Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons in National Harbor Accepting New Patients Near Washington DC, Arlington, Fort Washington, Maryland & Virginia
More so than any of your other features, the eyes indicate the most about how you are feeling. When your eyes are open and lively, you appear to be full of energy, rested, and engaged in what’s going on around you. However, such common unsightly ailments such as puffiness, sagging, or dark circles can make you appear tired or even older than you actually are.
Dr. Chiaramonte and Dr. Costeloe encourages you to request a consultation if you are considering blepharoplasty so that you can learn more about this procedure and receive a professional opinion about your cosmetic needs. Please call 301-567-6767 to learn more.
The Best Candidates for a Blepharoplasty Eyelid Surgery
In the Northern Virginia area and Maryland, eyelid surgery is available to patients of nearly any age. Most patients undergo eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, to reduce the visible signs of age. Many individuals in their twenties and thirties, however, may also gain benefits from the operation.
Eyelid surgery may be a good choice for you if you suffer from any of the following:
- Upper eyelids
- Surplus skin that conceals the fold of your upper eyelid
- Sagging skin that droops down from the upper eyelid
- Lumpiness in the upper eyelid that creates a tired look
- Lower eyelids
- Surplus skin and noticeable lines in the lower eyelid
- Puffy “bags” and, in some cases, dark circles
Eyelid Surgery at Bella Cosmetic Surgery
The technique used for your blepharoplasty will depend on your individual eyelids’ traits and Dr. Chiaramonte’s or Dr. Costeloe’s evaluation.
Upper eyelids
Typically, the surgical cuts begin within the naturally occurring crease of the eye’s inside corner and goes slightly through the outside corner into the crow’s foot or laugh line area. Surplus skin and fat are then removed through this cut. The line follows the contour of the upper eyelid and appears natural when healed.
Lower eyelids
The lower lashes usually hide any incision made in this area. Through this opening, excess skin, muscle and fatty tissue are excised. Dr. Chiaramonte and Dr. Costeloe may also implement some specific changes; for example, the fatty tissue underneath the eye can be reshaped to eliminate bulginess or awkward lumps. In some individuals, the muscles that lie under this area will be tightened.
Is Eyelid Surgery Painful?
The surgery is not painful. Depending on the circumstances, you will be sedated with local anesthetic or general anesthesia. Therefore, you will not experience the incisions or anything that occurs during surgery.
As the numbing agents wear off after the procedure, you are likely to experience discomfort, itching, tightness, soreness, and sensitivity around your eyes and eyelids. Dr. Chiaramonte and Dr. Costeloe will have previously discussed pain relief measures with you, which may include pain medication and anti-inflammatory eye drops. Follow all of our instructions regarding which pain relievers are okay to take and which should be avoided.
Pain from eyelid surgery is minimal. Most people experience discomfort for the first one to two days after surgery, and feel much better after that.
How Can I Prepare For Eyelid Surgery?
Preparation for eyelid surgery is minimal. We will provide complete detailed instructions, which typically include:
- Adjust, take, or stop taking medications and supplements as instructed by Dr. Chiaramonte and Dr. Costeloe
- Complete all requested lab work and tests
- Stop all use of tobacco and nicotine products
- Get plenty of rest
- Eat well and stay hydrated
- Limit alcohol
- Exercise
- Wear comfortable clothing to your surgical appointment
- Don’t wear contact lenses the day of surgery
- Don’t eat or drink anything before surgery as directed by our team
It may help to write down all of your questions and concerns in the time leading up to surgery. We will make sure you have time to discuss them with your surgeon before your procedure.
What Is Recovery Like?
Recovery from eyelid surgery is relatively fast and easy. The area will be swollen and puffy after surgery. You may experience mild discomfort and your vision will be blurry for the first week or so.
Most people feel back to normal after 10-14 days, when the majority of swelling and bruising resolves. Be patient and know that you may continue to undergo a healing process for a few months, which may include subtle reductions in swelling.
How Can I Maintain My Results?
Eyelid surgery results are lasting! To maintain them, protect your eyes from excessive UV exposure. UV damage causes aging and sagging, in addition to increasing your risk of skin cancer. Wear sunglasses and hats when you’re outside and apply sunblock or an SPF 15 or 30 moisturizer to the area of your temples and lower eyelids.
Lifestyle habits like smoking and moderate/heavy alcohol use also contribute to the signs of aging, including the aging of your eyelids. Eating healthfully, exercising, getting plenty of rest, and staying hydrated with plain water will all support the youthfulness of your skin.
Can I Combine Eyelid Surgery With Other Procedures?
Yes, blepharoplasty is often combined with facelifts, neck lifts, and other rejuvenating procedures. Dermal fillers, BOTOX Cosmetic, and other non-invasive treatments may also be options.
Combining multiple surgeries into one appointment mainly provides the benefit of a single recovery period; however, Dr. Chiaramonte and Dr. Costeloe must first determine whether combined procedures will be safe and effective for you. Discuss this option during your consultation. Oftentimes, combing facial procedures provides a continuous, consistent rejuvenation result that includes the eyes, neck, and face.
After Your Eyelid Surgery
- The first day
- In the first period of your healing, it’s important to rest with your head in an upright position.
- A cold compress on the area can reduce inflammation.
- Within the first week
- Discoloration around your eyes will reach its peak and then begin to fade.
- As the healing process takes place, slightly blurry vision, lots of tearing or noticeable dryness, photosensitivity, or itchiness can occur.
- You can start to use cosmetics to conceal any bruising.
- Your sutures will naturally dissolve or be taken out.
- You may resume non-physically stressful activities.
- After several weeks
- Most of the inflammation will disappear, and you’ll start to see the effects.
- Any sight-related occurrences will fade.
- You may take up strenuous activities, including bending and lifting.
- You may put in your normal contact lenses.
Your New Look
Most signs of the procedure will fade after several weeks. The eye area, though, must be handled with great care for several months. If you go out in the daytime, you should apply a sunscreen product to your eyelids and wear tinted glasses to shield the area against harsh wind and sunlight.
The effects of eyelid surgery are typically long-lasting. It is important to remember, however, that nothing can reverse the aging process forever. During your visit, Dr. Chiaramonte and Dr. Costeloe can give you valuable information about methods to keep your eyes looking their best.
Eyelid Surgery Cost
Depending on several factors, including whether you are addressing the top eyelid, the bottom eyelid or both, your eyelid surgery could fall anywhere between $4,000 and $7,300. The only way to know exactly what fees to expect is to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Chiaramonte or Dr. Costeloe to discuss your goals and cosmetic options.
To learn more about eyelid surgery, visit our office in National Harbor, Maryland, request a consultation online, or call the office at 301-567-6767.