The thin, fragile skin around your eyes is usually the first place to show signs of aging like sagging and wrinkling. These effects can add years to your appearance by inadvertently projecting fatigue, anger, or unfriendliness.
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that can significantly improve functional and aesthetic concerns by removing excess skin, muscle, and sometimes fat. Dr. Jeffrey Schmidt can perform this procedure on your upper or lower eyelids, clearing your field of vision and opening your eyes.
Signs You Need Blepharoplasty
You may wish to consider an eyelid lift if you struggle with challenges like lax skin, obstructed eyesight, or prominent undereye bags. Since everyone ages differently, there’s no “ideal” age for this procedure—it benefits anyone with excess skin or puffiness around their eyes due to genetics, aging, or lifestyle factors like smoking or sun exposure.
Ideal candidates should be nonsmokers, in good mental and physical health, have realistic expectations about the outcomes, and experience difficulties like these.
- Obscured vision: Sagging upper eyelid skin that hangs into your eyes, significantly affecting your ability to do daily activities like reading or driving.
- Heavy eyelids: The weight of excess skin can be uncomfortable, leading to chronic eye strain and frequent headaches.
- Looking older: Drooping upper and lower eyelids can change your facial characteristics by contributing to a permanently tired or unapproachable appearance. Hooded eyes and puffy undereye bags will progress to a point where they are difficult to conceal with makeup. Blepharoplasty will restore your confidence by reversing these signs of aging.
What Happens During Eyelid Surgery?
Understanding this surgery’s technical aspects allows you to be an informed patient who appreciates the skill and precision involved in achieving your desired outcomes.
When performing an upper or lower blepharoplasty, Dr. Schmidt will remove or redistribute tissues and fat through incisions concealed in your natural eyelid creases. He considers several factors to deliver subtle, proportional results, including the shape and structure of complementary features like your eyebrows and nose. After making your desired changes, he’ll close the incisions with multiple, layered internal and external sutures to ensure discreet healing.
Many people are good candidates for a combined upper and lower blepharoplasty, addressing multiple concerns in one surgical session. This procedure also pairs well with other procedures, like a brow lift or neuromodulators, for a more comprehensive rejuvenation. You can discuss all your concerns during your consultation with Dr. Schmidt to receive a tailored surgical plan.
Does Health Insurance Cover Eyelid Surgery?
Insurance companies are generally unwilling to cover procedures performed solely for cosmetic purposes. However, upper blepharoplasty can be essential if your heavy eyelids droop enough to impair your vision. Typically, criteria for coverage include:
- Documented visual impairment confirmed by an eye examination
- Photographs showing the extent of the eyelid drooping
- A formal request from your health provider stating the medical necessity of the surgery
What to Know About Recovering from Eyelid Surgery
Expect swelling, bruising, and dry eyes in the first week. Applying eye drops and cold compresses as directed will reduce discomfort. We recommend wearing glasses instead of contact lenses to prevent irritation and eye strain.
While your eyes heal, you should avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and excessive screen time. Prepare to spend your postsurgical downtime by relaxing with audiobooks, music, and podcasts instead of reading or watching television.
Please attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with Dr. Schmidt to monitor your healing and address concerns. Complete recovery can take several months, during which your results will continue improving. Ultimately, your eyes will look brighter, younger, and more open.
How to Choose a Blepharoplasty Surgeon in Denver
Blepharoplasty offers a dual benefit of improving functional issues related to vision obstruction and providing a more youthful and refreshed appearance. You can get the best results by understanding what to expect before, during, and after surgery and recovery and partnering with an experienced surgeon.
Dr. Schmidt is a blepharoplasty expert who completed fellowship training under a world-renowned mentor. As a surgeon who is board-certified in plastic surgery and otolaryngology, he uses his comprehensive knowledge of facial anatomy and careful attention to detail to craft custom surgical plans for each patient.
Throughout his career, Dr. Schmidt has earned a reputation for excellence with fellow physicians often referring their patients for facial reconstruction. He takes pride in applying his surgical skills to bring joy and confidence to people who entrust him with their appearance.
Schedule Your Blepharoplasty Consultation Today
Your eyes allow you to convey so much to others without speaking a word. Issues like heavy eyelids and undereye pouches also affect people’s perception of you. If you are tired of looking exhausted, upset, or unfriendly, Dr. Schmidt will work closely with you to restore your facial harmony. Contact us today to schedule your private consultation or learn about our concierge services.
