At some point, most of us come to a point where sufficient sleep, cosmetics, and eye creams just aren’t doing enough to stop our eyes from looking tired and aged. Eyelid surgery restores a more awake, friendly, and youthful appearance to the eyes by improving the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. As an internationally respected plastic surgeon who holds the distinctive honor of being the nation’s first triple board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Mentz performs some of the best blepharoplasty procedures that Houston has to offer.
Blepharoplasty, also called eyelid surgery, is designed to lift and rejuvenate the eyelids to create a more refreshed appearance. Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper eyelids or lower eyelids, or both during the same procedure. During upper eyelid surgery, loose skin is lifted and tightened to improve the appearance of hooded, sagging eyelids and in some cases, widen the field of vision. During lower eyelid surgery, puffy bags or dark circles under the eyes are reduced or eliminated and the under-eye area is left smoother and fuller. Blepharoplasty surgery ultimately achieves a more rested, youthful appearance.
Our Houston eyelid surgery is performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia (under the supervision of a board-certified anesthesiologist) at Dr. Mentz’s private AAAASF-certified SurgiCentre facility in Houston, Texas. For upper eyelid surgery, Dr. Mentz will make the incision within the fold of the eyelid. Through this incision, he will remove excess skin and fatty tissue, as well as tighten the muscles and tissues.
For the lower eyelids, he will make an inconspicuous incision just below the lower lash line. Through this he will remove excess fat or redistribute it to create a smoother, firmer appearance to this area. As an alternative, Dr. Mentz may perform a transconjunctival blepharoplasty through an incision made inside the lower eyelid. With this technique, no skin is removed and the incision is closed with dissolving sutures.
Because incisions for eyelid surgery are placed within the natural creases and structures of the eyelid region, any scarring is typically well hidden. Depending on the specific technique used and whether or not both upper and lower eyelids are combined in one procedure will determine the procedure time, but typically the average is 1 to 2 hours.
Though eyelid surgery can be performed alone, it’s often combined with another procedure, or even multiple procedures. During your consultation with Dr. Mentz, he will comprehensively evaluate the degree of laxity of each area of your face in order to recommend the procedure or combination of procedures that will help you to achieve the most youthful and natural appearance. Even the best blepharoplasty can be enhanced with other services. The most common procedures performed together with eyelid surgery include:
The cost of Dr. Mentz’s Houston blepharoplasty procedures varies by each unique case, as different patients will have different procedures added. Undergoing multiple procedures reduces the costs for anesthesia and facility time. Take a look at Dr. Mentz’s plastic surgery price list, but please note that the prices listed are for an estimate of fees only and that you will need a consultation to confirm any pricing.
In the first few days following your blepharoplasty, you should rest with your head elevated. To reduce bruising and swelling, Dr. Mentz may instruct you to apply cold compresses to the surgical regions. Most bruising diminishes within 7 to 10 days. You may initially feel a sensation of tightness around your eyes, which can be controlled with oral medications. You may experience minimal pain, redness, tired eyes, swelling, bruising, temporary sensitivity to light, blurred vision, and excess tearing and/or dryness.
These side effects are not dangerous, and will subside quickly. If they bother you, we recommend taking naps and avoiding activities that dry your eyes (such as reading, browsing your phone, watching TV, and using the computer).
Dr. Mentz may recommend eye drops to relieve any burning or itching you may experience. You will not be able to wear contact lenses for two weeks. Stitches are removed in one week. Scarring is usually minimal after three weeks, and undetectable in six months. Most patients are able to return to work in 5 to 7 days and resume exercise in three weeks.
If you’re in the Houston area and you’re considering an eyelid lift, you may be the perfect candidate. Those who generally make good candidates for this procedure are those who:
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