Is Eyelid Surgery painful?

Eyelid surgery is often considered to be the least painful cosmetic procedure. You may experience some mild discomfort during the procedure and the first few days of recovery, but Dr. Papanicolaou will prescribe you some temporary pain medication and provide you with some directions on how to have the most comfortable recovery possible.

How many appointments will I need?

The number of appointments needed for Eyelid Surgery is determined by what the patient needs and the type of procedure Dr. Papanicolaou determines what will be best for the most optimal results. In addition to your initial consultation and surgery, you can expect to return about a week later so Dr. Papanicolaou can see how you are healing. You may need to return a few more times over the next few months just to keep monitoring your progress. Dr. Papanicolaou will always inform you of when he’d like to see you again at the end of each appointment.

How long until I see results?

Most patients will see their results around two weeks post-surgery, as this is usually about the time swelling and bruising subsides. You will continue to notice positive changes over the next few weeks, with your final results showing up around a few months later.

Can I combine Eyelid Surgery with other procedures?

Many of our Orlando Eyelid Surgery patients will combine their surgery with other procedures such as an eyebrow or forehead lift , facelift , neck lift , or laser skin resurfacing . If you have particular aesthetic goals in mind, please discuss them with Dr. Papanicolaou during your consultation. He will be more than happy to evaluate the desired area and make his expert recommendations on which treatment(s) would be best for you.

What are the risks associated with Eyelid Surgery?

Though with any surgery, there are possible risks and complications, surgery performed by an experienced and knowledgeable surgeon minimizes these risks. The risks or complications of blepharoplasty include: Difficulty blinking Dry eyes Excess tearing Eyelid asymmetry Eyelid retraction Inability to fully close eyelids Loss of vision (extremely rare) Rounding of the eyes (loss of “almond shape” of the eye) Most of these side effects will heal on their own in time, but if you have any long-lasting or concerning reactions, please contact our office immediately.

Best Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) In Orlando

Older woman in a black turtleneck smiling | Eyelid Surgery in Orlando

Introduction

Introduction to Eyelid Surgery

At our boutique practice in Lake Mary, just 30 minutes outside of Orlando, eyelid surgery is our most popular treatment to treat the upper and lower eyelids. The eyes are often the first facial area to show signs of aging. As we age, our eyelid skin stretches, muscles weaken and fat begins to accumulate causing “bags” around the eyes. This aging tends to make the eyes look tired and swollen. Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, can correct both the upper and lower eyelids to enhance the eye area, making the eyes dramatically younger and more vibrant.

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What is Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid Surgery is one of the most commonly performed facial cosmetic procedures for both men and women. This procedure is designed to give your eyes a more rested or rejuvenated look by removing excess skin and re-positioning bulging fat or lax muscle from the upper or lower eyelids.

Over time, our face succumbs to the combination of gravity’s constant pull along with the significant weakening of facial muscles. The skin around the eyes begins to droop at the corners resulting in an unnatural “sagging” appearance. Additionally, fat around the eyes begins to bulge as the orbital septum, a thin wall of muscle tissue around the eyes, becomes weak. Blepharoplasty involves the surgical removal of this excess fat and skin to make the eyes look renewed.

Depending upon the needs and desired results of each patient, eyelid surgery can consist of upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or a combination of both.

What are the Benefits of Eyelid Surgery?

Irrespective of the surgical approach, Eyelid Surgery provides an aesthetic improvement as well as a boost in self-confidence. Some of the benefits of Eyelid Surgery are:

A more youthful and rested appearance
Expanded line of sight for improved vision
Enhanced eye shape for a refreshed appearance
Fewer fine lines on outer corners & lower eyelids
Improvement in lower eyelid hollowing
Natural appearance
Reduced skin irritation from excess folds rubbing together
Reduced forehead discomfort from muscle straining by lifting sagging skin in the eyelid area
Reduced under-eye bags
Removal of dark circles under your eyes

Upper Blepharoplasty

Patients with sagging skin, loose muscle, or excess fat tissue along their upper eyelids will benefit from an upper blepharoplasty procedure. This form of eyelid surgery targets the upper lids and is ideal for correcting fatty or excess skin that can fall over the eye which aesthetically disrupts the natural contour of the upper eyelid and severe cases of visual impairment.

Upper & Lower Blepharoplasty

Both upper and lower blepharoplasty can be performed in unison during a single procedure to correct upper lid and lower lid issues. This combination procedure, often referred to as a “quad bleph,” provides the most dramatic results.

Lower Blepharoplasty

Individuals with drooping skin or excess tissue along their lower eyelids can benefit from a lower blepharoplasty procedure. Lower blepharoplasty can address a variety of lower lid issues including eye bags (extra fatty deposits), puffiness, dark under-eye circles, wrinkling, and extreme droopiness that reveals an increased amount of the whites of the eyes.

Who are the Best Candidates for Eyelid Surgery Procedure?

It is often aging individuals wishing to rejuvenate their appearance who have experienced changes to the eyelids caused by sun damage, gravity, and other natural elements of aging who request the procedure. They may also find that blinking has become uncomfortable due to the extra or misplaced tissues. Extra upper eyelid skin can also obstruct a person’s vision, in which case blepharoplasty may be a medical necessity.

It is common for blepharoplasty patients of all ages to explain that their eyes emote a sad or tired look, which does not express their true emotions. While eyelid lift surgery is more commonly performed on patients in the middle to later years of their life, genetics in younger individuals may create similar issues. Bulky tissues around the eyes can contribute to premature aging concerns.

Candidates for the surgery must be healthy enough to undergo the procedure as it does require anesthesia and in most cases light sedation. Prospective blepharoplasty patients should be informed of the extent of changes the procedure can create, possible risks, and the aftercare process. Because blepharoplasty will directly impact tissues of the eye area, certain skin or eye diseases may preclude someone from this form of cosmetic treatment.

Middle aged woman in a black dress and her eyes closed | Eyelid Surgery in Orlando

What’s the First Step?

The first step in getting Blepharoplasty in Orlando is contacting Soma Plastic Surgery and scheduling a consultation with Dr. George Papanicolaou. When you come in, you will receive an evaluation of your eyelids. You will be able to ask any questions you may have about the procedure and what you would like to achieve from the surgery. He will also ask you questions about your medical history, during which time it is very important to be honest and open with them as the information you provide will be used to help minimize any risks and give you the best opportunity for a successful and satisfied surgery.

Dr. Papanicolaou will create a customized surgical plan just for you based on your needs and aesthetic goals. If you agree with the plan made for you, our Patient Coordinator will help you schedule a date and time for your surgery.

What to Expect on the Day of Eyelid Surgery

When it’s time for your Blepharoplasty, you will first be administered anesthesia in the form of general anesthesia or intravenous sedation, depending on what you discuss with your plastic surgeon during the consultation. Once you are fully sedated, an incision line will be strategically made so that the resultant scars are concealed with your eyelid’s natural structures.

Your upper eyelid will be corrected with an incision made in the natural crease of your eyelid, which allows for the removal or repositioning of any fat deposits, removal of excess skin, and muscle tightening.

If your lower eyelid needs to be corrected, an incision will be made just below the lower lash line, allowing for excess skin to be removed and excess fat to be removed or repositioned. The surgeon may use a transconjunctival incision instead, which is made on the inside of your lower eyelid, which can correct certain conditions and remove or redistribute the excess fat with no skin removal.

Once completed, your incision will be closed with sutures or skin glue. If sutures are used, they are typically removed around a week later when you come in for your check-up.

Eyelid Surgery Recovery

Results of the eyelid surgery appear gradually as swelling and bruising subsides to reveal a smoother, better-defined eyelid and surrounding region. Most people feel ready to go out in public (and back to work) in a week to ten days after an eyelid surgery. By then, depending on your rate of healing, you’ll likely be able to wear makeup to hide any bruising that remains. Vigorous activity including exercise can be resumed around three weeks after surgery.

Cost

How Much

How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost in Orlando?

The cost of Eyelid Surgery in Orlando can vary on a number of factors, including the type of surgery and techniques that are used. After you consult with Dr. Papanicolaou, he will create your surgical plan which will allow our Patient Coordinator to provide you with a complete breakdown of the cost of your procedure.

Soma

Why Choose Us?

Why Choose Dr. Papanicolaou?

When it comes to Eyelid Surgery, choosing a skilled and experienced surgeon is crucial to achieving optimal results. Dr. George Papanicolaou in Lake Mary, Florida is a great choice for several reasons. In combination with his extensive training and experience in plastic surgery, Dr. Papanicolaou is very knowledgeable in performing Eyelid Surgery with precision and artistry. Our team at Soma Plastic Surgery is committed to delivering personalized care, taking the time to understand each patient’s unique goals and concerns to create a customized treatment plan and provide them with the most natural and beautiful eyes possible. Dr. Papanicolaou is an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

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Schedule Your Consultation

If you are unhappy with your eyelids’ appearance or are having vision problems due to their structure, a Blepharoplasty in Orlando could open up your world! Call Soma Plastic Surgery to schedule your consultation today! You can also use our website to request an appointment and a member of our team will be in touch with you shortly.

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) FAQs

Eyelid surgery is often considered to be the least painful cosmetic procedure. You may experience some mild discomfort during the procedure and the first few days of recovery, but Dr. Papanicolaou will prescribe you some temporary pain medication and provide you with some directions on how to have the most comfortable recovery possible.
The number of appointments needed for Eyelid Surgery is determined by what the patient needs and the type of procedure Dr. Papanicolaou determines what will be best for the most optimal results. In addition to your initial consultation and surgery, you can expect to return about a week later so Dr. Papanicolaou can see how you are healing.

You may need to return a few more times over the next few months just to keep monitoring your progress. Dr. Papanicolaou will always inform you of when he’d like to see you again at the end of each appointment.
Many of our Orlando Eyelid Surgery patients will combine their surgery with other procedures such as an eyebrow or forehead lift, facelift, neck lift, or laser skin resurfacing. If you have particular aesthetic goals in mind, please discuss them with Dr. Papanicolaou during your consultation. He will be more than happy to evaluate the desired area and make his expert recommendations on which treatment(s) would be best for you.
Though with any surgery, there are possible risks and complications, surgery performed by an experienced and knowledgeable surgeon minimizes these risks. The risks or complications of blepharoplasty include:
- Difficulty blinking
- Dry eyes
- Excess tearing
- Eyelid asymmetry
- Eyelid retraction
- Inability to fully close eyelids
- Loss of vision (extremely rare)
- Rounding of the eyes (loss of “almond shape” of the eye)
Most of these side effects will heal on their own in time, but if you have any long-lasting or concerning reactions, please contact our office immediately.

TestimonialsWhat our patients
have to say

Eve F.

Dr Papanicolaou is the best! Very knowledgable and caring! So glad I found him! I definitely recommend putting your trust in him. Awesome office staff. They make you feel like family. Cant say enough good things about the whole staff.

C.V. Fig

Dr. Papanicolaou is the BEST Plastic Surgeon in Central Florida. He is smart, caring and honest.. I have been his patient for over two yrs. His staff is available, responsive and accommodating. They treat you like family. I feel very fortunate and grateful that I found Dr. Papanicolaou. He helped me during a very difficult process.

Yamile K.

Dr. Papanicolaou exceeded my expectations, he is a master at his craft, the entire process was relatively painless, his nurses are amazing, so caring. Also the Florida surgical center was great, they treated me like a princess. Overall I cannot be happier with my experience, I highly recommend Soma Plastic surgery.

Sheila O.

Dr. Papanicalou and staff are exceptional. The process was smooth from beginning to end and I am so pleased with the results. Very natural and as close to perfect as possible. I highly recommend Dr. Papanicalou!

Swandra W.

Dr. P and all of the staff are wonderful. They were amazing to me at the most vulnerable time in my life. I am thankful to have such caring, thoughtful, skilled, knowledgeable and talented human beings to reconstruct the damage that cancer caused. Forever grateful.

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Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) in Orlando