Expert Eyelid Surgery To Refresh Your Look and Vision
Droopy or saggy eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a specialized, low-risk procedure designed to improve the appearance and function of the eyelids by removing excess skin, fat, or muscle. Whether you have droopy eyelids that impair your vision or want to restore a more youthful look, this procedure is ideal for addressing puffiness, under-eye bags, and sagging eyelid tissue.
At Professional Eye Associates, our board-certified eye surgeons combine advanced techniques with compassionate, personalized care. Professional Eye Surgery Center in Dalton, GA is the one and only AAAHC-certified, All-Eye Outpatient Surgery Center in Northwest Georgia. We’re proud to provide expert eye solutions tailored to your unique needs. Schedule a consultation today to learn if blepharoplasty is right for you.
Why Do Eyelids Droop or Sag?
Eyelids tend to sag naturally as we age: our skin loses elasticity, and the muscles that support the eyelids become a bit weaker. Dermatochalasis is a very common age-related change to the upper and lower eyelids. The skin loses strength and becomes stretched and saggy, and the underlying orbital fat begins to protrude which causes a puffy and swollen appearance. When the upper eyelid skin sags over the eyes, it can block vision; the eyebrow muscles are then activated to lift the sagging skin out of the way, but this can lead to eye strain, headache, and deep wrinkles in the forehead.
Other factors that can contribute to droopy eyelids include:
- Injury or trauma
- Bell’s palsy
- Smoking
- Underlying medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, thyroid disorders, neurological diseases)
- Excessive sun exposure, which accelerates skin elasticity loss
Common symptoms of droopy eyelids include tired-looking eyes, peripheral vision difficulties, double vision, excessive tear production, and eye strain.
Blepharoplasty at Professional Eye Surgery Center
Blepharoplasty is the surgical treatment for upper and lower eyelid dermatochalasis. Functional upper eyelid blepharoplasty is covered by insurance because the sagging skin negatively impacts vision; however, both non-functional (cosmetic) upper eyelid and lower eyelid blepharoplasty are typically not covered by insurance because vision is not affected. Our eye surgeons specialize in both upper and lower blepharoplasty. Upper eyelid surgery commonly addresses droopy lids and excess skin that obstructs vision. Lower eyelid surgery is generally performed to reduce puffiness, under-eye bags, and sagging skin for a youthful, rejuvenated look.
For blepharoplasty, as well as all other eye procedures, Professional Eye Associates conforms to the highest surgical standards. Our highly trained eye surgeons and skilled, licensed personnel will prioritize your safety and individual needs every step of the way. Please remember that in order to help ensure a successful surgery and smooth recovery, it is important to inform your eye doctor about your full medical history and any medications you are taking.
What You Need To Know About Eyelid Surgery
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How to Prepare for Eyelid Surgery
Preparing for eyelid surgery starts with a comprehensive eye exam to ensure you’re ready for the procedure and receive personalized care. Please be prepared to share your medical history, including any pre existing eye conditions, at your exam appointment. If we determine that eyelid surgery is right for you, we will schedule the procedure, and your eye doctor will give you pre-operative instructions to follow, such as:
- Avoiding blood-thinning medications and supplements
- Stopping smoking
- Removing contact lenses on the day of surgery
- Arranging transportation after your procedure
- Performing additional vision evaluations, if necessary
What Happens During Eyelid Surgery?
Blepharoplasty is a straightforward outpatient procedure performed under local anesthetic. We will numb the eye and eyelid area being operated on, so you may feel some pressure or tugging, but no pain. Our anesthesia specialist will also administer oral or IV sedation to help you stay relaxed throughout the procedure. Here’s what to expect:
- Incision Placement: Incisions are carefully placed along the natural eyelid creases to minimize scarring.
- Tissue Removal/Repositioning: Excess skin, fat, or muscle is removed or repositioned to achieve the desired results.
- Closure: Incisions are closed with fine sutures to promote proper healing.
The procedure is typically 30-60 minutes, and after being monitored for a short time by our attentive staff, patients can go home the same day as long as they have arranged for transportation.
What to Expect After Eyelid Surgery
Recovery from eyelid surgery is generally smooth, with most patients healing fairly quickly. Swelling, bruising, and even a little asymmetry are common and normal during the first 1-2 weeks, but these symptoms improve significantly with proper post-operative care as directed by your eye surgeon. To aid healing, keep your head elevated, use ice packs as directed, and follow instructions for prescribed eye drops or medications.
Within a week, you can typically resume light activities like watching TV or reading. After about ten days, you should be able to return to work, wear makeup, and resume all your normal activities. Over the following weeks and months, you’ll notice gradual improvements as your results settle—revealing a refreshed, youthful appearance and improved vision. The results of blepharoplasty can last for years, and for many, they are permanent. By following your post-op care plan and attending follow-up visits, you’ll achieve the best possible outcome from your procedure.
Are There Risks Associated with Eyelid Surgery?
While diabetic retinopathy treatments are generally safe, like any procedure, they carry some risks.
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Dry eyes
- Temporary blurred vision
If you experience those complications and they do not resolve within the first two weeks, please contact us so we can help ease your discomfort. Rare but serious complications can include infection or poor eyelid closure.
At Professional Eye Associates, our board-certified surgeons follow the highest safety standards to minimize risks and help ensure a smooth recovery. Following post-operative instructions will also help ensure a positive recovery process.
Enhance Your Vision and Confidence with Expert Eyelid Surgery
At Professional Eye Associates, our skilled surgeons provide the highest level of care, combining advanced surgical techniques with personalized attention. Our world-class Surgery Center, conveniently located in Dalton, makes getting eyelid surgery and a wide range of other specialized eye procedures easy for the communities of Northwest Georgia and southern Tennessee.
Discover how blepharoplasty can help you look and feel your best — schedule your consultation today!