Cosmetic Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty) in Nashville, TN

Blepharoplasty might be right for you if you’re experiencing any of the following issues:

• Excess or loose skin that hides the natural fold of your upper eyelids
• Creases and fine lines around your upper and lower eyelids
• Puffy upper or lower eyelids that give you a tired appearance
• Reduced peripheral vision due to droopy upper eyelids

Unlike general plastic surgeons, oculoplastic surgeons have an in-depth understanding of both facial and ocular anatomy. They’ve received advanced training that allows them to balance their patients’ cosmetic objectives with their ocular health needs, which is essential due to the fragility of the eyes and surrounding tissues.

Dr. Sherman also has access to specialized equipment that helps her effectively assess and treat each of her patients. She will examine your eyes under a biomicroscope both before and after your surgery to gain a thorough, three-dimensional understanding of your orbital region. This detailed approach looks to provide you with personalized, flattering results and will hopefully eliminate the need for revision surgery.

Eyelid lift surgery is rarely an inpatient procedure. Dr. Sherman performs the operation in an accredited outpatient surgery center, and most patients can return home on the same day they have surgery.

To perform upper eyelid surgery, Dr. Sherman first measures the excess skin and marks the incision sites within the natural creases of the lids. Using this incision location ensures that these creases will hide scar tissue. After making incisions along the eyelids, Dr. Sherman removes excess fat, muscle tissue, and loose skin. Then, she uses fine sutures to close the incisions, thereby further minimizing the visibility of scar tissue.

During lower eyelid surgery, Dr. Sherman makes incisions either behind the eyelid (the “hidden incision” or transconjunctival blepharoplasty technique) or along the lower eyelash line. Then, she trims away excess fat, muscle, and skin before closing the incisions with self-dissolving sutures. Most blepharoplasty procedures take just one to two hours to perform, depending on the complexity of the operation.

If you need to have an eyelid lift to improve your vision, your insurance may cover part or all of your procedure. To be eligible for coverage, you will need to provide documentation proving that drooping eyelids are impairing your vision. You will also need to review the details of your insurance plan to verify your policy covers this type of procedure.

When performed by a trained and experienced oculoplastic surgeon, blepharoplasty has a very low rate of complications. Most patients recover quickly from this minimally invasive procedure. Having cosmetic eyelid surgery will not harm your vision; indeed, it may improve the clarity of your peripheral vision.

For both men and women, blepharoplasty surgery can result in a younger, more energetic appearance with minimal downtime. Most patients have only mild bruising and swelling, and most can return to work after just one week.

Before you leave our clinic, a nurse will cover your eyes and eyelids with ointment and ice packs to reduce inflammation and expedite healing. Your eyelids may feel tight and sore as the numbing medicine wears off, but we’ll provide pain medication to alleviate these symptoms. We also recommend keeping your head elevated as much as possible for several days. At least three times per day, place cold packs over the treatment area to reduce swelling and bruising.

Incision lines may remain slightly pink for six months or more after surgery, but you’ll be able to hide these marks with makeup if you wish. They will usually fade eventually to thin, nearly invisible white lines.

The more alert and youthful look created by eyelid surgery typically lasts from five to 10 years, depending on the age of the patient and factors like sun exposure, smoking, and overall health.