Eyelid Lift Questions

Q - What is an eyelid lift?
The eyelid lift, also known as blepharoplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure which removes excess skin, fat and muscle from the eye area in order to correct a puffy, sagging or tired-looking appearance. The result is a more youthful-looking and refreshed eye area. The upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both may be performed on, and the eyelid lift may be safely combined with other procedures such as skin resurfacing.

Q - Is an eyelid lift right for me?
If you are healthy and looking to improve eyelid bags or loose skin of the eyelids, then an eyelid lift may be right for you.

Q - What does a consultation for an eyelid lift entail?
During a consultation for an eyelid lift, Dr. Naderi will examine your eyes and test your vision and tear production as well as your eyelid laxity. A thorough medical history will be taken and your goals discussed. All aspects of the procedure will be explained including the technique, the anesthesia, the facility, the recovery, the risks, the costs and so on.

Q - Where is the eyelid lift surgery performed?
Dr. Naderi performs eyelid lifts at INOVA system hospitals which include Fair Oaks Hospital, Loudoun Hospital, Fairfax Hospital, and Mt. Vernon Hospital.

Q - What type of anesthesia is used for the eyelid lift?
MAC (monitored anesthesia care), general anesthesia or local anesthesia may be used for the eyelid lift.

Q - How is the eyelid lift performed?
Incisions may be made in the creases of the upper eyelids, under the lash line of the lower eyelids, and/or in the crow’s feet area. Working through these incisions, excess skin, fat and a small strip of muscle are excised. Fat is often conservatively removed to prevent hollowing from occurring. Younger patients with under-eye bags only may be good candidates for a transconjunctival blepharoplasty which involves the removal of a small pocket of fat through a small incision made inside of the lower eyelid. Patients with prominent tear troughs may be treated by repositioning excess fat to cover the tear trough area.

Q - How long does the eyelid lift take to perform?
The eyelid lift can take as little as thirty minutes to perform for the upper eyelids and as much as one and a half hours for the upper and lower eyelids.

Q - Where are the incisions made for the eyelid lift?
When treating the upper eyelids, a hidden incision is made in the creases of the upper lids. For the lower eyelids, the incision may be made just beneath the lash line of the lower lid or in the crow’s feet area. For transconjunctival blepharoplasty, which is typically performed on younger patients with only bags beneath the eyes, a hidden incision is made inside of the lower lid.

Q - Does the eyelid lift leave scars?
The incisions made for the eyelid lift do result in scars though they tend to be well-concealed, if not invisible, within the crease of the upper lids, just beneath the lash line of the lower lids, in the crow’s feet area, or inside of the lower lid.

Q - Does the eyelid lift involve much pain?
During the first few days of recovery after the eyelid lift, the eyelids may feel sore or tight. Medication can help to control any discomfort that patients experience.

Q - What is the recovery like after the eyelid lift?
Recovery after the eyelid lift takes about a week. Swelling and bruising are common after surgery, and keeping the head elevated as much as possible during the first few days can help to alleviate the swelling. Bruising usually fades within two to four weeks. The eyelids may feel dry, itchy or burning during the first week and excessive tearing, blurred or double vision, or sensitivity to light may also occur.

Q - When will I be able to return to work after undergoing an eyelid lift?
Patients can return to work in about one week after the eyelid lift.

Q - How soon will I be able to exercise after my eyelid lift?
Patients will need to wait at least two weeks after the eyelid lift before partaking in strenuous activities and exercise.

Q - When will my stitches be removed after my eyelid lift?
The stitches are removed in about a week after the eyelid lift.

Q - What are the risks or complications associated with the eyelid lift?
All surgery carries potential risks. Those associated with the eyelid lift include possible dry eyes and lid retraction (1-3%).

Q - Is the eyelid lift covered by insurance?
Insurance typically does not cover eyelid lifts when they are performed for purely cosmetic purposes. Some amount of coverage may be available when performed to correct drooping upper eyelids that interfere with vision. Patients should check with their own insurance company.

Q - Can I finance my eyelid lift?
Financing is available for many plastic surgery procedures.

Dr. Naderi's office in Herndon, VA is conveniently located near the following: