Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Lift) in Pottsville, PA

The development of excess fat and drooping skin of the upper eyelids or “bags” or dark circles of the lower eyelids are a significant source of concern for many individuals.  They feel that their eyes may make them appear angry or fatigued to others, when they are, in actuality, well-rested and in good spirits .  For those patients, upper/lower eyelid tuck surgery (ie. Blepharoplasty) may provide the perfect solution.

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Why should I consider eyelid surgery?

Truth be told, just about anyone over the age of 40 could probably benefit from eyelid surgery with Dr. Kimmel. This includes both women and men. That’s because, due to their exposure to the elements and the thin skin on the eyelids and around the eyes, sagging is almost universal. Of course, if your upper eyelid sags to the degree that it impacts your field of vision, surgery isn’t cosmetic — it’s required (and it will likely be covered by your insurance).

But most people fall somewhere in the middle. Their sagging upper eyelids and bags under their lower lids team up to make them appear older than their actual age. Most people feel that eyelid surgery makes them appear more alert, less tired, and younger. It removes any hooding in the upper eyelids. It usually can address bags and puffiness below the lower eyelids. The consensus is that eyelid surgery can take a decade off your facial age, and who couldn’t use that?

What is the Difference between an Upper Blepharoplasty and a Lower Blepharoplasty?

Dr. Kimmel performs blepharoplasty on either the upper or lower eyelid, but most patients have surgery on both eyelids. This isn’t always necessary, however. This is a delicate surgery that employs small incisions. On the upper eyelid, Dr. Kimmel makes a small incision in the natural crease of the eyelid to conceal any scarring. He then tightens the muscle tissue, removes excess skin, and conservatively reduce or reposition the fat.

The goal is to rejuvenate the upper eyelid appearance, while avoiding a gaunt or hollow look. On the lower eyelid, the incision is made just below the lower eyelash, or on the inside of the eyelid. More excess skin may be removed on this lid, as it is often leading to puffiness and excessive wrinkling beneath the eye.

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Can I combine eyelid surgery with other procedures?

Dr. Kimmel often has patients request to combine eyelid surgery with other facial procedures for more overall rejuvenation. Brow lifts are often combined with blepharoplasty to really change the entire upper third of the face.

Facelifts can be combined. Even nose surgery. It is important, however, to remember that eyelid surgery alone does not entail a difficult recovery, but combining it with procedures where tissue is lifted and muscles repositioned will generally require a somewhat more lengthy recovery. Blepharoplasty – Before and After Photos

How soon after my eyelid surgery will I see my results?

After blepharoplasty with Dr. Kimmel your results are immediate and they are permanent. Of course, you’ll have swelling that will mask your results for a week or so, but as soon as your swelling resolves, your eyes will look great. The changes that Dr. Kimmel has made will always keep your eyes looking younger.

How long do results from eyelid surgery last?

As noted above, these are permanent changes to your eyes: trimming excess skin, repositioning fat, tightening muscles as needed. These changes will always make your eyes look younger, usually about a decade younger. Of course, as you continue to age, your eyelids won’t be immune, but they will age from a younger starting place and will never develop the same degree of sagging.

Will I have noticeable scars after blepharoplasty?

Scarring is not a problem with this surgery. Dr. Kimmel places the incision in the natural crease of the upper eyelid, so it is virtually invisible afterwards. In the lower eyelid, he makes the incision either just below the eyelash or within the eyelid, so scarring is not a problem.

Will eyelid surgery affect my vision?

Blepharoplasty is a very popular cosmetic procedure around the world. It has proven to be safe and effective. There are some risks, but they do not involve the patient’s vision. Complications can cause dry eye, entropion or ectropion, and problems closing an eyelid, but these are exceedingly rare. Dr. Kimmel is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience with eyelid surgery, which generates consistently superior results for his patients.   Performed under intravenous sedation anesthesia in a State Licensed, Nationally Accredited Ambulatory Surgery Center (see ‘about Keystone Surgery Center’), combined upper and lower blepharoplasty lasts approximately 2 hours and patients are able to return home afterwards.  Most patients are able to return to work and comfortably engage in social situations in about one week.

In more advanced cases, excess upper eyelid tissue may represent a health risk by causing obstruction of vision.  If this is documented by a test known as a ‘visual field’ study, a corrective upper blepharoplasty may then be considered a ‘covered’ procedure by some health insurance plans.  However, criteria for coverage vary widely, usually requiring the submission of a formal written request letter (known as a ‘preauthorization letter’) and require fulfillment of certain photographic criteria to be valid.

When considering blepharoplasty surgery, be sure to select a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). As a board certified plastic surgeon with over 15 years of clinical practice experience and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (The Mark of Distinction in Cosmetic Plastic Surgery® ASAPS), Dr. Robert Kimmel welcomes the opportunity to help you achieve your goals and enjoy a healthier, more confident lifestyle.

When your eyes appear bright and alert, people perceive you as being happier, more approachable, and well rested.

We are proud to serve patients from Scranton, Allentown, and Harrisburg.

Blepharoplasty – Before and After Photos

For more details on this procedure or to schedule a consultation, please call Robert M. Kimmel, MD, FACS, PC at (570) 622-2900, (570) 455-4252 or contact us via email.