Eyelid Surgery in Washington D.C.

An eyelid lift is often performed in conjunction with a brow lift or a mid-facelift to provide a smoother, more youthful look to the face. Many patients have blepharoplasty in conjunction with body contouring.

In most cases, eyelid lift surgery is considered cosmetic surgery and, therefore, is not covered by insurance. You are responsible for the full payment of the procedure. Cost and payment information will be fully discussed with you during your initial consultation. In rare instances, insurance will cover the cost of an eyelid lift if it is considered medically necessary to improve vision that is impaired due to overhanging eyelid skin or drooping of the upper eyelid itself (ptosis).

Injections of BOTOX® Cosmetic can be a temporary, non-surgical alternative to an eyelid lift. These injections can reduce or eliminate wrinkling skin around the eyes by blocking the nerve impulses to temporarily paralyze the muscles that cause wrinkles. Meticulous medically directed skin care may also improve the skin tone, skin coloring, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Laser resurfacing and chemical peels are less invasive but very effective method to improve tone, wrinkles, and even contour.

While the results of your blepharoplasty will be very eye-catching, your scars will be virtually invisible after your healing process! With decades of combined experience, your team at West End Plastic Surgery are certified experts in hiding and minimizing incision scars. The incisions may look slightly pink for up to six months or longer. But eventually, these scars fade to a thin white or flesh-colored scar that most patients cannot even identify. It is important to protect your scars from sunlight for at least one year after your procedure to prevent darkening.

Your results will depend on the type of eyelid procedure that you have. The results of a lower blepharoplasty, an eyelid surgery performed on the lower lids, can last 5 to 10 years, or sometimes even longer. An upper eyelid correction can last roughly five to seven years. While cosmetic procedures can turn back the clock to create a rejuvenated and youthful appearance, it is important to remember the natural aging process does not stop. Aging, gravity and some environmental factors will eventually cause the results of your eyelid surgery to fade over time.

There is no right or wrong age to consider eyelid surgery! On average, individuals who choose eyelid surgery are 35 years of age or older. But patients choose to have the procedure for a variety of reasons. For example, if your droopy eyelids are the result of a past injury or are an inherited condition, you may decide the surgery is right for you at a younger age.

Drooping and sagging around the eyes, often associated with one of the first signs of aging, is a common complaint we hear from patients. Simple lifestyle choices are important for maintaining your skin’s health, such as staying hydrated, using appropriate sunscreen, and getting adequate sleep. Certain cosmetic products like eye creams can also improve the appearance of droopy eyelids by providing hydration and increasing skin elasticity. Non-surgical cosmetic treatments can include dermal fillers such as Botox and Dysport or laser resurfacing. However, surgical correction is the only solution for long-term results that do not require regular treatment or repeat procedures.

Upper and lower eyelid surgeries address different concerns and involve distinct techniques:

Upper Eyelid Surgery: This procedure primarily targets the removal of excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids, which can create a heavy, drooping appearance and sometimes impair vision. The goal is to restore a more youthful, open look to the eyes while maintaining natural eyelid contours. The incision is typically made along the natural crease of the eyelid, which allows for discreet scarring.

Lower Eyelid Surgery: Lower eyelid surgery is mainly focused on correcting bags under the eyes, reducing puffiness, and improving the appearance of dark circles. This surgery may involve the repositioning or removal of fat pads below the eyes, and sometimes tightening the skin. Incisions are generally made just below the lash line or on the inside of the eyelid (transconjunctival approach) to minimize visible scarring.

Aging can influence both the results and the longevity of eyelid surgery outcomes. While the procedure can dramatically rejuvenate the area around your eye, factors like skin elasticity, facial volume, and overall health, which naturally change with age, can affect how long these results last. Typically, younger patients may enjoy longer-lasting results due to better skin elasticity, whereas older patients might see subtle changes quicker as the natural aging process continues. Our team provides advice on ways to maintain results, including skincare routines and lifestyle choices that can mitigate aging effects, to all our patients after surgery.

Eyelid surgery for men is tailored to preserve masculine features while addressing concerns such as drooping eyelids or under-eye bags. Men's eyelids tend to be thicker and have more pronounced brow ridges than women's, so techniques are adjusted to prevent overcorrection that might feminize the face. The goal is to maintain a natural, refreshed look that aligns with male facial aesthetics, focusing on minimizing downtime and scars, especially considering that men may be less likely to wear makeup to conceal healing. Blepharoplasty is a popular surgery among male patients because it is a subtle form of rejuvenation that does not dramatically change one’s appearance.

Patients often report a significant boost in self-confidence and psychological well-being following eyelid surgery. By correcting issues like saggy eyelids or under-eye bags, the procedure can make individuals look more rested and alert, often making them feel more vibrant and youthful. This enhancement in appearance can lead to improved social interactions and personal satisfaction. Moreover, removing the visual impairment caused by heavily drooping lids can also relieve anxiety and improve daily functioning, contributing further to psychological uplift.

Eyelid surgery can be highly customized to fit individual anatomical needs and aesthetic goals. Customization may include adjusting the extent of fat removal, tightening the skin and muscles, and reshaping the eyelid area to enhance overall facial harmony. For individuals with specific cultural aesthetics or facial features, the procedure can be tailored to ensure that the results are both flattering and preserve ethnic characteristics. Additionally, the surgeon can combine eyelid surgery with other facial treatments such as brow lifts or fillers to achieve a more comprehensive rejuvenation based on the patient's unique facial structure and aging pattern.