Male-Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery

Blepharoplasty

Eyelid surgery, also called Blepharoplasty, can do wonders for a man who feels energetic and fit on the inside, but who looks tired or angry on the outside.  As we age, the skin around our eyes wrinkles and sags, and puffy bags underneath the eyes begin to become more evident. Blepharoplasty can refresh and rejuvenate the area around the eyes.  Removing fatty deposit from the lower lids and tightening the skin on the upper lids can provide a well- rested, refreshed appearance.  Eyelid surgery may be performed along with a facelift for a more dramatic change.

A  Good Candidate:

A good candidate for eyelid surgery is a male that understands subtle changes caused by the procedure will provide the face a more attractive and youthful look and will not alter the facial features dramatically unless that is what is desired where more complex procedures can be done. Dr. Brill at his Gainesville, Florida surgery clinic believes strongly that good plastic surgery does not look “done” or have a unnatural appearance.  Any one or combination of the following conditions may indicate that you are a good candidate for eyelid surgery:

•  Excess skin obscuring the natural fold of the upper eyelids

•  Loose skin hanging down from the upper eyelids, perhaps impairing vision

• Excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelids

• Bags and dark circles under the eyes, often with a depression along the bony border of the lower eyelids

• Droopiness of the lower eyelids, showing white below the iris (colored portion of the eye)

•  A  puffy appearance to the upper eyelids, making the eyes look tired 

Procedure Details / Expectations:

Good communication between you and Dr. Brill is essential when planning your Blepharoplasty surgery.  During the consultation you will be asked about the results you would like to achieve from eyelid surgery. This will help Dr. Brill understand your expectations and determine whether they can realistically be achieved.

Dr. Brill will also evaluate your health, conduct a physical exam, take preoperative photographs, and explain which surgical techniques are most appropriate for you.  Dr. Brill will discuss your surgical procedure, the type of anesthesia used, where the surgery will be performed, and the possible risks and side effects of the procedure.  Afterwards, you will visit with our office manager Joy and she will confirm the procedure you desire, show you photos of patient’s results, discuss the costs involved and schedule your surgery.

Blepharoplasty usually takes one to two hours, depending on the extent of the surgery.  If you're having all four eyelids done, Dr. Brill will work on the upper lids first, then the lower ones.  In a typical procedure, Dr. Brill makes incisions following the natural lines of your eyelids: in the creases of your upper lids, and just below the lashes in the lower lids.  The incisions may extend into the crow's feet or laugh lines at the outer corners of your eyes.  Working through these incisions, Dr. Brill will separate the skin from underlying fatty tissue and muscle, remove excess fat, and then trim sagging skin and muscle.  The incisions are then closed with very fine, absorbable sutures.

Recovery:

Once your eyelid surgery is over, your personal nurse will usually lubricate your eyes with an ointment designed to keep them moist and to aid in healing.  She may also apply bandages to your eyes, to protect the incision sites.  After your anesthetic wears off, you may feel tightness around your eyelids and your eyelids may feel sore.  This is not unusual, but if you experience severe pain, you should call the office right away.

 Dr. Brill will prescribe a medicine that you are to take for post-operative pain that you fill prior to surgery.  You don't want to have to make a trip to the drugstore once you have your stitches in! The pain prescription should control any discomfort you might have. A word of caution: Read the warning information that accompanies your pain medication so that you know what to avoid and also what symptoms constitute an allergic reaction to the pain medicine.

Generally speaking, you can expect some mild swelling and bruising that subsides within days.  Some activities will be temporarily restricted; these restrictions vary among patients. As you continue to heal, the swelling and bruising will fade, replaced by enhanced, refreshed eye contours and a dramatic reduction in drooping or sagging of the eyelids.

Cost / Insurance:

 These procedures are considered cosmetic and therefore not covered by insurance.

Approximate Cost Range: $2,500 for Upper or Lower Blepharoplasty

Approximate Cost Range: $4,500 for Quad Blepharoplasty (upper and lower)

This price is only an average as fees vary according to patient needs.  At your consultation, you will be given exact fees, which include but are not limited to surgery, operating room, anesthesia related fees, and your follow up visits.

** This is only an Average.  Fees vary according to patient needs **

Risks / Complications:

When eyelid surgery is performed, complications are rare and usually correctable. Nevertheless, there is always a possibility of complications, including infection or a reaction to the anesthesia.  You can reduce your risks by closely following Dr. Brill's instructions both before and after surgery.  The minor complications that occasionally follow Blepharoplasty include double or blurred vision for a few days; temporary swelling at the corner of the eyelids; and a slight asymmetry in healing or scarring.

Procedure FAQ’s:

Are the results of surgery permanent?

No - The procedure can create significant improvement in the appearance of your eyes, but it will not stop the aging process.

Is there an ideal age for eyelid surgery candidates?

No - Blepharoplasty can be performed for anyone who is unhappy with their eyelid appearance, from young to old.

Where does the surgery take place?

Procedures are done at the Surgery Center of North Florida, our fully accredited surgery center.

Will surgery change the shape of my eyes?

It is possible for surgery to change the shape of the eyelid. However, this result is unusual with the technique that Dr. Brill uses.

Are the scars usually visible?

Fortunately, very few patients have unacceptable scars. The scars usually heal quite well and the resultant deformity is quite minimal.

Will I be able to see better?

Removing excess skin from the upper eyelid may open the visual field of the eye and improve the range of vision.

Notes: If needed

Patients who have had LASIX surgery should wait at least 6 months prior to undergoing eyelid rejuvenation surgery. Patients with Graves, other thyroid disorders, or myasthenia gravis should alert Dr. Brill, as precautions may need to be taken.  If you're considering Blepharoplasty, this information will give you a basic understanding of the procedure - when it can help, how it's performed, and what results you can expect.  It can't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual needs.  Please ask Dr. Brill if there is anything about Blepharoplasty you would like to know about.

Learn more about Blepharoplasty or other available procedures for men by contacting our Gainesville office by email or calling us at:

                    352-331-7987 or 1-800-428-8419

The information on this web site is only intended as an introduction to the procedures listed above and should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor as a guarantee of the result.  The best method of determining your options is to have a personal consultation with Dr. Brill to answer specific questions related to your situation.  Our Policies