Upper Blepharoplasty in Chattanooga, TN

Upper blepharoplasty is a cosmetic technique that removes excess upper eyelid skin and/or fat to improve vision by eliminating the obstruction. When skin sagging begins, it is often caused by gravity and the loss of elasticity in the skin, eventually causing weakness in the muscles surrounding the eyes. The result is the appearance of “eye bags” within the upper eyelids. The “eye bag” appearance may be hereditary and can be escalated through weight loss, smoking, and/or sun exposure.

The Upper Eyelid Procedure

As your upper blepharoplasty in Chattanooga begins, Dr. Shire may use general or local anesthesia. He will then identify the crease along each upper eyelid and determine the exact amount of excess skin to remove in order to make the correction and improve both the function and aesthetic. If necessary, Dr. Shire will remove a bit of orbicularis oculi muscle, which helps the eyelid to close. Although Dr. SHire may preserve some fat, a small amount may be removed to enhance the eye’s contour. Sutures will then be placed to close the upper blepharoplasty incision, and gauze will be applied to protect the eyelids.

Lower Blepharoplasty Before and After Photos

To view more Eyelid Surgery photos, click here.

What to Expect from Results

In actuality, following your upper eyelid blepharoplasty, you will gain long-lasting results, which you should be able to enjoy for at least six years. Remember, as with most cosmetic procedures, there is no guarantee that your results will last forever.

While an upper blepharoplasty can last for many years, in the future, you may require an additional blepharoplasty. Due to aging, your upper eyelids will naturally begin to droop again as you age. If you need an additional blepharoplasty procedure, it will only consist of skin removal, as the initial fat removal is permanent. 

In addition to having touch-ups to an upper blepharoplasty, there are other ways to help maintain your results, so they can last even longer.

Increase Hydration Levels

Increasing hydration is an important step that will help your hooded eye surgery last for as long as possible. Being hydrated allows the body to produce new elastin and collagen and helps maintain existing elastin and collagen.

Increase Protein and Vitamin C Intake

The results of your upper blepharoplasty will also last longer when you stay nourished and increase your protein and vitamin C intake. By ingesting more protein and vitamin C, additional collagen can be produced to help keep your skin looking young.

When Can Results Appear?

Following your upper blepharoplasty, the results can be instant. In order for the final results to be enjoyed, it is necessary to wait a minimum of six weeks. The results will vary based on your condition and circumstances.

Who is a Good Candidate for Upper Blepharoplasty?

An ideal upper blepharoplasty candidate is one who has expectations that are realistic. While an upper blepharoplasty provides great results, it does not mean it will be able to solve other issues concerning the eyes.

There are no age requirements to be eligible for an upper blepharoplasty, the average age of an upper blepharoplasty candidate is generally around 35 or older. A good candidate should also be in good health, overall. When a potential candidate is younger, it is advisable to determine if the excess skin is caused by genetics or not.

If you have any dry-eye condition, diabetes, thyroid issues, heart disease, or hypertension, then you may be disqualified for the procedure.

If you feel an upper blepharoplasty is right for you, you should first have clear goals. This will be beneficial during your initial consultation as Dr. Shire will likely ask what your ultimate goals and expectations are prior to the procedure. With this information in mind, Dr. Shire can estimate the improvement and provide you with further recommendations for other procedures you might want to combine with your upper blepharoplasty for the best results.

 
 
 
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2023-02-28
 
 
  
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2022-06-06
 
 
  
When your two best friends travel from Dallas, TX and Atlanta, GA to Chattanooga, TN for Dr. Shire's impeccable surgical skills, you know that Dr. Shire is one of the best facial plastic surgeons. Then, when their physicians and friends back home (Dallas, TX and Atlanta, GA, not exactly small cities without choices) are so utterly amazed of the incredible results and ask for Dr. Shire contact information to make appointments, now there is no doubt that Dr. Shire is THE very best facial plastic surgeon!
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
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2022-05-30
 
 
  
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2022-05-09
 
 
  
What a wonderful office - great assistants, fab service, and the BEST plastic surgeon anywhere around!!! Just perfect! AAAAAAAA++++++
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 

The Recovery Process

Following your upper blepharoplasty, you will be monitored for any adverse reactions and to ensure you are stable enough for discharge. After your initial recovery, there may be side effects which could include:

• Double vision
• Pain and discomfort
• Puffiness
• Sensitivity to light
• Watery eyes
• Blurriness (due to eye ointment)
• Bruising

It is important that you have transportation in place to get home because you will likely still be feeling the effects of the anesthesia. Also, ensure a friend or family member is able to monitor you the first night following your upper blepharoplasty in Chattanooga.

Recovery Time

Within five days, you will be able to return to work and accomplish your normal daily activities. The time needed for full recovery is determined by several factors such as the amount of bruising and swelling following your procedure. It is important to follow all the post-operative instructions for recovery, so the skin will be able to properly heal. At the three week mark, there should be no more visible bruising and in two months, the swelling should completely subside. Within six months, you will start to notice the scar fading. The scar will be located within the crease of the eyelid and may take 12 months to fully improve. 

The Average Cost of Upper Blepharoplasty

With many factors determining the upper eyelid surgery cost, it is great to have an average cost to be sure the surgery is worth your time and money and provides the results you are seeking. While at your consultation, obtaining an estimate and what charges will be included from the surgeon’s clinic is vital. On average, the average cost of upper blepharoplasty is around $4,100.

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 enquire about the use of anesthesia and the cost involved. If you opt for general anesthesia, you can expect associated costs.

Pre-Op Appointment Costs

Once your upper blepharoplasty is scheduled, you should schedule a pre-op appointment. When you schedule this, you should note you will be paying for this separately from the cost of the actual procedure. It is considered an indirect cost relating to the surgery. Just like all costs relating to the procedure, the pre-op appointment should also be a part of your budget.

You may also have lab work ordered by your doctor to ensure your overall health before surgery. These lab tests will need to be paid prior to the time of all blood draws.

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.

Hospital Admission

With your upper blepharoplasty surgery being an outpatient procedure, hospital admission should not be needed. Should any complications arise, your physician will advise you regarding hospital visits and admission. For any hospital admission, you will be responsible for additional charges. 

Schedule Your Upper Blepharoplasty Consultation

Your decision to get an upper blepharoplasty should be an informed one. Now that you have learned more about the procedure, it’s time to take the next step. If you are ready to improve the appearance of your eyelids, talk to your doctor and schedule a consultation with an experienced surgeon at Shire Facial Plastic Surgery today.