Is Blepharoplasty an Outpatient Procedure?

Your skin loses its elasticity as it ages. And as that happens, some skin collects in the upper and lower eyelids. Besides the gradual loss of elasticity, the constant gravitational pull also contributes to the buildup of excess skin around the eyelids. If you have this condition, see an eye surgeon for droopy eyelid surgery to remedy the situation.

What Is a Droopy Eyelid Surgery?

Droopy eyelids can make you look older. In some cases, they might interfere with your side vision, especially the upper and outer fields of vision. But you can reverse these effects through a surgical procedure.

Droopy eyelid surgery is also known as blepharoplasty. The doctor may remove excess skin, muscle, and fat during the surgery. Blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure and typically takes under two hours.

Your doctor will administer drugs to help you relax during the procedure and inject a numbing agent around your eyes. Once the numbing agent takes effect, the doctor will proceed to make tiny incisions into the creases or folds of the eyelids to get rid of the extra fat and tighten the eyelid muscles.

The surgeon will typically start with the upper eyelids. After they remove the loose skin and extra fat, the doctor will close the incisions with stitches. They will then cover your eyes and eyelids with ointment and a bandage.

Why Get Blepharoplasty?

You might need droopy eyelid surgery if your eyelids are so saggy that your eyes can’t open completely. Or the sagging skin pulls down your eyelids. You might also get it as a cosmetic procedure as blepharoplasty leaves your eyes looking younger.

Since blepharoplasty is a quick outpatient procedure, you can get it simultaneously with another procedure. Common procedures performed alongside blepharoplasty include skin resurfacing and brow lifts.

You might be wondering whether your insurance would cover blepharoplasty. That depends on the circumstances around your case. If the droopy eyelids are impairing your vision, then your insurance should cover it. However, if it’s for cosmetic reasons, you will have to pay out of pocket.

Preparing for Blepharoplasty

Before going in for your blepharoplasty, you need to see an ophthalmologist. They will discuss your medical history with you. That includes asking questions like whether or not you’ve had eye surgeries in the past. They will also ask about any current condition you might have, like diabetes or circulatory problems.

The doctor will also conduct a physical examination, which involves measuring parts of your eyelids and analyzing your tear production. They will also test your vision — which can support your insurance claim.

The ophthalmologist will capture photographs of your eyes from varying angles to plan the surgery. These photographs will also help them assess the effects of the surgery on you and support the insurance claim.

While still at the ophthalmologist’s office, it’s essential to have an honest conversation about your expectations. The specialist will then explain if droopy eyelid surgery is the solution you are looking for.

What to Expect After the Surgery

Usually, you can go home the same day after getting blepharoplasty. But you will need to spend some time in the recovery room for your doctor to monitor you for complications. Even though you can leave on the same day, be sure to have someone else drive you home.

Shortly after the surgery, you may experience temporary side effects. Some of them include:

• Swelling and bruising
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Discomfort

Your doctor will give you instructions about how to care for your eyelids. Suggestions may include avoiding strenuous activities for some time, avoiding smoking, and so much more. They might also prescribe ointments or eye drops.