WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF EYELID SURGERY?

Time, gravity and heredity can cause the skin around the eyes to droop, bag, sag or fold, sometimes creating vision problems, as well as a tired, haggard or even hostile appearance that doesn’t reflect a person’s true nature or mood.

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a common procedure performed for both cosmetic and functional benefits. This safe and relatively quick outpatient procedure involves removing excess skin and fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids to refresh and restore the appearance of the eyes and face, improve vision, or both.

Eyelid surgery is an effective procedure with an exceptionally high success rate. The vast majority of patients report that they are happy with the improvements to their vision, appearance and confidence. Unlike certain types of cosmetic plastic surgery, blepharoplasty from Lake Eye is gently and judiciously performed to help deliver tasteful, natural-looking results. It isn’t intended to change how you look, but rather to help restore your eyelids to their former attractive, alert appearance and healthy function before time took its toll.

Like all surgical procedures, eyelid surgery comes with possible pros and cons, so let’s look at both so you can make a more informed decision about whether this procedure might be right for you.

THE PROS OF EYELID SURGERY
. Improved vision: When excess or stretched skin and/or fat in the eyelids causes them to droop or bag, it can obstruct your field of vision – from a little to a lot. It can be so bad that everyday tasks like reading or driving become difficult or impossible. Removing this excess tissue and/or fat can help restore a wider field of vision, re-enable everyday enjoyments, and improve quality of life.

. Refreshed appearance: Removing excess skin or fat, and gently lifting drooping skin around the eyes can produce a fresh, rejuvenated and more alert appearance.

. Greater self-confidence: Looking as happy and youthful as you feel can be a real confidence booster. And, because eyelid surgery can dramatically improve central and peripheral vision, it may reduce feelings of vulnerability those limitations can create.

. Long-lasting results: For most people, eyelid surgery is a one-time procedure providing long-term benefits.

THE CONS OF EYELID SURGERY
. Possible risks: Like any surgical procedure, surgical complications can occur. Though they are uncommon, risks include infection of the skin or eye, bleeding, scarring, healing delays and changes in vision.

. Recovery time: While many patients experience only mild symptoms, for some, recovery from swelling and bruising can take several weeks, with complete healing taking as long as 1-3 months. However, most patients feel ready to resume normal public activities in about 10-14 days.

. Possible unsatisfactory results: While the majority of patients are quite happy with the outcome, there is a possibility that the results of blepharoplasty may not meet your expectations.

. Expense: When eyelid surgery is needed to restore vision, it is usually covered by individual health insurance, Original Medicare Part B, or Medicare Advantage (Part C). When performed strictly for cosmetic reasons, eyelid surgery may not be covered and can be somewhat expensive. To help more people realize their goals, Lake Eye accepts most major insurance providers, all major credit cards, flexible spending accounts and CareCredit. We also offer affordable and customizable financing options, so please call us for ways we may be able to help.

WHY CHOOSE LAKE EYE FOR EYELID SURGERY?
Lake Eye (a US Eye Company) is proud to have Board-certified comprehensive ophthalmologist Dr. Shelby L. Terpstra on our care team. Dr. Terpstra has many years of experience performing functional and cosmetic eyelid surgeries to correct sagging, bagging, and inward- or outward-turning eyelids. Because some vision and/or appearance issues have to do with drooping eyebrows, she also performs a procedure called a Direct Brow Lift to gently restore eyebrows to their normal position.

Dr. Terpstra is committed to providing natural-looking results that improve appearance and field of vision with minimal discomfort and downtime.

Dr. Terpstra cares for each patient before, during and after surgery to help promote the best possible outcome in every case. Dr. Terpstra is happy to discuss your needs, goals and concerns, so you can make the right decision for your circumstances, lifestyle and budget.

For questions about these procedures or to schedule a consultation, call your friendly local Lake Eye office. We are here to serve you.

Lake Eye Associates
352-632-2020