Procedure Time 1 - 2 Hours
Recovery Time 14 - 28 Days
The Upper Eyelid Procedure
During your upper blepharoplasty in Chattanooga, Dr. Shire usually uses conscious sedation with local anesthesia. He will begin by identifying the crease along each upper eyelid and determining the exact amount of excess skin to remove in order to improve both function and appearance. If necessary, Dr. Shire may also remove a small portion of the orbicularis oculi muscle, which helps the eyelid close. While some fat may be preserved, a small amount could be removed to enhance the eye's contour. Sutures will then be placed to close the incision, and gauze will be applied to protect the eyelids during recovery.
Before and After Photos
What to Expect from Results
Following your upper eyelid blepharoplasty, you can expect long-lasting results, which should be visible for at least 10 to 20 years. However, as with most cosmetic procedures, there is no guarantee that your results will last forever.
While an upper blepharoplasty can last many years, you may eventually require an additional procedure. Due to the natural aging process, your upper eyelids will gradually begin to droop again. If a follow-up blepharoplasty is needed, it will typically involve only the removal of excess skin, as the fat removed during the initial procedure is permanent.
In addition to potential touch-ups, there are other ways to help maintain your results and make them last even longer:
Increase Hydration Levels
Staying hydrated is crucial for prolonging the effects of your upper eyelid surgery. Hydration supports the body's ability to produce new elastin and collagen while maintaining existing levels, which are key to youthful skin.
Increase Protein and Vitamin C Intake
The longevity of your results can also be enhanced by increasing your intake of protein and vitamin C. These nutrients support collagen production, helping to keep your skin looking firm and youthful.
When Can Results Appear?
While some initial results of your upper blepharoplasty may be noticeable right away, it typically takes a minimum of four to six weeks to fully enjoy the final outcome. The timeline for results can vary depending on your individual condition and healing process.
Who is a Good Candidate for Upper Blepharoplasty?
An ideal candidate for upper blepharoplasty is someone with realistic expectations. While upper blepharoplasty can provide excellent results, it may not address all concerns related to the eyes.
There is no strict age requirement for upper blepharoplasty, but the average candidate is typically 35 or older. A good candidate should also be in overall good health. For younger individuals, it is important to determine if the excess skin is due to genetics.
Certain medical conditions, such as dry-eye syndrome, diabetes, thyroid issues, heart disease, or hypertension, may disqualify a person from undergoing the procedure.
If you believe upper blepharoplasty is right for you, it's important to have clear goals. During your initial consultation, Dr. Shire will likely ask about your expectations and ultimate goals. This information will help Dr. Shire estimate the potential improvement and suggest other procedures that could be combined with upper blepharoplasty to achieve the best possible results.
The Recovery Process
After your upper blepharoplasty, you will be monitored for any adverse reactions and to ensure you are stable enough for discharge. After the initial recovery period, you may experience some side effects, which could include:
- Double vision
- Pain and discomfort
- Puffiness
- Sensitivity to light
- Watery eyes
- Blurriness (due to eye ointment)
- Bruising
It's essential to have transportation arranged, as you will likely still feel the effects of anesthesia. Additionally, it's important to have a friend or family member stay with you during the first night following your upper blepharoplasty in Chattanooga.
Recovery Time
Within five days, most patients can return to work and resume normal daily activities. The full recovery time depends on factors such as the amount of bruising and swelling after your procedure. Following all post-operative instructions is crucial for proper healing. By the three-week mark, bruising should no longer be visible, and after two months, swelling should be completely gone. You will begin to notice the scar fading within six months, though it may take up to 12 months for the scar, which is hidden in the crease of the eyelid, to fully improve.
The Average Cost of Upper Blepharoplasty
The average surgeon's fee for upper blepharoplasty in the United States usually ranges from $3,000 to $6,000. This is just the surgeon's fee, and the total cost of the procedure will also likely include hospital or surgical facility costs, anesthesia fees, prescription medication costs, post-surgery garments, and any necessary medical tests.
Factors That May Determine Cost
The factors regarding cost will be determined by the location of your surgery and the experience level of your surgeon. Other factors to be considered involve additional procedures which may affect the overall pricing. Once all the factors are understood, you will be better able to make an informed decision.
Combining Surgeries
If you decide to combine your upper blepharoplasty with other surgeries, you may be able to save on your upper blepharoplasty cost as well as the time for recovery. The procedures usually combined successfully with an upper blepharoplasty are a forehead lift or brow lift.
Cost of Anesthesia
An anesthetic will be used prior to the surgery. When you attend your consultation, you can inquire about the use of anesthesia and the cost involved.
Medication Costs
Before discharge, Dr. Shire may prescribe pain medication, antibiotics, and ointments that should be utilized during recovery. You will need to pay for these since they will be prescribed after the initial consultation.
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