Eyelid Surgery in St. Louis, MO

Blepharoplasty is commonly referred to as an eyelid lift. The procedure can be performed on either the upper or lower regions. Some patients choose to target both. Upper blepharoplasty procedures can be done under local anesthesia or according to patient preference. A lower blepharoplasty is often done under general anesthesia since its a longer, more involved procedure. All incisions are made in natural folds or creases around the eye so that, after proper healing, any scars will be well disguised and virtually invisible at a conversational distance.

In an upper blepharoplasty, a small incision is made within the natural crease. From here, Dr. Hulsey, will remove excess skin, and possibly excess muscle. The procedure lasts about one and  hours and is completed in an outpatient surgery center under local anesthesia.

There are a few things that can be addressed with a lower blepharoplasty: excess skin, lower lid bags (tear trough deformity), and lower lid hyperpigmentation (blepharomelasma or dark circles under the eyes). Depending on your needs, Dr. Hulsey can address each of these problems. If there is excess skin in the lower lid, a small incision would be made in a natural crease of the lower lid skin. If there is no excess skin, and only lower lids bags are being addressed, an incision can be made on the inside of the lid. Dr. Hulsey would then rearrange the orbital fat causing the lower lid bags, and blend it with the cheek, ultimately resulting in a smooth, more youthful contour.

With both upper and lower blepharoplasty procedure, Dr. Hulsey places steri-strips over the incision and involved lid. These strips act as a splint to help minimize swelling. Patients are given cold gel packs for their eyes, and must use them regularly over the first 3 days to minimize swelling and bruising. Patients are also given eye drops they must use to help keep the eyes lubricated. Sutures and steri-strips are removed at 4-5 days. Most patients can return to work within 3 to 10 days (depending on the procedure) following surgery. Heavily visual activities, such as reading, can be resumed within 2 to 3 days, but it is best to avoid strenuous activity for 4 weeks. Mild activities can be resumed after 2 weeks. Swelling and bruising should subside within 2 to 3 weeks. Dr. Hulsey advises that patients have a friend or family member stay with them for the first couple of days following surgery. Moderate swelling and bruising are to be expected immediately following the procedure. The rate of recovery will depend on the individual patient’s health prior to surgery and their commitment to following Dr. Hulsey’s post-op instructions. 

The ideal candidate for this procedure is otherwise healthy with no life-threatening illnesses or medical conditions that would interfere with the surgery or impede proper healing. As with any invasive procedure, it is advised that patients avoid smoking prior to surgery. Dr. Hulsey can discuss a more definitive timeline for quitting during the initial consultation. Certain individuals concerned with the functionality of the eyelid may be candidates, but they cannot suffer from serious eye conditions. Patients should have an overall positive outlook with specific aesthetic goals outlined prior to the consultation. From these goals, our surgeons can determine whether or not eyelid surgery is the optimal solution. The face is comprised of intricate, closely connected systems and, as such, the appearance of a drooping lid can be caused due to issues stemming from the forehead, eyebrow, or the levator (one of the muscles in the upper lid region). During your personal consultation, Dr. Hulsey will assess your unique anatomy in order to determine underlying issues and create the ideal procedure plan. 

 Before your consultation, gather pertinent information about your medical history, including:

• Previous surgeries (esp. any eye surgery such as LASIK)
• Past and present medical conditions
• Any current medications, either prescription or over-the-counter
• Allergies that affect the eyes
• Whether you wear contacts

It is absolutely crucial that you be able to provide comprehensive medical information. Common disorders that may negatively affect the outcome of surgery include:

• Chronic “dry eye” as diagnosed by an ophthalmologist
• High blood pressure
• Thyroid problems
• Diabetes

Also, come to your consultation ready to discuss your specific concerns and outline your aesthetic goals. From this information, our surgeons will be able to evaluate your candidacy for blepharoplasty and develop your personal procedure plan.