Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) in Virginia Beach, VA
Also serving Chesapeake & Norfolk
Eyelid lift surgery is probably the most popular facial procedure – and for good reason. One of the first things people notice about you are your eyes. Led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kevin Bounds, Plastic Surgery of Virginia Beach offers eyelid lift surgery to the residents of Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News and surrounding communities in Virginia.
Before and After Blepharoplasty Results
Blepharoplasty Case 1
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What is Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)?
Your eyes often convey how you’re feeling, your emotions and your general well-being. They also are one of the first facial features affected by the signs of aging that can be minimized with eyelid lift surgery.
Eyelid lift surgery is a procedure that removes fat and excess skin, as well as lifts and shapes the upper and lower eyelids. Blepharoplasty rejuvenates your eyes by removing the excess skin and fat that creates puffiness and bags under your eyes. Eyelid surgery can have a dramatic impact on your appearance, making you look years younger.
Is Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) Right for Me?
Ideal candidates for eyelid surgery are healthy individuals who have excess skin and/or fat around the upper and lower eyelids. People with droopy eyelids that affect their vision are considered ideal candidates whether or not they are interested in the procedure for cosmetic reasons.
Occasionally, medical conditions, such as dry eyes, glaucoma or diabetes, may affect whether Dr. Bounds recommends this procedure for you. Dr. Bounds will review your medical history and determine if there are any limiting factors that would preclude this surgery, as well as outline any risks or complications associated with the procedure.
In the majority of cases, blepharoplasty is an ideal way to correct droopy or puffy upper and lower eyelids.
The Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) Procedure
There are several surgical techniques available that will lift and reduce the puffiness of your eyelids. Dr. Bounds will thoroughly evaluate your particular situation and take into consideration factors such as the shape of your eyes, the extent of excess skin and fat around the eyelids and the muscle structure and skin elasticity of your eyelids.
The eyelid lift surgery procedure may be performed under local or general anesthesia. Dr. Bounds will discuss the benefits of each and assist you in making the decision as to which you would prefer. The majority of our patients prefer local anesthesia
Your surgery will be performed in an out-patient setting in our AAAASF accredited surgical suite, attended by Dr. Bounds, a board-certified anesthesiologist (if general anesthesia is chosen) and a complete surgical staff. Blepharoplasty surgery typically takes about one hour and you will be able to go home within a few hours after your surgery.
Recovery from the Eyelid Surgery Procedure
After eyelid surgery, cold compresses may be recommended to reduce swelling and bruising. Dr. Bounds may prescribe antibiotic ointment to prevent infection and will provide lubricating eye drops.
In most cases, you will be able to resume normal activities within seven to 10 days after your surgery.
You should closely follow Dr. Bounds’s recommendation regarding the proper way to clean your eyes and the use of lubricating eye drops and compresses.
You may resume wearing contact lenses after two weeks.
How Much Does Blepharoplasty Cost in Virginia Beach?
The cost of blepharoplasty varies from patient to patient, depending on the extent of work that needs to be done. During your consultation, Dr. Bounds will discuss the various costs associated with eyelid surgery.
On all procedures, we are proud to offer CareCredit® and ALPHAEON financing to our clients whom wish to use convenient monthly plans. For more information, visit our financing page.
Plastic Surgery of Virginia Beach is passionately committed to reflecting your inner beauty. Using the latest and most advanced procedures for cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Kevin Bounds and his team offer blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) to the residents of Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News and the surrounding communities in Virginia. Contact us today!
Eyelid Surgery FAQs
What is the difference between eyelid surgery and brow lift?
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid lift, is a procedure that targets drooping eyelids by removing excess skin, fat and sometimes muscle between the eyebrow and eyelash, but does not change the position of the eyebrow. If you are satisfied with the shape and placement of your brow, but have loose skin below the brow, an eyelid lift may be all you need. A temporal brow lift is recommended when your brow is at or below the roof of your eye socket, or it has lost its natural, gently curved contour.
If “hooding” of your upper eyelids was caused by both loose skin and brow descent, a temporal brow lift will also improve the overall rejuvenation of skin around the eyes.
Are the results of a blepharoplasty permanent?
The good news is that once fat is removed during eyelid surgery, it will never come back. Blepharoplasty does not freeze time, however; you will experience a normal loosening of skin over the next 10 or 20 years. Eyelid surgery has reset the clock, so that the natural “aging” process starts with much younger-looking skin. If you have a twin sister or brother who does not have the procedure, while you do, you will always look younger than your twin who did not have surgery.
Because the result is long-lasting, it is important that a surgeon refrain from removing too much skin. Experienced Virginia Beach plastic surgeon Dr. Kevin Bounds favors a conservative approach, removing an amount that is sufficient to give you a relaxed, optimistic look. When too much skin is excised, the result may make the patient look unnatural.
Will there be scarring?
Scars resulting from eyelid surgery are typically minor. Often they are only visible when you close your eyes — not even the most inquisitive friend will be able to discover your secret in the blink of an eye.
When a surgeon makes the upper eyelid incision, it may sometimes also include a small portion of the “crow’s feet” area. Even here, the resulting mark will fade. It may seem counterintuitive, but the thin skin of the eyelid is less likely to form scars than thicker skin elsewhere on the body. The eyelid skin is the thinnest skin in our body.
When fat is removed from the lower eyelid as part of the surgery, incisions are made either inside the lower eyelid, where a scar cannot be seen, or beneath the lash line, where this thin scar is rarely noticeable.
All scars will gradually fade over a period of about one year. In addition, your degree of scarring will depend on both your DNA and the skill of your surgeon. Dr. Bounds is experienced in the precise placement of incisions, and will provide post-surgical care that promotes optimal healing to minimize scarring.
The eyes really are “windows to our soul.” The satisfaction with this procedure is one of the highest in the field of plastic surgery. If you are considering eyelid rejuvenation (or if Dr. Bounds has just taken care of one of your friends … who looks fabulous), you will not be disappointed in learning about this option by making an appointment today!
Can Blepharoplasty Treat “Crow’s Feet”?
While certain blepharoplasty techniques may lessen wrinkles on the outer edges of your eyes, called “crow’s feet,” there are other more effective ways to reduce this sign of aging. Blepharoplasty specifically targets the upper and lower eyelids to remove excess skin, reposition fat and tighten tissues to eliminate eyelid drooping or sagging skin. Botox treatments may complement your blepharoplasty results and reduce “crow’s feet.”
Who is a Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
Someone with moderate to severe eyelid skin redundancy can benefit from blepharoplasty. However, you need to be in overall good health with no eye diseases or conditions that could complicate the procedure and recovery. It’s essential to have realistic expectations for your results and be a nonsmoker, as smoking can affect the healing process.
How Soon Can I Go Back to Work?
Most patients need to take one week off work for the initial recovery process after blepharoplasty. However, you may wish to take more time out of the office if you still have visible signs of the procedure. You will still need to follow all post-op instructions for optimal healing and results, such as protecting your eyes with dark sunglasses.
Do I Need to Prepare for the Procedure?
Dr. Bounds will outline your pre-op instructions to prepare you for blepharoplasty. You may need to stop taking medications such as aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs or stop smoking. If you wear contacts, Dr. Bounds may recommend you switch to prescription eyeglasses during this time. Do not wear makeup or face lotion the day of your procedure and arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24-48 hours.
Where Is Blepharoplasty Performed?
Your blepharoplasty at Plastic Surgery of Virginia Beach is performed by our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Kevin Bounds, at our surgical facility, which is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). Our surgical center meets the high standards required by AAAASF for a safe, sterile surgical environment performed by qualified and experienced hands.
How Long Does Blepharoplasty Take?
Eyelid surgery with Dr. Bounds can take one to two hours, but this timeframe varies by patient and the details of your procedure.
Will Insurance Cover My Blepharoplasty?
Sometimes, upper eyelid blepharoplasty is deemed medically necessary because the drooping eyelid affects your vision. You may have to physically lift the sagging skin to see, in which case your insurance provider may cover some or all the surgical expenses. Blepharoplasty for strictly cosmetic purposes does not qualify for insurance coverage.
You can contact your insurance provider to learn more about your eligibility.
How Do I Choose a Plastic Surgeon for Blepharoplasty?
The eye area contains many sensitive structures. Performing blepharoplasty requires not only skill but also detailed knowledge of and experience with these structures. For more than 30 years Dr. Bounds has helped patients eliminate eyelid skin redundancy with blepharoplasty. He is certified by the prestigious American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). View our before and after gallery to see images of blepharoplasty patients and check out our reviews. Here is one:
“I am a man who came to Dr. Bounds for upper and lower eyelid surgery. I took my time in researching and investigating what was the best route, and honestly, Dr. Bounds and his team were a top-notch experience. He is very thorough and takes the time to listen to what the patient wants, and also very meticulous in getting the optimal result. I am absolutely amazed with how my surgery turned out, and I would recommend him in a heartbeat. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my results!”
– Master D.
