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Eyelid Lift in St. Louis

Eyelid surgery (Blepharoplasty) can give the face a more youthful appearance by correcting drooping eyelids and puffy bags below the eyes. Since the eyes are the focal point of the face, this surgery can brighten your face and improve their overall appearance. The eyelid lift procedure usually takes 1-2 hours.

Eyelid Lift Procedure Information

  • This surgical procedure involves making incisions along the natural contour lines in the upper and lower eyelids. Excess skin is removed along with the fatty deposits that cause the bags and puffiness. This procedure may be done with a laser and may be performed in an office surgery suite as an outpatient or in an operating room.

Side Effects from Eyelid Lift Surgery

  • Swelling, bruising, sensitivity to light, excess tearing or dryness.

Recovery from Eyelid Lift Cosmetic Surgery

  • Back to work in 7-10 days. Reading 2-3 days, more strenuous activity 3 weeks. Swelling and bruising 2-3 weeks. Patient may need someone to stay with them for the first couple post-op days in case of moderate swelling.

Eyelid Lift Surgical Fees

  • Upper Lids: $3550 and up.
  • Lower Lids: $3550 and up.
  • Upper & Lower Lids: $6200 and up.
    Price based on O.R. time used.

More Eyelid Lift Surgery Information

Am I a good candidate for eyelid surgery?

Aesthetic eyelid surgery is performed on adults of all ages. Some people have eyelid surgery to correct problems that are a result of aging, while others have inherited traits that cause them to seek treatment as early as their 20s or 30s.

Any one or combination of the following conditions may indicate that you are a good candidate for eyelid surgery:

  • excess skin obscuring the natural fold of the upper eyelids
  • loose skin hanging down from the upper eyelids, perhaps impairing vision
  • a puffy appearance to the upper eyelids, making the eyes look tired
  • excess skin and fine, crepey wrinkles of the lower eyelids
  • bags and dark circles under the eyes, often with a depression along the bony border of the lower eyelids
  • droopiness of the lower eyelids, showing white below the iris (colored portion of the eye)

Aesthetic eyelid surgery can usually correct these problems, though other treatments may also need to be considered. For example, if the upper eyelid condition is accompanied by sagging of the eyebrows, then a forehead lift may be recommended. Smoothing of crow’s feet may require chemical peeling or laser resurfacing procedures. Circles beneath the eyes caused by dark pigmentation may be treated with a bleaching solution or chemical peel. Your plastic surgeon can provide further information if you have an interest in any of these additional procedures.

How will Dr. Rottler evaluate me for aesthetic eyelid surgery?

You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your medical history including previous surgeries, past and present medical conditions and current medications. It is important for you to provide complete information. High blood pressure, thyroid problems or diabetes are among the medical conditions that may increase the risks associated with eyelid surgery. Your plastic surgeon will want to know if you have allergies, especially if they affect your eyes. He may ask whether you have ever tried and were unable to wear contact lenses, you should bring them with you in case your surgeon wants to test your vision.

It will be necessary for Dr. Rottler to know if you were ever told by an ophthalmologist that you have a condition called “dry eye” or if you have any other problems with your eyes. One of several surgical techniques may be suggested to improve the appearance of your eyelids. The particular technique that your plastic surgeon recommends will depend on may factors such as the amount of excess fat and skin in the eyelid areas, the position of your eyebrows, and the condition of muscles around your eyelids.

How is Dr. Rottler able to improve the appearance of my upper eyelids?

For upper eyelid surgery, generally an incision is hidden within the natural fold of the upper eyelid and extends slightly beyond the outside corner into the laugh lines or other existing creases. Through this incision, excess skin and fatty tissue are removed. Because the incision follows the natural contour of the upper eyelid, it will be well camouflaged when healed.

What is done to improve the appearance of my lower eyelids?

For lower eyelid surgery, often an incision is hidden just below the lower lashes. Through this incision, excess skin, muscle and fat are removed, or fat may be redistributed to eliminate puffiness or bulges. Other adjustments to correct special problems such as muscle laxity may be performed. As in upper eyelid surgery, the incision is well camouflaged by natural creases.

In some cases, you and Dr. Rottler may decide that the best approach for removing excess fat is through an incision placed inside the lower eyelid. This technique requires no external incision, but it cannot be used to remove excess skin. A laser may sometimes be used in conjunction with this method to tighten the lower eyelid skin.

I understand that every surgical procedure has risks, but how will I learn more so that I can make an informed decision?

The subject of risks and potential complications of surgery is best discussed on a personal basis between you and Dr. Rottler, or with a staff member in Dr. Rottler’s office.

Some of the potential complications that may be discussed with you include hematoma (an accumulation of blood under the skin that may require removal), infection and reactions to anesthesia. Following the surgery, there can be a feeling of dryness or irritation in the eye that requires treatment. There is a possibility of a temporary decrease in sensation of the eyelid skin or impaired eyelid function that sometimes may need to be corrected by additional surgery. You can help minimize certain risks by following the advice and instructions of your plastic surgeon, both before and after your eyelid surgery.

Paul Rottler, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Call 314-966-8880