Blepharoplasty in Raleigh

The beauty of eyelid surgery is that the scars can be well hidden and hard for others to see. For the upper eyelids, the scar disappears whenever the eye is open. For the lower eyelid, the scar can be hidden directly under your eyelashes. In many cases, no skin incision is needed, and excess fat giving you eyelid “bags” can be removed from inside the eyelid.

Due to the delicate nature of our eyes, the thin skin and fat that protects the eye area are often the first to show signs of aging. Upper eyelids may have extra skin, which may cause an effect called “hooding” of the eyes. Sometimes there is too much fat protruding around the upper eyes or, conversely, a loss of fat tissue around the eyes leaves them aged and hollow. The lower eye area famously has “bags,” which are a protrusion of the protective eye fat that appears as large bulges under the eyes. There may be excessive wrinkles in the lower area as well, due to too much skin. And finally, as we age, our lower eyelids weaken, and the shape of our eye opening becomes less almond-like and more rounded, appearing elderly. All of these changes contribute to that tired look, even with a full night’s sleep.

While both the upper and lower eyelids help to close the eyes, that’s where their similarities end. Upper and lower eyelids have different anatomical features and are affected by aging in distinct ways. Upper eyelids suffer less from the effects of gravity and more from things like allergies (rubbing) and damage from sun exposure. An upper blepharoplasty is straightforward, with the simple removal of skin and adjustment of the fat behind the lid. For the lower blepharoplasty, things are not as straightforward. Dr. Zenn has the expertise to understand this and treats the lower eyelid accordingly. Surgery on the lower lid tends to pull the eyelid down due to the weakness of the lid as we age. This drooping lower lid is a tell-tale sign that someone has had a lower blepharoplasty. Dr. Zenn’s technique instead tightens and supports the lower lid so the end result looks attractive, refreshed, and very natural. Incisions from upper and lower blepharoplasty are well hidden in the natural creases around the eyes. In fact, sometimes Dr. Zenn can remove fat bulges from inside the eyelid so there are no visible scars at all. Surgery is not painful, and most patients can return to work in one week.

The cost of a blepharoplasty depends on the elements of your personal treatment plan. Some cases are more complex due to pre-existing eye problems. Conditions such as dry eye and eyebrow or eyelid droop may require longer surgery. At Zenn Plastic Surgery, the quoted package price is all-inclusive. It covers the consultation, pre-op appointment, before and after photos, scar gel, garments, all follow-up appointments, and facility and anesthesia fees. There is a common misconception that insurance will cover eyelid surgery. This is true in very select cases. Dr. Zenn will inform you if insurance will cover your condition. Zenn Plastic Surgery provides patients with several convenient payment options, including financing through Care Credit and Alphaeon Credit.

As we age, excess skin can hang over the eye and block your vision. An ophthalmologist can examine you, and if there is a significant amount of your visual field is blocked, insurance will cover removal of upper eyelid skin. This is very different than a cosmetic “eyelift” a.k.a. blepharoplasty, which would include removal of skin and fat from the upper eyelids and would also include removal of lower eyelid bags, which is not covered by insurance as vision is not impacted by lower eyelid bags. Dr. Zenn also would evaluate you for a browlift as a low eyebrow is often the cause of the appearance of extra skin in the upper eyelid. Also setting Dr. Zenn apart from other opthalmoloigsts is he would evaluate you for facial fat grafting to restore the youthful volume back to your face. None of these procedures would be covered by insurance and are considered cosmetic but leave you with a natural appearing well rested appearance. Your friend simply had some upper eyelid skin removed.