Your eyes can be one of the first indications of aging in your face. With little downtime -- upper and lower eyelid surgery can take years off your face.
This cosmetic surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, can improve that tired appearance and in some cases improve eyesight that is compromised due to heavy, drooping, upper lids (ptosis).
Your first priority should be to find an experienced surgeon that will be open to your concerns and questions. Dr. Gregory Branham, Division Chief at Washington University in St. Louis, has over 20 years of surgical experience with a high level of expertise. Treatment Specialists
Gregory H. Branham, M.D.
Listed in America's Top Doctors? and Best Doctors in America, Inc?
2002 through 2008
Mark Checcone, M.D.
For your cosmetic surgery needs, the Washington University Facial Plastic Surgery Center is conveniently located in the West St. Louis County area at 605 Old Ballas Road, Creve Coeur, Missouri 63131.
TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT, PLEASE CALL (314) 432-7760 or (314) 362-7509
What Can I Expect From Blepharoplasty Surgery?
Incisions are made in the natural creases or folds of the eyelids. Loose skin and extra fat tissue are removed. The eyelid muscles are tightened and the incision is stitched closed.
Stitches are removed from four to seven days following surgery. Bruising usually reaches its peak within the first week. For some patients, using an incision on the undersurface of the lower eyelid can avoid external incisions.
Upper eyelid surgery can be performed in the physician’s office, but lower eyelid surgery is usually performed in a surgery center on an out-patient basis. The time required to be off-work for eyelid surgery is normally seven to ten days.
Eventually, the incisions will fade to a thin, nearly invisible white line. The more alert and youthful look usually lasts for years. These results are permanent for many people.
What You Need To Know About Blepharoplasty
Techniques for eyelid surgery can vary from surgeon to surgeon. The best technique is the one that has long lasting effects and doesn’t alter the shape of your eye.
Blepharoplasty should enhance your appearance by turning back the hands of time, while not changing your natural appearance. Our specialists are careful to use techniques that will not reposition the eyes or change their shape.
Likewise, you don’t want to pay for blepharoplasty surgery and have only excess skin removed, without resuspending the supporting tissue and muscle back in place.
Every Patient’s Eyes Are Different
Everyone’s eyes have differences including the shape, the surrounding muscles, tendons and bony support. The right technique for you can be determined after a comprehensive examination and consultation with one of the Facial Plastic Surgery Center's surgeons.
The wrong technique can leave you with scarring, a rounding of the corner of the eye or eyelids that will not function properly.
Does Insurance Cover This Procedure?
Blepharoplasty is considered an elective surgery, so it is not covered under health insurance, except in the documented case of ptosis.
To qualify for insurance coverage for ptosis you must see
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| Facialplasticsurgery.wustl.edu |
Where Can I Find More Information?an ophthalmologist and have a special vision test performed to determine the medical problem.
Visit the interactive Facial Plastic Surgery Center web site to find more information on cosmetic enhancements.
Email your question from the web site to our surgeons.
A before and after photo gallery feature allows you to view actual photos of reconstructive surgery, facelifts, brow lifts, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), rhinoplasty (nose surgery), chemical peels or skin resurfacing, scar revision, cosmetic facial fillers and facial implants.