Getting eyelid surgery in Kansas City is now possible in order to address your sagging lids. Aside from addressing cosmetic concerns, this procedure can also correct vision that has been hindered by excess sagging eyelid skin.

What is Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, offered by Dr. Matt Hlavacek, is a cosmetic procedure used to improve the appearance of the upper and lower eyelids. It is a way to treat excess skin and fat deposits around the eyes, giving a more youthful and energetic appearance to the face.

If your vision is obscured by excess skin and fat deposits, eyelid surgery can be performed for medical reasons and is often covered by insurance.

Who can benefit from eyelid surgery?

Ideal patients for eyelid surgery are healthy and wish to rejuvenate their appearance. Eyelid surgery can specifically treat:

• Bags under the eyes
• Drooping lower eyelids
• Loose or excess skin hanging down from the upper eyelids
• Obscured vision
• Puffiness around upper eyelids
• Crepe paper wrinkles around the lower eyelids

If you have heavily hooded eyes and want to eliminate a tired-looking appearance, then you may be a good candidate for eyelid surgery. ,The procedure should result in smoother, more youthful skin contours around the eyes, presenting a more attractive and energetic appearance. Vision may be improved and your expressions may appear more positive.

Eyelid surgery may be combined with a number of other treatments for the best possible outcome. These treatments may include Botox injections, dermal filler injections, a face lift or brow lifts. Skin treatments such as chemical peels may also be used to treat dark circles under the eyes.

Ideally, you should be a non-smoker, but if you smoke, you may have to stop smoking several weeks before your surgery. Dr. Hlavacek will advise you on how to qualify for the surgery.

Your Consultation

During your initial visit at Kansas City Surgical Arts clinic, Dr. Hlavacek will perform a physical examination of your eye regions. Discuss your expectations and goals so that a tailored treatment plan can be formulated to achieve your expected outcome. You can ask any questions you may have during this time.

You will be asked about your medical history to find out if you have underlying health conditions that may hinder your recovery. This will include a discussion of medications/supplements being taken, allergies, and any past procedures.

Dr. Hlavacek will speak to you about the details of the procedure, including recovery steps. Once you are cleared for the surgery, a date will be set for the operation.

What to expect during your eyelid surgery

General anesthetic or intravenous sedation are often used for eyelid surgery to ensure comfort. The upper eyelid incision is made with the natural lines of the skin, and extends from the interior corner to slightly beyond the outside corner. Excess fat and skin are removed through the incision and the skin is closed with fine sutures.

Lower eyelid procedures have incisions located either in the natural lines of the eyelid or on the inside of the eyelid itself. Incisions located within the eyelid do not produce any visible scarring, but may not be used to remove excess skin. Fat and skin are removed from within incisions, and a laser may be used to tighten and firm the skin beneath the eye. The incision is closed using very fine sutures for minimal scarring.

Recovery After your surgery

Following surgery, an ointment will be applied to the eyes, which may blur vision initially. Some swelling and bruising is likely, which will further puff the eyelids. Discomfort should be minimal. The first few days should be spent with the head elevated and cold compresses applied to the eyes. There may be a tight feeling around the eyes at first. This discomfort can be treated with over-the-counter medication.

Stitches are removed after the first week, and bruising should lessen in that time as well. Some swelling may persist for 1-3 weeks. Normal activities may be resumed in 7-10 days, though caution should be taken not to strain the eyes or do heavy lifting. Concealing makeup may be applied at this time if desired.

Understanding the risks of eyelid surgery

During your consultation, you will discuss your complete medical history, as well as the risks associated with eyelid surgery. Possible complications include bleeding, changes in sensitivity, infection, allergic reactions, scarring and asymmetry.

Cost of Eyelid Surgery

The cost of eyelid surgery depends on several factors, since this is an individualized treatment approach. The total price may include the anesthetics used, the extent of the work done, and other surgical fees.

If you’re ready to take the next step

If you are interested in eyelid surgery in Kansas City, contact us to set up a consultation. When you come in, we will be happy to show you our archive of eyelid surgery before and after photos, and thoroughly discuss the details of eyelid surgery.