Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) Charleston, SC

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) Charleston, SC

eyelid surgery charleston

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) – Charleston, SC

The eyes are the most expressive feature on our face. But with age, we lose some of that self-expression as the upper eyelids sag or form bags beneath the eyes. Even when we’re not tired or sad, we may look like it.

Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) can resolve these effects of aging and revive your youthful expressions.  If your upper eyelids sag to a point that impairs your vision, the procedure may be covered by your health insurance.

Adept in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, double Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. David Rodwell has extensive experience delivering the benefits of Blepharoplasty in Charleston. Eyelid surgery patients tell us they feel more attractive and confident after the procedure. This boost in self-esteem has not only helped them in their personal lives but in their business careers as well.

Dr. Rodwell often combines eyelid surgery with other facial procedures, like a brow lift to rejuvenate the brows and forehead or a facelift to deliver a more youthful appearance to the lower and mid-face as well. Other patients choose to combine non-surgical solutions like injectables to correct deep lines and wrinkles or laser skin resurfacing to smooth over skin textures.

To learn more about blepharoplasty, contact Charleston Plastic Surgery at (843) 628-1415 or schedule a consultation today!

Why Patients Consider an Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty)

Upper eyelid surgery can:

  • Correct drooping upper eyelids
  • Remove puffy tissue above the eyes
  • Smooth lines and wrinkles around the eyes

Lower eyelid surgery can:

  • Eliminate puffy bags under the eyes
  • Correct a drooping lower eyelid and loose skin

The Cosmetic Benefits of an Eyelid Lift

  • Patients look years younger
  • Others may perceive you as friendlier and more approachable
  • Creates a fresh aesthetic, so you always look well-rested
  • It makes it easier to apply makeup to the upper eyelids

By resolving excess skin and fat from upper and lower eyelids, eyelid surgery reduces puffiness of upper lids and sagging bags below the eyes — blepharoplasty results in a rested, young, and alert appearance. Eyelid surgery offers results that may be long-lasting or permanent to most patients.

Dr. Rodwell may suggest upper blepharoplasty as a standalone procedure or consider combining upper and lower blepharoplasty into one session.

Upper Blepharoplasty

Upper eyelid surgery involves removing excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids. Sometimes, removing the muscle is necessary, but does not affect eyelid movement.

When the upper eyelid skin is tight and smooth, your eyes will come out of hiding and look young. The lines around the eyes will also soften.

Dr. Rodwell places the incisions in the eyelid creases to hide any scarring. He will remove a sufficient amount of excess skin to ensure the eyes don’t look overdone. Incisions are closed with sutures, then removed a few days later.

eyelid lift charleston

Techniques

Dr. Rodwell offers multiple approaches to ensure a customized procedure that addresses the unique concerns of each patient. They include:

Transconjunctival Technique

This technique is Dr. Rodwell’s preferred approach for the lower eyelids. The transconjunctival technique uses an incision hidden inside the lower eyelid allowing undereye bags to be treated directly without weakening the muscle support of the lower eyelid.

Skin Pinch

Many patients have loose skin on the lower eyelids. The skin pinch technique involves a small incision within the natural creases of the lower eyelid and can be used alone for skin removal or combined with other techniques to reduce fat bags.

Blepharoplasty Consultation

Dr. Rodwell will take the time during your consultation to discuss your goals and listen to any concerns you may have. He also will answer any questions about the procedure as well. After a thorough examination, he will recommend a surgical plan. If you have glaucoma or chronic dry eye, you may have to take special precautions after your surgery, or Dr. Rodwell may recommend you not have the procedure.

If your eyelids impede your vision, you may need to see a physician to perform specific tests to satisfy your health insurance requirements. If your eyelids don’t impair your vision or cause a medical issue outside of aesthetics, the surgery will be considered elective, and most insurance companies will not cover the costs.

Dr. Rodwell will discuss pre-operation preparations. For example, if you smoke, you will need to stop for a specified period.

If you are considering eyelid surgery, contact Dr. Rodwell today to discuss your options.

BandA brow copy

Blepharoplasty Recovery

The lower eyelid sutures need not be removed; they will dissolve on their own. Dr. Rodwell will remove the upper eyelid sutures within a week. The scars are barely visible within three months.

You can resume normal activities within two to three days. Most of our patient take a week off. Your full benefits from the surgery can be seen within three months.

You should expect to feel some minor discomfort after surgery, but we can manage this pain with a prescription of pain meds. Cold compresses can manage any swelling. Also, plan to sleep with your head elevated. Lubricating eye drops can also help.

Why Dr. Rodwell?

Choosing the right surgeon is essential to enjoying optimal results in the safest manner possible. Dr. David Rodwell is double board-certified and is a Charleston’s Choice Best Plastic Surgeon winner. He has extensive training and experience with blepharoplasty.

With a focus on facial plastic surgery, Dr. Rodwell has performed many procedures for residents in the Greater Charleston area. His expertise, compassionate approach, extensive qualifications, and stress-free demeanor will put you at ease immediately. He is committed to creating the best possible results for you.

Look younger with little discomfort or downtime. Call us for more information about  Blepharoplasty at (843) 628-1415 or schedule a consultation today!

Blepharoplasty FAQs

Does Blepharoplasty work on crow’s feet?

No, blepharoplasty resolves excess and sagging skin only. Crow’s feet are caused by underlying muscle movement. There are multiple procedures that can resolve this issue, however, like Botox, a brow lift, or facelift surgery.

Will blepharoplasty resolve the dark circles under my eyes?

Unfortunately, dark circles are not caused by excess skin so a blepharoplasty will not fix this issue. This dark undereye appearance is usually a result of visible blood vessels caused by heredity or lifestyle.

How long will my blepharoplasty result last?

Blepharoplasty results will last several years, but the procedure does not stop the aging process. Loose skin may appear years later but can be managed with other aesthetic procedures or additional surgery.

Is Blepharoplasty painful?

There is some pain associated with blepharoplasty. Following surgery, the patient will feel a tightening sensation, but that subsides within a few days. Usually, discomfort can be managed with medication.

Will there be bruising or scarring? If so, how long?

Bruising and scarring will be present after blepharoplasty. Bruises will diminish after week, and scars will remain pink for a few months, and then soften to a white, mostly invisible line after about six months.

Can Blepharoplasty be done on both men and women?

Yes, the procedure is an excellent option for both men and women. We welcome anyone looking for a more youthful appearance to speak with us to see if blepharoplasty in Charleston is right for them.

Is there an age limit for  Blepharoplasty?

There is not technically an age limit for the surgery. It is most often performed on individuals who are beginning to experience signs of aging, usually in their 30s or older. Though most professionals recommend that patients wait until they are least 18 years old, the surgery is available to anyone who has excess skin on their eyelids. Those who experience emotional or psychological issues at a young age may want to consider the operation.

What is the usual timeline for me to return to work after Blepharoplasty?

Usually, patients can return to work in a few days, although the healing process will likely be different for each patient. Your healing time depends on your age, health, procedure, and other factors. Patients who do not mind being seen with visible bruises often return to work very quickly.