Blepharoplasty in Phoenix, Arizona
Is Blepharoplasty Right for Me?
Droopy eyelids can make you look tired and older than you actually are. Blepharoplasty, better known as eyelid surgery, can help erase signs of aging by removing fatty tissue and extra skin around the eyes. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Larry C. Leverett offers eyelid surgery to the residents of Ahwatukee, Chandler, Gilbert and the surrounding areas of Phoenix.
What is Blepharoplasty?
Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, improves the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. It also gives a rejuvenated appearance to the surrounding area of your eyes, making you look more rested and alert. We often have patients complain that no matter how much rest they get they still appear tired. Some patients express the concern that they always look angry. Undergoing eyelid surgery allows you to maintain a natural appearance and many patients often express their result as refreshed and rejuvenated. Eyelid surgery can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both.
Upper Eyelid Surgery
Upper eyelid surgery focuses on correcting issues in the upper eyelid area. It primarily addresses sagging skin and fatty deposits that cause drooping eyelids, occasionally impairing vision. This procedure is often sought by individuals who have a heavy, drooping eyelid appearance that can make them look older or more tired than they feel
Lower Eyelid Surgery
Lower eyelid surgery targets concerns specific to the lower eye region. It is effective in addressing under-eye bags, excess skin, fine wrinkles, and dark circles. Lower eyelid surgery is often pursued by those looking to correct the tired or aged look caused by puffiness and bags under the eyes, which are usually a result of aging, heredity, and lifestyle factors.
What are the Benefits of Eyelid Surgery?
Most patients opt for eyelid surgery to regain a youthful and more energetic appearance. Other benefits include:
- Eliminates puffiness resulting in a tired appearance
- Smooths out fine lines and wrinkles
- Improves impaired vision caused by sagging eyelids
- Gives the eyes a younger and more vibrant look
Patient Before & Afters
Questions For Your Consult
Am I A Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
If you are concerned with excess skin and/or puffiness on the upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or both, you may be a good candidate for blepharoplasty. In some cases, patients discover that the drooping of upper eyelid skin is actually due to the aging process of the brow, making the brow lift surgery a more suitable solution. In some cases, both a blepharoplasty and a brow lift may be recommended at the same time. The best way to determine your candidacy for blepharoplasty is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Leverett, where he will be able to evaluate your areas of concern and develop a personalized treatment plan to deliver your desired results.
What Happens During a Blepharoplasty Consultation?
During your consultation for eyelid surgery, you’ll meet with Dr. Leverett at Body By Leverett. During this consultation, Dr. Leverett will take the time to understand your aesthetic goals, review your medical history, and conduct a physical examination to determine whether eyelid surgery will help you achieve your desired results. The consultation is an opportunity for Dr. Leverett to evaluate if the blepharoplasty procedure is the best fit for you, and gives you an opportunity to ask any questions you might have about blepharoplasty or related treatments. If you are interested in eyelid surgery, Dr. Leverett will develop a personalized treatment plan based on your goals, and will then explain what you can expect from the treatment process.
How Much Does Blepharoplasty Cost?
The cost for blepharoplasty will vary from patient to patient depending on the extent of surgery required to produce your desired results. In order to determine the cost of your eyelid surgery, you’ll need to schedule a consultation with Dr. Leverett of Body By Leverett. After developing your personalized treatment plan, he’ll be able to explain the exact costs associated with your treatment. To help make blepharoplasty more affordable and accessible to our patients, we offer financing through CareCredit®, Patient Fi and Prosper Healthcare Lending. Our office also accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, cash and cashier’s checks.
How to Get Insurance to Pay for Eyelid Surgery?
To get insurance to cover eyelid surgery, the procedure must be deemed medically necessary rather than purely cosmetic. This typically involves demonstrating that the drooping upper eyelids significantly impair your vision or cause other functional problems. The process usually starts with a comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist or optometrist, who can perform a visual field test to document the extent of the visual impairment. The results, along with photographs that show the eyelids' impact on the visual field, are then submitted to the insurance company as part of a pre-authorization request for surgery. It's essential to closely review your insurance policy's criteria for coverage and work with your healthcare providers to submit the necessary documentation and evidence supporting the medical necessity of the procedure.
How Do I Prepare for My Blepharoplasty Consultation?
What Should I Do Before My Eyelid Surgery Consultation?
Preparing for your consultation involves several key steps to ensure that you and Dr. Leverett have a productive meeting:
- Research: Before your consultation, take some time to learn about eyelid surgery. Understanding the basics of the procedure, the different techniques available, and realistic outcomes will help you have a meaningful discussion with Dr. Leverett.
- Set Your Goals: Reflect on your reasons for seeking eyelid surgery and what you hope to achieve with the surgery. Having a clear set of goals will enable Dr. Leverett to tailor the consultation and proposed treatment plan to your specific desires.
- Gather Medical Information: Assemble detailed information about your medical history, including any previous surgeries, current and past medications, allergies, and any significant health issues. This comprehensive overview of your health is vital for assessing your suitability for blepharoplasty and planning a safe procedure.
What Should I Bring to My Blepharoplasty Consultation?
Arriving well-prepared for your consultation with Dr. Leverett will facilitate a thorough and efficient discussion about your eyelid surgery procedure:
- Medical Records: Bring along any medical documents that provide insight into your health background. These records can help Dr. Leverett understand any potential risks or considerations for your blepharoplasty procedure.
- List of Medications: Compile a list of all medications you're taking, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements. This information is crucial for avoiding any complications during and after the surgery.
- Photos: If you have specific goals or examples of the body shape you're aiming for, bring photos to help communicate your expectations. These visual aids can be incredibly helpful in ensuring you and Dr. Leverett are aligned in your goals.
- Questions: It's normal to have many questions and concerns. Write them down so you don't forget to address them during your consultation. This list will ensure that all your questions are answered, helping you make an informed decision.
What Should I Wear for My Blepharoplasty Consultation?
For your blepharoplasty consultation, you can wear whatever you will be most comfortable in. We recommend arriving without any makeup or cosmetic products on the eyes, which ensures that Dr. Leverett can get a clear assessment of the treatment area. It can also be helpful to have long hair pulled back away from the face so that Dr. Leverett can evaluate the surrounding areas.
What Happens After My Blepharoplasty Consultation?
After your consultation, you'll be on your way to making an informed decision about your eyelid surgery procedure. You’ll have all of your questions answered, a potential treatment plan outlined by Dr. Leverett, and all of the other information you need to decide if you want to move forward with eyelid surgery. If you’re ready to book your blepharoplasty procedure, our team can help you do that immediately following your consultation. After scheduling your procedure, we can help assist you with planning for surgery and beginning pre-operative preparations.
What Should I Know Before Booking Blepharoplasty Surgery?
Why Choose Dr. Leverett for Eyelid Surgery?
Choosing Dr. Leverett for blepharoplasty in Phoenix, AZ, means entrusting your care to a board-certified plastic surgeon with a rich background in aesthetic surgery of the breast, body, and face. His affiliations with prestigious organizations like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery underscore his commitment to excellence and ongoing education. Dr. Leverett's patient-centered approach, combined with his specialized expertise and artistry, ensures personalized and gratifying results. He prioritizes patient education and safety, making him an ideal choice for those seeking a transformative and tailored eyelid surgery experience.
Can I Finance the Cost of Blepharoplasty Surgery?
At Body By Leverett, we recognize that the financial aspect of cosmetic surgery can be a significant consideration for our patients considering eyelid surgery. To ensure that our patients in Phoenix, AZ, and the surrounding areas have the opportunity to pursue their aesthetic goals, we are pleased to offer a variety of financing options designed to make the process more accessible. Our practice offers financing through CareCredit®, Patient Fi and Prosper Healthcare Lending, leading providers of medical financing, to offer flexible payment plans that can accommodate any budget. Additionally, we accept all major credit cards, as well as cash and cashier’s checks. Understanding the financial investment in your cosmetic journey is important, and we're here to provide comprehensive information and support. During your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Leverett, we'll not only explore a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs but also discuss in detail the costs involved and the financing options available to you.
Where is the Blepharoplasty Procedure Performed?
When undergoing eyelid surgery at Body By Leverett, your surgery is performed in our state-of-the-art surgical facility located in Phoenix, AZ. Our facility is designed to prioritize your safety and comfort throughout your blepharoplasty procedure. We are dedicated to incorporating the latest advancements in medical equipment and surgical technology to ensure the highest standards of care. Our operating rooms undergo regular inspections to meet and exceed the most stringent medical guidelines and regulations. Furthermore, our compassionate and skilled team of healthcare professionals is here to support you from your initial consultation through to your recovery.
What Happens During Eyelid Surgery?
Most patients have eyelid surgery using local IV sedation, allowing for a quick recovery and minimal post-surgical nausea. In some cases if we are addressing only the upper eyelids it can be done under local anesthesia at our office.The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and lasts between one to three hours. The techniques involved will vary depending on whether upper or lower eyelid surgery is performed.
Upper Eyelid Surgery
For upper eyelid surgery, Dr. Leverett makes precise incisions along the natural crease of the upper eyelid. Excess skin and fat are removed or repositioned to achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance. The muscles may be tightened as needed. Finally, the incisions are then closed with fine sutures, ensuring that scars are well-concealed within the natural folds of the eyelid.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
For lower eyelid surgery, the incision can be made just below the lash line (subciliary incision) or inside the lower eyelid (transconjunctival incision), depending on whether skin removal is necessary. Through these incisions, excess fat will be removed or redistributed to eliminate puffiness. In cases where excess skin needs to be addressed, it is carefully trimmed away.
For a transconjunctival approach, where no skin needs to be removed, the incision is made inside the lower eyelid, leaving no visible scar. The incisions are closed with sutures, which will be removed after a few days.
What Should I Know After Booking Blepharoplasty Surgery?
What Forms Do I Need to Fill Out for Eyelid Surgery?
In our new EMR, patients are sent a link to their patient portal to complete their forms online prior to their visit, or by arriving 15 minutes early to complete in-office on the iPad.
If you are a new patient to our clinic or returning after being gone for over 12 months, you may save time by completing the following patient forms prior to your appointment:
- Patient Online Registration and Medical History Form
- Cosmetic Interest Questionnaire
- HIPAA
- Skincare Assessment Form
We also offer the same patient forms in Spanish if needed.
How Should I Prepare for Blepharoplasty Surgery?
While most of the preparation for your eyelid surgery is completed during the consultation process, there are still a few things you can do to prepare for the day of your surgery. For starters, it’s essential to quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption for 4-6 weeks before surgery, as they can impair healing and increase the risk of complications. You may also need to adjust your medications as recommended by Dr. Leverett, as some supplements and medications can increase the risk of bleeding. Finally, we recommend adopting a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water in the weeks leading up to your surgery. This will ensure that your body is well-equipped for a speedy recovery!
Post Surgery Frequently Asked Questions
How Should I Prepare for Blepharoplasty Recovery?
Almost as important as preparing for the day of your surgery is preparing for your blepharoplasty recovery process. You should take the following considerations when preparing for your eyelid surgery recovery, so that you can focus on resting and healing after completing your surgery:
- Recovery Space:Set up a comfortable area with plenty of pillows and blankets to ensure you can rest with your head elevated. This helps reduce swelling and promotes healing. Keep entertainment like books, magazines, tablets, or a television within easy reach to help you relax during recovery.
- Medications: Have all prescribed medications filled before your surgery. This typically includes pain relievers, antibiotics to prevent infection, and possibly eye drops to keep the eyes lubricated and comfortable after surgery.
- Comfortable Clothing: Choose loose, comfortable clothing that opens in the front or can be easily pulled on without disturbing your face. Avoid clothing that must be pulled over your head to reduce the risk of accidentally bumping your eyes.
- Assistance: Arrange for a trusted family member or friend to drive you home after the surgery. It's also beneficial to have someone stay with you for at least the first 24-48 hours to assist with tasks and ensure you can rest without worrying about routine activities.
- Work and Responsibilities: Plan to take sufficient time off work to recover comfortably. Most people require at least a week away from work, depending on the nature of their job and how quickly they heal. You should also temporarily delegate your daily responsibilities, such as household chores, shopping, and cooking, to family members or friends.
- Sunglasses and Sun Protection: Have a pair of sunglasses ready to protect your eyes from sunlight and wind when you go outside. Additionally, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen on your face (avoiding the incision areas) to protect your skin, especially if you need to be outdoors.
Additionally, you may want to refer to our post-op recommendations, where we have outlined a list of products that we recommend for your post-operative care. Dr. Leverett may provide specific product recommendations from this list to you.
What is Recovery Like Following Blepharoplasty?
Patients will experience some bruising and swelling immediately following the procedure. Swelling will reside in a matter of days. The eyelid sutures are removed four to five days following the surgery. Our patients start anti-bruising remedies prior to surgery to reduce the bruising and often use topical products after surgery. Most experience discomfort for a few days and return to their routine in five to 10 days.
How Long Does it Take to Recover from Blepharoplasty?
Full recovery from eyelid surgery can take 3-6 months, although many patients return to their normal routines and begin noticing their final results long before this. The immediate post-operative period involves rest with minimal activities, during which time patients should expect some discomfort, swelling and bruising. Patients may also experience blurry vision for a few days. Within one to two weeks, most side effects will noticeably improve with many patients feeling comfortable enough to return to work and social activities. Minor swelling and other changes may continue to occur for one to three months, after which point most of the healing process is complete.
How Long to Use Ointment After Eyelid Surgery?
The use of ointment after eyelid surgery is usually recommended for the first few weeks to keep the incision sites moist and promote healing. Dr. Leverett will provide specific instructions on how long to apply the ointment, which is generally until the incisions have healed sufficiently, typically around 2-3 weeks. It’s also common to use lubricating eye drops to alleviate dryness and discomfort during the initial recovery phase.
How Long Does Blepharoplasty Last?
The results of eyelid surgery are considered long-lasting. While the procedure cannot halt the aging process, most patients enjoy the benefits for many years. Upper eyelid surgery results can last from 5 to 7 years or longer, and lower eyelid surgery is rarely needed more than once, as the removal or repositioning of fat is considered permanent. However, the longevity of the results can be influenced by genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and protecting the skin from sun exposure can help extend the results.
If you want to banish your droopy eyes and look more vibrant and alive, contact Body By Leverett. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Larry C. Leverett can lift your eyelids to give you a fresher, more rejuvenated appearance. If you are living in or around the Greater Phoenix area, such as Ahwatukee, Chandler and Gilbert, contact our office today to schedule a consultation.