Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) in Oklahoma City, OK

Since the eyes are one of the most noticeable features, it’s often necessary to turn to surgery to refresh and restore them once they look aged and dull. At Cosmetic Surgery Affiliates in Oklahoma City, cosmetic surgeons can perform eyelid surgery (also called blepharoplasty) to remove excess fat and fullness around the upper and/or lower eyelids. In addition, Dr. Erik Nuveen and Dr. Courtney Caplin can lift sagging skin around the eye region so that eyes appear more alert, refreshed, and overall younger-looking. Eyelid surgery can also address bags and wrinkles around the eyes for an overall improved look.

The upper blepharoplasty aims to correct the sagging skin that overhangs the upper lid. An upper eyelid lift removes mostly skin and a small amount of fat from the inner corner of the eye. The result is a more open-eyed appearance and an absolute improvement in light entering the eye! Patients often report seeing traffic lights with ease and generally perceiving a broader visual field. The lower blepharoplasty is aimed at correcting the” bags” and wrinkles that form underneath the eye. The surgery can be done from an incision underneath the eyelashes (subciliary approach) or through the clear tissue inside the lower eyelid (transconjunctival). Dr. Nuveen will inform you which the best approach is for you. The fat is then gently removed, and a small amount of skin is removed or tightened with the use of chemical peels or laser skin resurfacing. The result is a natural and refreshed look.

Learn more by contacting our Oklahoma City, OK facility today to schedule your initial consultation.

contact us

A hooded appearance of the eyes can cause people to look angry, irritated, and annoyed. Eyelid surgery is a terrific option to remedy this problem and can lead to a much more youthful and lively look by reducing unwanted areas of fat and/or sagging skin near the eyes. This allows patients to feel much more comfortable about their overall appearance and can even increase their vision in certain cases.

Blepharoplasty is a facial cosmetic enhancement that is sought out by both men and women. At your first visit, treatment alternatives will be provided by Dr. Nuveen based on your areas of concern that need to be corrected. Most often, ideal candidates are impaired by excess, sagging skin and folds above their eyes or bulging skin below the bottom eyelid. These conditions can cause functional problems that can get in the way of daily life. For a more awake facial appearance, eyelid surgery may be the right surgery for you. If you have hanging skin that folds over on the upper eyelid or bulges and puffiness under the eyes, blepharoplasty can treat this to give you a more youthful appearance.

The procedure may either be performed on the upper eyelid only or the lower lid or both. There will be a difference in approaches when it comes to the upper and lower eyelids, but the method is similar; removing any loose skin or tissue and extracting or repositioning the fat deposit. There will also be separate incisions spots. It is important to understand that this will not help with other cosmetic issues, such as Crow’s feet, wrinkles, or dark circles. The results of eyelid surgery are fairly isolated within the upper and lower lid section only. There are other procedures that can be combined, for example, the use of BOTOX®, to create a maximized outcome.

At Cosmetic Surgery Affiliates, our skilled surgeons perform both upper and lower eyelid surgery.

• Upper Eyelid Surgery

The most common problem with the upper eyelid is excess skin that droops and hangs over the eyes. Not only does this look unappealing, but it can also obstruct vision for a patient. The doctor will create an incision along the natural fold of the eyelid and extract any excess fat and tissue to remove any bulges. Once done, excess skin will also be trimmed, and the cut will be closed with fine sutures. There are cases when fat tissues are only repositioned instead of excised for upper eyelid tightening. 

• Lower Eyelid Surgery

There are two options for incisions when it comes to lower eyelid surgery. This treatment will improve any appearance of bulging and sagging below the eye for undereye bag removal. Incisions may be made just slightly below the lash line, and excess fat, tissue, or skin will be excised. If the skin has retained good elasticity, a transconjunctival incision may be a better option as the cut is made inside the lower eyelid, which effectively makes any resulting scar concealed. A lower lid lift does not necessarily improve the dark circles that may occur under the eyes. The surgeon may recommend combining a lower blepharoplasty with another procedure such as a chemical peel or an injectable filler.

Eyelid surgery is performed with general anesthesia. If the procedure involves both upper and lower eyelids, the plastic surgeon will typically manage the upper eyelid first. On average, it takes 1 – 2 hours to complete the operation. The patient will be sent home for recovery. For the first few days, there will be swelling and discoloration around the area. It is advised that the head is elevated for the first few days. Pain medications and antibiotics will be prescribed to manage the initial discomfort. Strenuous activities must also be restricted.

The average fee for this surgery is $7,010 if both the lower and upper eyelids are addressed. For patients who desire to only treat the upper or lower eyelids, the price is $3,555.  In most cases, insurance will not cover cosmetic eyelid surgery. 

**Fee's that are posted are subject to change. No doctor/patient relationship is established until the exam. Consent in perpetuity until canceled in writing.

Will I have scars after eyelids surgery?
Eyelid surgery, whether upper or lower, generally does not cause visible scarring. This is because the surgeon takes great care to ensure that the incisions are made within the natural lines and folds of the eyes. Once the surgical healing has passed, the incisions will not be noticeable even to the naked eye.

Can a blepharoplasty correct wrinkles and Crow's feet?
Crow’s feet and forehead wrinkles are better treated with procedures such as a facelift, browlift, or a cheek lift as the results of the eyelid surgery are confined to the eyelids only. Eyelid surgery can also be combined with a nonsurgical procedure such as BOTOX®, which combats wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes. An injectable filler can also be effective because it adds volume to hollow areas for a softer, smoother appearance. 

Are there any post-surgery complications associated with blepharoplasty?
Complications and irritations after surgery are rare. Patients must strictly adhere to care instructions prescribed by the surgeon to minimize any risks of infection as the eyes can be sensitive after surgery. Patients must always take the precaution of protecting their eyes from the sun and wind during the first few weeks of recovery. 

Can a blepharoplasty get rid of dark circles?
The most common reason for dark circles under or around the eyes is thinning skin with age. The best alternative is for a Cosmetic Surgeon evaluation and to consider either serial or repeat chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing, or microneedling to thicken skin over time.

Can a blepharoplasty improve eyesight?
Blepharoplasty not only corrects a cosmetic issue but a functional one as well. Many patients with excess hanging skin on their upper eyelid are able to regain normal vision after surgery. For many, simply applying makeup without maneuvering around the excess skin is refreshing in and of itself. 

If you are having a hard time seeing due to excess skin on the upper eyelid, or you are frustrated by puffy bags under your eyes, then blepharoplasty at Cosmetic Surgery Affiliates may be the answer for you. This treatment can help you look refreshed and youthful while offering a beautiful solution to your vision impairment concerns. We encourage you to call our office in Oklahoma City, OK, to learn more and schedule a consultation.