Upper Blepharoplasty Bellevue & Kirkland | Eyelid Surgery Bellevue & Kirkland

Aging affects the face in many unexpected ways. While most people expect to see some fine lines and wrinkles as they grow older, many do not expect the sagging or extra skin that can occur on the face. The eyelids are sometimes affected by extra skin and sagging, especially for people who are experiencing advanced signs of aging. Blepharoplasty surgery can correct this. Dr. Ludwig Allegra at Northwest Face & Body provides the best upper blepharoplasty Bellevue and Kirkland offers.

Overview: What Is Blepharoplasty Surgery?

Blepharoplasty surgery is the technical term for eyelid surgery. It can address either the upper or lower eyelids, or both. It removes extra skin and fat that can collect on the upper lid and addresses the sagging of the eyelid itself. Blepharoplasty is often combined with other anti-aging procedures such as facelifts and brow lifts.

An upper eyelid blepharoplasty normally involves an incision in the natural crease of the eye. This effectively hides it and makes it less likely that a thick scar will form. People of all ages may under an upper eyelid surgery for a variety of reasons. Though, it is most common in people above the age of 45.

The Science Behind Eyelid Aging

The main cause of aging of the eyelids is the reduction in collagen production and overall loss of collagen and elastin. This thins the skin and weakens the structures within it, causing sagging. However, eyelid skin is especially susceptible to this because they consist of some of the thinnest skin on the face. Therefore, additional thinning can cause rather rapid and visible sagging.

Along with the natural aging process, certain medical conditions, environmental factors, or injuries to the eye can cause drooping eyelids. For example, diabetes, nerve issues, and other eye surgeries can impact the rate and amount that eyelids sag. Additionally, sometimes when performed incorrectly, patients may end up with a droopy eyelid due to Botox injections. This will wear off as the Botox does.

Benefits Of Eyelid Surgery

Upper blepharoplasty surgery comes with many benefits to people experiencing eyelid ptosis or extra skin. Some of the possible benefits include

• Removal of extra skin and fat deposits
• Lifting the overall eyelid appearance
• Correct vision issues due to obstruction caused by sagging
• Enhanced eye shape
• Younger appearance
• Look better rested and approachable
• Hidden, minimal scarring
• Considered one of the least invasive plastic surgery procedures
• Sometimes performed under local anesthesia
• Quick procedure
• Natural appearance
• Little recovery or downtime
• Minimal post-operative pain
• May provide moderate improvement to wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes
• Performed by a plastic surgeon with over thirty years of experience

Upper Blepharoplasty vs. Brow Lift

An upper blepharoplasty and brow lift surgeries are often performed together. They are also similar surgeries because they both correct the sagging of the upper face. However, they are two separate surgeries. The table below details some of the major differences between an upper blepharoplasty and a brow lift.

Upper Blepharoplasty

• Focuses on upper eyelids
• More likely to improve the field of vision
• Does not reposition the brows
• Little brow improvement
• Incisions in the hairline
• Less surgical time
• Minimal wrinkles correction

Brow Lift

• Focuses on brows
• Less likely to interfere with the field of vision
• Repositions the brows
• May result in a slight eyelid lift
• Incisions in eye crease
• Longer surgical time
• Better wrinkle correction

The best way to know if a brow lift, blepharoplasty, or combination is right for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Allegra. He will examine your unique anatomy and situation to determine what will provide you with the best results.

Upper Blepharoplasty From Start To Finish

Consultation

During a consultation at Northwest Face & Body, you will meet with Dr. Allegra who will ask about your goals and concerns. He then may also inquire about aspects of your medical history and lifestyle to ensure you are a good candidate for both surgery and an upper blepharoplasty specifically. Finally, he will conduct a thorough examination of the eyelids and surrounding areas.

If Dr. Allegra believes you are a good candidate for blepharoplasty surgery, he will create an approach customized to your goals and anatomy. He will explain this in detail as well as any other procedures he may recommend and the results you can expect. Before leaving the office, you will receive a personalized price quote as well as any clearances you may require.

Surgery

Once you arrive, are prepped for surgery, and receive either local or general anesthesia, Dr. Allegra will begin surgery. Generally, an upper blepharoplasty begins with a thin incision in the crease of the eyelid. From there, he will remove extra skin and fat deposits. He may also tighten the underlying muscles if necessary.

Dr. Allegra will repeat this process on the other eyelid. He will maintain your natural anatomy and stitch so that the incision is hidden within the eyelid. An entire upper blepharoplasty can take under an hour to perform. Sometimes the surgical time is as little as 20 minutes. Having other procedures such as a brow lift at the same time will add on surgical time.

Recovery

For the first few days, your eyes will likely be swollen and red. You may experience some minor pain and the eyes are more prone to dryness and overall more sensitive. Many patients tend to recover from a blepharoplasty within one to two weeks, though they should continue to refrain from strenuous exercise until cleared by Dr. Allegra. 

Some of the post-operative instructions may include:

• Apply cold compresses and/or ice for the first two days
• Avoid applying makeup for a week
• Elevate the head of the bed
• Refrain from strenuous activities for at least two weeks
• Do not watch TV, read, or do anything that requires eye concentration for about two days
• Do not drive for at least three days

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Blepharoplasty Painful?

All surgical procedures will come with some pain. However, blepharoplasty is actually considered one of the least painful plastic surgeries. Since the surgical area is so small, as are the incisions, there is less trauma to the body than with other procedures. Dr. Allegra will likely still prescribe prescription pain medications. Though, many patients report a limited need for them.

Can Botox Be Used For Droopy Eyelids?

Technically, yes, though it does so by treating the brows and not the eyelids themselves. This is because Botox can worsen droopiness if not performed correctly. Generally, it is only used in mild cases, or on patients who are younger and naturally have hooded eyes. Dr. Allegra can discuss the possibility of Botox injections with you.

What Are The Risks Of Eyelid Surgery?

Every surgical procedure comes with some risk. Overall, upper eyelid surgery is extremely safe. Dr. Allegra will also evaluate your individual risks during your consultation to determine that you have a low risk of complications. Some of the associated risks include:

• Infection
• Visible or raised scarring
• Bleeding
• Prolonged dry eye
• Reactions to anesthesia
• Skin discoloration
• Injury to eye muscles
• Blurred vision (almost always temporary)

How Much Is An Upper Blepharoplasty?

An upper blepharoplasty with Dr. Allegra at Northwest Face & Body starts at $4,285. This only accounts for the upper eyelid surgery, adding the lower lids or other procedures will incur additional charges. You can find a comprehensive and searchable list of our prices on our price list.

Northwest Face & Body also works with outside financing companies to help make your Bellevue upper blepharoplasty surgery fit your budget. You can find more about our plastic surgery financing options and links to apply on our financing page. 

What Can I Expect From Scarring?

Scarring from blepharoplasty is almost always hidden and minimal. There is a small risk of visible or raised scarring, but this is unlikely when seeing an experienced surgeon like Dr. Allegra. If you are prone to raised scarring or keloids, Dr. Allegra may not recommend surgery.

The Best Upper Eyelid Surgery In Bellevue & Kirkland

Northwest Face & Body has served Bellevue and Kirkland for over thirty years. Featuring a luxury surgical suite and on the shores of Lake Washington, it is the quintessential stop for all of your plastic surgery and cosmetic needs. Less than ten minutes from both Bellevue and Kirkland, Northwest Face & Body offers the best upper blepharoplasty Bellevue and Kirkland provides.

Dr. Ludwig Allegra is a plastic surgeon and otolaryngologist who has performed facial surgeries for three decades. With his expertise in both medical and cosmetic specialties, he treats each patient using both his medical and aesthetic knowledge to promote the best results.

To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 425-576-1700. You can also reach out online using Price Simulator, chat, and contact form.