Eyelid Lift in Westchester, New York

Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) can rejuvenate the eyes by removing excess fat, skin, and muscle from the upper and/or lower eyelids. Upper eyelid surgery helps puffy, saggy, or tired-looking eyes, and can also improve the patient's field of vision. Patients who are bothered by eyes that look tired due to puffiness or bags, may consider lower eyelid surgery to reveal a more youthful and energetic appearance. Blepharoplasty can be combined with laser skin resurfacing to further reduce the appearance of wrinkles, crow's feet, or dark circles under the eyes. Patients who are tired of puffy or droopy eyes, should schedule a consultation with award-winning eyelid expert, Dr. James Gordon. He has performed thousands of eyelid procedures and has a particular expertise in the handling of challenging & complex cases.

Dr. Gordon's Guide to Blepharoplasty

A customized blepharoplasty in Westchester, NY at Dr. James R. Gordon provides both functional and cosmetic improvements to your face, with great upsides, which include:

• Boosting comfort by eliminating friction from skin creases
• Addressing looseness and/or excess skin in the upper and lower eyelids
• Achieving a younger, revitalized look
• Improving vision by increasing line of vision
• Reducing puffiness in bottom lids
• Creating a more present, alert appearance
• Improving the shape and look of the eyes

Blepharoplasty is suitable for both men and women who have concerns about the appearance or functionality of their eyelids. The ideal candidate for this procedure will be in good overall health and with realistic goals and expectations for the outcome of the surgery. During a comprehensive consultation, Dr. Gordon will evaluate your medical history and current eye health to determine if you are a good candidate for blepharoplasty. We can also discuss any potential risks or complications associated with the procedure.

Dr. Gordon may perform upper blepharoplasty at his surgical suite in his office or in his accredited surgical facility adjacent to his office building. Blepharoplasty entails the removal and/or repositioning of fat in the upper or lower eyelids with the removal of excess skin.  Depending on the individual, local, IV and/or oral anesthesia will be administered to the patient. Incisions are meticulously made in the upper/lower eyelids as needed and closed with fine sutures to yield the most inconspicuous results.

Dr. Gordon begins by making small incisions in easily concealed areas, such as just below the lashes on the lower lids or through the back of the lower eyelid where the incisions are not visible. Dr. Gordon will then remove or reposition excess fat from the lower eyelids. Extra skin might be excised too, in order to tighten the skin and diminish wrinkles.

Surgery for upper or lower eyelids takes less than one hour. For upper and lower blepharoplasty, surgery is less than two hours. After the surgery, patients should expect to have swelling and bruising around their eyes for 7 – 10 days. Dr. Gordon advises patient to plan for 1 – 2 weeks of recovery and rest before resuming their normal activities. Patients should schedule a follow up appointment for 5 – 7 days after the procedure, when Dr. Gordon will remove the stitches and evaluate their healing. Once fully healed, the eyes will look younger and re-energized.

Upper blepharoplasty costs about $5,400 and lower blepharoplasty costs about $5,900, including the facility fee for use of the operating room. Both upper and lower blepharoplasties performed together, it will cost about $9,100. If the blepharoplasty is needed for medical reasons, like improving the field of vision, health insurance may cover part of the cost. Lower eyelid surgery is not covered by insurance.

Applying cold compresses following eyelid surgery can help to diminish bruising and swelling. In addition, tenderness after surgery is greatly reduced by cold compresses, so most patients require Tylenol or no pain medicine. Sleeping with head elevation (pillows or lazy chair) will decrease swelling as well. Some physicians and patients believe in products made with Arnica which might decrease bruising and swelling.

Many patients only require one eyelid to be operated on or sometimes much less surgery to be performed on one lid compared to the other. The key is to produce a symmetric result.

Eyelid surgery is typically safer, more predictable and cheaper than brow lifting procedures. Usually a low brow can be masked by a well performed eyelid surgery. The brow can even be lifted slightly through the incision of the lid surgery. True brow lifts from the hairline may result in asymmetry or a startled appearance.

One of the most critical decision of cosmetic eyelid surgery is the doctor’s judgment of where to place the pre-surgical marks on the skin. This determines where the incisions will be made. It requires an expert, experienced and artistic eye to ensure a pleasing result. If too much skin is removed, a disastrous appearance may result. The eyelids will look unnatural and may not be able to close well, resulting in dry eyes or eyelids that roll outward. Oculoplastic surgeons, like Dr. Gordon, are best trained in handling these complications and are particularly meticulous in avoiding such problems when they perform cosmetic eyelid procedures.