treated to ensure that each eye looks rejuvenated.
