Eyelid Surgery in Houston, TX
Signs of aging often develop around the eyes earlier than they do on other facial regions. This is because the skin is notably thin and receives repeated trauma in the form of blinking and facial expressions.
Fine lines, wrinkles, loose skin, and sagging fatty deposits age your face and contribute to a tired or angry appearance. Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, addresses aging on the upper and lower eyelids.
What Is Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic or functional procedure that rejuvenates the appearance of your eyes by removing and repositioning excess skin, fat, and muscle from your upper or lower eyelids. Blepharoplasty restores a smoother, more youthful contour to your eyelids, giving you brighter, refreshed eyes while improving both the aesthetic appearance and, in some instances, vision affected by sagging skin that obscures your line of sight.
What Are the Benefits of Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid surgery is beneficial for women with:
- Loose skin on the upper eyelid
- Drooping lower eyelids
- Bags under the eyes
- Excess fatty deposits and puffiness below the eye
- Crow’s feet
- Fine lines or wrinkles surrounding the eyes
Eyelid surgery can improve your field of vision, make you appear more alert and attentive, and give you a more youthful appearance, all of which can boost your confidence.
Does blepharoplasty fix droopy eyelids?
Yes, blepharoplasty can fix droopy eyelids. The procedure removes or repositions excess skin, muscle, and fat from the upper eyelids to create a more lifted and refreshed appearance. If drooping or sagging eyelids (also called ptosis) are caused mainly by loose skin, blepharoplasty is often the best solution.
However, if the eyelid drooping is due to weakened eyelid muscles rather than excess skin, a more extensive muscle repair may be needed. During your consultation, Dr. Kronowitz will evaluate the cause of your sagging eyelids and recommend the most effective treatment to restore a more open, youthful look to your eyes.
Am I a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
Good candidates for eyelid surgery are those who are unhappy with the loose skin, puffiness, and wrinkles around the eyes that can impair their vision, make them appear older than they are, or prevent them from expressing a wide range of emotions.
Candidates for eyelid surgery do not smoke, do not have serious eye conditions, do not have chronic illnesses or medical conditions that can impair healing, have a positive outlook, and have realistic expectations about the procedure.
When is the ideal age to consider blepharoplasty?
The ideal age for blepharoplasty varies from person to person, as it depends on individual factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and personal aesthetic goals. While there is no specific age requirement, most patients seeking blepharoplasty are typically in their 40s or older. However, younger individuals with hereditary eyelid concerns may also benefit from this procedure.
If you think you may be a candidate for eyelid surgery, contact Kronowitz Plastic Surgery to set up a consultation by calling (713) 523-0300.
Your Eyelid Surgery Consultation
A consultation with Dr. Steven Kronowitz is required before your eyelid surgery. During this one-on-one consultation, Dr. Kronowitz will:
- Discuss your surgical goals and expectations
- Evaluate your current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drug use, and advise you on how to alter your practices before surgery
- Take photos of the treatment area
- Develop a surgical plan
How Should I Prepare for My Eyelid Surgery?
Dr. Kronowitz will provide you with personalized instructions to help ensure that your eyelid surgery procedure is as safe and successful as possible. Instructions will be based on your medical history and the results of the tests he runs. He may ask that you stop or start taking specific medications. Generally speaking, you should avoid anti-inflammatory medications, certain herbal supplements, and any other substances that act as blood thinners. Blood-thinning substances can cause excess bleeding during surgery. Avoid excessive sunlight as your surgery draws near, as sunburn can make your eyelids too sensitive for a comfortable procedure. You should also quit smoking for several weeks before and after your surgery, as nicotine constricts blood vessels and inhibits healing.
How Is Eyelid Surgery Performed?
Eyelid surgery helps restore the youthful appearance of the eye region. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia.
Where are my eyelid surgery incisions made?
Dr. Kronowitz makes small incisions in discreet areas around the eyelids, like in the deep crease above the eyes and inside the lower eyelid, to minimize visible scarring. He removes excess skin and fatty deposits, tightens the skin and muscle around the eye, then carefully closes the incisions. The result is revitalized eyelids that contribute to a more youthful appearance.
Upper Blepharoplasty
Incisions for upper blepharoplasty are made in the crease of the upper eyelid—this allows for the resulting scar to be completely hidden when the eye is open. Fat pockets in the upper eyelid region are removed or repositioned, and excess skin is trimmed along the incision line. The incision is closed with removable sutures, skin adhesives, or surgical tape.
Lower Blepharoplasty
Incisions for lower blepharoplasty are made just below the lower lash line. Fat pockets that contribute to under-eye bags are removed or redistributed, and excess skin is trimmed. The incision is closed with removable sutures, skin adhesives, or surgical tape.
Once your surgery is complete, you will be taken to a recovery room where you will be monitored as you recover from anesthesia. When you are ready, a designated family member or close friend may take you home.
How long does eyelid surgery take to complete?
Eyelid surgery typically takes one to two hours, depending on the complexity of the individual procedure and whether you choose to combine your blepharoplasty with other facial rejuvenation procedures.
Can I Combine My Eyelid Surgery With Other Facial Procedures?
Eyelid surgery addresses the upper and lower eyelids, but it does not treat any other region of the face. We offer additional procedures that can complement your treatment.
Browpexy
A browpexy and a brow lift both aim to address drooping of the eyebrows and forehead area, but they’re quite different in technique, level of invasiveness, and results. A browpexy is a less invasive procedure usually performed through the same incision made for an upper eyelid blepharoplasty. Dr. Kronowitz secures the eyebrow to a higher position using sutures. This approach is best for patients with mild to moderate eyebrow descent or patients wanting a shorter recovery than that of a brow lift. A browpexy can be seamlessly combined with upper blepharoplasty, creating a more natural and subtle elevation while avoiding an over-pulled look that can occur with a brow lift.
Brow Lift
A brow lift addresses facial aging above the eyes. It involves making incisions near the hairline, tightening the skin on the forehead, and removing skin that weighs down the eyebrows, which can make sagging in the upper eyelids more pronounced. A brow lift is a more comprehensive procedure than a browpexy, elevating the entire eyebrow and forehead region. Brow lift techniques include endoscopic, coronal (open), or pretrichial (hairline) lifts. A brow lift is best for patients with moderate to severe brow ptosis, deep forehead lines, heavy brows, or drooping that makes the upper eyelid look hooded. While more invasive when compared to a browpexy, a brow lift provides longer-lasting results, a greater degree of lift, and smoother forehead wrinkles. Combining eyelid surgery with a brow lift can further improve results.
Facelift
A facelift targets facial aging below the eyes. It involves making discreet incisions around the face to remove, tighten, and reposition excess skin, tissue, and fat. This can reduce sagging, wrinkles, fine lines, jowling, and a double chin. A facelift paired with eyelid surgery can provide more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
Fat Transfer to the Face
Facial fat transfer can increase facial volume in the areas that need it. As you age, your face often loses volume in areas like the cheeks, brows, under the eyes, and temples. Increasing volume in these key areas can restore an overall softer, more youthful appearance. During facial fat transfer, Dr. Kronowitz uses liposuction to remove excess fat from certain areas of your body, purifying it and injecting it into the areas of your face where extra volume is needed. Fat transfer to the face can add to the revitalizing effects of eyelid surgery.
What Will My Eyelid Surgery Recovery Be Like?
Your eyelid surgery is an outpatient procedure, and you can return home shortly after your procedure. You will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first few days to help with household chores and day-to-day activities.
Your eyes and your eye area will be sore, bruised, and swollen, and you may have difficulty opening your eyes. Oral pain medication, cold compresses, saline solution, and lubricating ointment are recommended during this time to help with your recovery.
Dr. Kronowitz will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for your eyes during this time.
Most patients return to work and their regular activities within one to two weeks. Your eyes will still be bruised and swollen, but makeup can be worn to help conceal any concerns. Strenuous exercise and activity should be avoided for four to six weeks.
When Will I See My Eyelid Surgery Results?
The results of your eyelid surgery will develop gradually as the bruising and swelling subside. This usually takes a few weeks, but some residual swelling may persist for six months, and scars may take up to one year to fully refine.
As the bruising and swelling subside, you will start to see a smoother, more alert, and defined eye region. While your eyelid surgery results are long-lasting, this surgery does not stop the natural aging process, and your eyes will continue to age naturally. You can help slow the progression of aging by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen, eating a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and using a quality eye cream.
Does eyelid surgery leave visible scarring?
Eyelid surgery does involve small incisions, but Dr. Kronowitz carefully places them in the natural creases of your eyelids, such as the upper eyelid fold or just beneath the lash line on the lower lid. However, any visible scars typically fade to the point of being barely noticeable over time, blending seamlessly into the natural contours of your eyelid. Following Dr. Kronowitz’s aftercare instructions carefully (including avoiding sun exposure and not smoking) can further minimize the appearance of scars and contribute to a smoother healing process.
How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost in Houston, TX?
Eyelid surgery is tailored to the patient; therefore, it is difficult to estimate the price until after your consultation. The cost of eyelid surgery with Dr. Kronowitz may vary significantly once the required techniques, anesthesia fees, facility fees, and any combination procedures are included.
Dr. Kronowitz will provide you with an accurate cost estimate of your eyelid surgery during your consultation.
How Can I Learn More About Eyelid Surgery?
To learn more about eyelid surgery and to see if this procedure may be right for you, contact Kronowitz Plastic Surgery by calling (713) 523-0300 or by filling out our online contact form. We have convenient practice locations in Bellaire, Kingwood, The Woodlands, and Cypress, Texas.
Dr. Kronowitz sees patients from across Texas, including Houston, Sugar Land, Katy, Pearland, Clear Lake, Friendswood, Spring, Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Corpus Christi, Beaumont, and Pasadena. Kronowitz Plastic Surgery also welcomes out-of-town patients who desire expertise, precision, and beautiful eyelid surgery results.
Locations
Bellaire
6565 West Loop South, Suite 850
Bellaire, TX 77401
Kingwood
4533 Kingwood Dr., Suite 100
Kingwood Area, TX 77345
The Woodlands
9180 Pinecroft Dr. , Suite 250
The Woodlands, TX 77380
Cypress
27700 Northwest Fwy, Suite 330
Cypress, TX 77433
