All You Need To Know About Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery is the surgical process of fixing eyelid problems. While there may be several eyelid conditions, the most common ones are droopy eyelids and saggy eyelids. Droopy upper eyelid is even more common than saggy eyelid and so, upper eyelid surgery has the highest number of eyelid surgeries.
Causes of droopy or saggy eyelid
When the thin membrane holding the eyelid fat begins to thin out, fat prolapse may occur. And when the prolapse becomes excessive, the fat will sag as a response to gravity pressure. So, fat prolapse is a common cause of droopy eyelid.
Rubbing your eyes too often will stretch out the muscles and the skin of your eyelids and if this happens over a long time, the muscles and skin may not return to their original shape. So, you should never rub your eyes for any reason.
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Droopy eyelid can also occur as an allergy or as a reaction to certain drug. Droopy eyelid is also caused by heredity as members of some family have it naturally. In such families, several members have the condition at birth. Salty food can also make the food hold on to fluid. Eating such food over a long time can contribute considerably to having droopy eyelid.
Saggy eyelid or puffy eyes are also caused by either skin allergies or fat prolapse. These allergies make the skin retain excess fluid, thereby leading to saggy lower eyelids. In addition, eye bags under your eyes can also lead to dark areas around the eyes.
Eyelid surgery recovery time
There will be some bruising and swelling after your eyelid surgery, so you should apply cold packs for about 10 minutes within every hour until the swelling and bruises are reduced. This should reduce to 15 minutes of application in every 2 hours beginning from the fourth day after the surgery.
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You may also facilitate the healing process with warm compresses but that should begin after 7 days of the surgery. It is not uncommon to experience some pain and discomfort after the surgery. All of them will fizzle out after the third week. Full recovery will take several weeks but before then, you must avoid wearing contact lenses and also stay away from applying makeup.
Cost of eyelid surgery
The cost of eyelid surgery varies because it depends on several factors. First, different surgeons charge different amount for the service. The complexity of surgical procedure also matter since some procedures are costlier than others. Where the surgery is performed will also play a role in the cost of eyelid surgery. If upper eyelids and/or lower eyelid surgery is performed that will also dictate the cost. In Santa Barbara, for upper eyelids, the cost of eyelid surgery can range between $2500 and $3500 under local anesthesia. If general anesthesia is used, the cost increases. For lower blepharoplasty, the costs is around $4000. Performing both procedures can range between $6000 and $7000.
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In cases, where blepharoplasty surgery is combined with other procedures such as a facelift, the overall cost can be reduced. When combining blepharoplasty with a browlift procedure, costs can increase an additional $3000.
The surgery will include anesthesia, prescriptions, and medical tests and all come at different charges. Most importantly, highly experienced certified facial plastic surgeons often charge relatively higher. However, they also offer the best treatment. Contact your Santa Barbara plastic surgeon to find out which procedures may be right for you.
Always keep in mind there are non-surgical alternatives for milder aesthetic cases. For sagging eyelids, Botox brow lift is very popular. For under eye bags, non-surgical eyelid lift is the preferred option for many patients who have dark circles and under eye hollows and do not want to undergo the expense or have invasive surgery. Additionally, for complete eye rejuvenation, Botox injections can be used around the eyes for crow’s feet and other fine lines and wrinkles
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION TODAY
Interested to know more about eyelid surgery cost in Santa Barbara? Wondering if you are an ideal candidate for the procedure? Schedule your plastic surgery consultation today! Call Dr. Sheffield at our Santa Barbara office (805) 318-3280.
