As time passes, constant sun exposure, hereditary traits, certain lifestyle habits (such as smoking) or even the effect of gravity can lead to premature signs of aging around the eyes. In addition, as we age, the body stops producing collagen and elastin, two proteins that are essential to healthy skin. Without these proteins, the skin loses its elasticity and begins to sag. The natural aging process can also cause fat to become displaced, as well as a loss of muscle tone. All these factors can result in heavy, sagging upper eyelids, drooping lower eyelids and / or bags under the eyes. Often, the effect is an exhausted, worried or depressed facial appearance.

In addition, some individuals of certain ethnic backgrounds, such as those of Asian descent, are bothered by the lack of a distinct upper eyelid crease, a look sometimes referred to as “monolids.”

If you are frustrated by similar developments, it might be time to consider blepharoplasty. During this surgery, Dr. LoVerme eliminates surplus skin and fat from the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids or both to provide a well-defined crease in the upper eyelids or a refreshed look throughout the orbital eye area.

During consultation, Dr. LoVerme reviews your medical and surgical history and listens to your aesthetic concerns. You can look through before-and-after photos of his past patients to help identify your cosmetic goals for surgery. You can also bring in photos of individuals who have similar facial features as yours to illustrate further the look that you desire.

He then assesses the entire periorbital region, which includes the eyes, eyebrows and cheeks, to determine the degree of facial rejuvenation required. The experienced plastic surgeon takes all this information into account when recommending a suitable treatment protocol to address your aesthetic concerns.

To optimize the aesthetic benefits of blepharoplasty, the board-certified plastic surgeon may recommend an adjunct procedure, such as brow lift surgery, mid-facelift surgery or BOTOX Cosmetic treatment.

Dr. LoVerme explains the details of the recommended procedure(s) and answers any questions you may have. Based on the procedures that you decide to pursue, you will be given a price estimate.

The best way to determine whether you are an appropriate candidate for eyelid surgery is to schedule a consultation with Dr. LoVerme, so he can use his expertise to evaluate your periorbital region, including your skin health and elasticity, and establish your candidacy for eyelid surgery or perhaps a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation procedure.

However, appropriate blepharoplasty candidates generally include individuals who:

• Have a positive self-image overall but are frustrated with the look of drooping upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both
• Are perhaps bothered by the appearance of “monolids”
• Are in sufficient health to undergo surgery
• Have made the decision to pursue blepharoplasty of their own accord
• Are not pregnant at present
• Comprehend the potential risks and rewards of the procedure

Eyelid surgery is an outpatient procedure. For individuals requiring a considerable degree of rejuvenation during blepharoplasty, the procedure is performed with the use of intravenous sedation, or “twilight” anesthesia. Individuals requiring a lesser degree of surgical rejuvenation can opt for local anesthesia.

If Dr. LoVerme is treating all four eyelids, he begins with the upper ones. The Boston eyelid surgery expert positions incisions in the crease of the upper eyelid. He then excises the excess skin. Dr. LoVerme also removes bulging fat and other tissue from this area, as needed, to enhance the contour. Once he is content with the newly refreshed look of the eyelids, he closes the incision with sutures that are removed about five days following surgery.

Dr. LoVerme then treats the lower eyelids, if applicable, by making the incisions either beneath the lower eyelash line or just inside the lower eyelids. Again, he excises any surplus skin, fat and other tissue from the area and then closes the incisions with sutures.

Once the effects of the anesthesia have worn off, the patient is released into the care of a responsible individual, who can take the patient home where he or she can recover comfortably.

Individuals pursuing eyelid surgery should plan to take about one to two weeks off from work or their usual activities. Patients are generally able to resume working within one week; however, it can take about two weeks for the visible symptoms to improve, so it is not readily apparent that they have had “work” done on the eye area.

Initially following surgery, the treatment area may be bruised or swollen, but these are normal symptoms that, again, should improve within one to two weeks following the procedure. During this time, patients can conceal any discoloration or bruising with makeup, but they should try to avoid applying makeup directly on the incision sites. Individuals recovering from blepharoplasty should abstain from strenuous activity, including vigorous exercise, for about two weeks. (Walking and other light activities are allowed.)

Dr. LoVerme removes the stitches placed on the upper eyelids or underneath the lower eyelash line about five days following surgery, during a follow-up visit to Accurate Aesthetics. Sutures placed inside the lower eyelid will eventually dissolve on their own. With time and proper care, the scars from the incisions should gradually fade until they are nearly unnoticeable.

Typically upper eyelid surgery prices at Accurate Aesthetics Plastic Surgery range from $3,500 to $4,000 performed with oral sedation in the certified office operating suite. This includes all facility fees. Lower eyelids are generally performed with the aid of a board certified anesthesiologist so fees are generally a bit higher. You will receive a personalized quote at the time of your consultation. Consultation fee is deducted from the cost of surgery.