Plastic Surgery Indianapolis
 
 
David Sterling Slatton, MD
Indianapolis Plastic Surgeon
317 526 9370

Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery Indianapolis, IN

Blepharoplasty in Indianapolis, Indiana

Eyelid SurgeryCosmetic Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)- Aging around the eyes can make an otherwise healthy and youthful feeling person appear tired and older. Lower eyelid bags and upper eyelid hooding and skin wrinkling are the most common features of aging around the eyelids.   A prominent teartrough or puffy lower eyelids can cause someone to look older prematurely.

Are you a good Candidate for Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelids are usually the first area people seek cosmetic surgery for purposes of rejuvenation.

If you feel like your eyes do not appear as youthful as you feel, eyelid surgery may be an option for you.  Dr. David Sterling Slatton in Indianapolis, Indiana focuses on natural appearing results that help you regain the vibrant appearance.

Types of Eyelid Surgery- Eyelid Surgery Techniques.

Various techniques for eyelid surgery have been developed over the last few years.  Dr. Slatton uses techniques that are the latest, but also those that have time tested efficacy and proven, long lasting results.  

Upper Eyelid Surgery—also known as Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty. This technique involves removing upper eyelid skin without removing the upper eyelid muscle.  Dr. Slatton’s technique for upper eyelid surgery avoids skeletonizing the upper eyelid by avoiding excess upper orbital fat removal and thus a fuller, more youthful upper eyelid appearance is created.   The upper eyelid blepharoplasty can be combined with brow lift if brow drooping (ptosis) exists, and it can be combined with lower eyelid surgery as well.

Lower Eyelid Surgery—bags, wrinkled skin, loss of youthful cheek appearance

Asian Eyelid Surgery-  focuses on creating a palpebral fold

Eyelid Surgery to Improve Vision—upper eyelid skin excess and brow ptosis can obstruct vision in the upper outer visual fields.  For this condition, visual fields testing done prior to surgery may support health insurance approval for upper eyelid skin removal.  The procedure for visual obstruction due to upper eyelid skin wrinkling, excess and hooding involves an upper eyelid blepharoplasty combined that may be combined with a brow pexy or brow lift procedure.

The Eyelid Surgery Procedure—For upper eyelids, the areas are marked preoperatively—the upper eyelid skin excess is carefully removed, the medial fat compartment is opened and a precise amount of excess fat is removed.  Permanent sutures are used to close the upper eyelid incisions and the outer edges of the regions of skin excision.

The lower eyelid incision is made just below the lash margin and extends into the crow’s feet.  The lower eyelid skin and muscle are elevated to the orbital rim.  If indicated, the lower orbital fat is removed to help improve the bulging or puffiness associated with aging.  The orbicularis occuli muscle is re draped and suspended by attaching it to the orbital rim.  Excess muscle is removed as is excess skin.  The combination of these procedures produces a smooth and youthful lower lid region and blends the orbital rim, and helps soften the tear trough region and blend it with the upper cheek.  The placement of a canthopexy suture elevates the corner of the eyelid and helps keep the lower eyelid structures from pulling downward during the healing process

Lower eyelid skin wrinkling may also be treated with CO2 laser resurfacing and the lower eyelid. Lower eyelid fat pads can be reduced in volume through incisions made within the eyelid..this procedure, known a Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty is effective in reducing lower eyelid puffiness in people with good skin tone.

Dissolvable sutures are used to close the lower eyelid incisions along the lash margin while

Eyelid surgery can be performed with other plastic surgical procedures including brow lift (open or endoscopic), fat transfer (fat injections), facelift, facial liposuction and lip augmentation.

Before Eyelid Surgery—one should avoid aspirin, NSAIDS (Ibuprofen, Naproxen), vitamins and supplements.  If one has dry eyes, evaluation by an ophthalmologist may be required

Preparing for Eyelid Surgery medical conditions such as high blood pressure should be well controlled prior to surgery.  Aspirin should be stopped 4 weeks prior to surgery.   Smoking can interfere with healing, and should be stopped 4 weeks prior to surgery.  You should plan to have someone accompany and transport you to and from the OR facility.  Prepare for time off work and social engagements.

The Eyelid Surgery Consultation-be prepared to go over your complete health history and explain your concerns about the appearance of your eyelids and goals for improvement.

How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon to perform your eyelid surgery-Dr. David Sterling Slatton is an experienced plastic surgeon who has many satisfied patients for whom he has peformed eyelid surgery. Contact our office to schedule your consultation.

During Eyelid Surgery You will have your surgery at an AAAHC accredited surgery center.

Anesthesia will be provided by an MD anesthesiologist and either general anesthesia or IV sedation with local anesthesia (twilight anesthesia) will be used during your surgery. 

After Eyelid Surgery –you will need a friend or family member to take you home from the surgery center. Pain medications, eye lubricants, and other necessary medications will be prescribed.  We encourage you to have your prescriptions filled prior to surgery.  You must keep your head elevated and avoid stooping and bending.  Ice packs for your eyes may be provided for post operative comfort

Eyelid Surgery Recovery- rest and sedentary activity are necessary.  You should plan to take a 7 to 10 days off before returning to work. Bruising which lasts approximately one week may be covered with makeup, tinted eyeglasses or sunglasses are helpful.  Eye lubricants will be necessary for week and incision care instructions will be given to you. A gradual return to normal activities is recommended.  Driving is prohibited until swelling has subsided and vision has normalized

Eyelid Surgery risks and complications are infrequent and will be discussed with you at the time of your pre operative appointments.  Close adherents to doctor’s recommendations and directions helps minimize the risk of complications.

Eyelid Surgery Results you will have initial swelling and bruising that will take time to subside.  Patients begin to see their postoperative results several days to a week or more after surgery.  Bruising usually subsides after a week.  The swelling improves markedly in the first two weeks and minor swelling improves gradually in the weeks thereafter. The results of eyelid surgery which are a more youthful and more rested appearance can last a decade or longer.

Eyelid Surgery Cost can be estimated by contacting our office.  The actual cost depends on the type of eyelid surgery performed, if both upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasties are performed and if other procedures are included.

Eyelid Surgery Financing- refer to our financing page

Non‐surgical Eyelid Surgery Alternatives  Many people would like improvement of their eyelid appearance, but are unable to undego surgery for a variety of reasons. Dermal fillers, Chemical peels, and Botox can often improve appearance in the areas around the eyelids.