Celebrate a New Year with New Eyelids!

New year, new you, right? Everyone has a New Year’s resolution, but not all of them can be accomplished. However, if how you look on the outside doesn’t match how you feel on the inside, our team at Frederick H Watkins, MD can help you. Your eye region is one of the areas on your body that’s most vulnerable to aging and that shows the long-term effects of environmental damage. Taking care of your eyes will make you look and feel years younger, and more attractive to boot. 

There are many different reasons you may consider eyelid surgery. From a more youthful to a more energetic look, we understand that when you look your best, you feel your best. Something as simple as lifting the lids to show more of your eyes, though, can carry its share of risks and complications, so you should understand everything that you can about what the procedure involves. We welcome any questions you may have. 

What is eyelid surgery?

A blepharoplasty, also called an eye lift, is a surgery that enhances your eye area. It’s commonly used to address sagging lids, crows feet, or to create more prominent upper lids. Eyelid surgery has been around since Ancient Rome, but there have, of course, been many major improvements in the procedure itself since. 

How do I know if eyelid surgery is necessary?

Even though eyelid surgery can enhance your appearance, and your confidence, it’s considered a cosmetic surgical procedure. Droopy eyelids are an annoyance, but they won’t affect your mortality. For this reason, insurance typically doesn’t cover the procedure. However, if your optometrist and your primary care doctor decide that a blepharoplasty is something you need to expand your field of vision, then your insurance is more likely to chip in for the cost. In 2017, there were almost a quarter of a million blepharoplasties performed.  

How is eyelid surgery performed? 

Your journey to better eyelids starts with a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Watkins. He goes over your medical record, and he works with your primary care doctor to ensure that you’re a good candidate for the procedure. If it’s going to be performed for medical reasons, you’ll probably have to take a field of vision test to demonstrate that your eyelids are impairing your sight. Once you’re cleared by our medical professionals, we work with you to schedule a date that suits your needs and your schedule.

For eyelid surgery on your top lid, Dr. Watkins will use local anesthesia, although general anesthesia is an option also if desired. He makes a small incision in the fold of your upper eyelid. This ensures that any resulting scars will be less noticeable, or nearly invisible. Excess skin, fat, and muscle are removed, and you’re stitched up. If you need surgery on your lower lid, we place you under general anesthesia and cut either just inside the bottom lid or under your eye. As with your top lid, Dr. Watkins removes excess fat and tissue, leaving you with a firmer, reduced lower eyelid.

What happens after? 

When Dr. Watkins finishes your blepharoplasty, you’ll need to stay in recovery for at least an hour. Contact a loved one to drive you home. We prescribe pain medication for you, but you can switch to an over-the-counter medication after your prescription painkiller is finished. Pain associated with this surgery is usually mild. Significant pain may be an indication of other problem such as an infection or corneal abrasion. Let us know if you experience prolonged or significant pain.

If your eyelids are affecting your vision, or if you’d like a boost in how your eyes see the world, call us at either our Rockville, MD or Fairfax, VA location, or use our online calendar to schedule an appointment.