Blepharoplasty

Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in Houston and The Woodlands, TX

Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery with Natural, Refreshed Results

Aging around the eyes is one of the earliest and most noticeable changes in the face. Upper and lower eyelid surgery—known as blepharoplasty—is a highly effective procedure for restoring a refreshed, youthful appearance.

Dr. Couvillion, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, takes a meticulous and conservative approach to eyelid surgery, ensuring patients achieve natural-looking results without overcorrection. With extensive experience in cosmetic and reconstructive facial procedures, Dr. Couvillion is trusted by patients in Houston and the Woodlands for results that enhance—not change—your unique features.

What happens to our eyes as they age?

The eyes are a central focus of our face. They convey emotion, and communicate with others. Over time, a number of changes naturally occur around the eyes, leading to a more aged and tired appearance.

The orbital septum, which is a membranous sheet in the eye, can weaken, allowing the protrusion of orbital fat and creating “bags” under the eye or in the upper eyelid. The skin may develop wrinkles. The orbicularis muscle, which is the main muscle of the eyelid, may weaken and descend, in addition to the cheek fat pad. This weakening and descent of the cheek and fat herniation of the lower eyelid may create significant hollows under the eyelids or the “tear trough” deformity. These changes in the skin or fat around the eyes can produce noticeable signs of aging. This can result in a tired or aged look.

What is Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is a facial cosmetic surgery procedure performed to improve the appearance of the eyelids. Sometimes referred to as an eyelid lift, blepharoplasty can be performed to address a wide range of cosmetic concerns, including drooping eyelids, under eye bags, and puffiness.

Blepharoplasty can be performed on either the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids, or both.

Benefits of Blepharoplasty

  • Benefits of blepharoplasty include:
  • A more youthful appearance
  • A more rested appearance
  • Elimination of baggy or droopy eyelids
  • Reduction of excess skin around the eyelids
  • Reduction of excess fat around the eyes
  • Reduced under eye puffiness and bags
  • Reduced dark circles and discoloration under the lower eyelids
  • Enhanced definition of the upper eyelid contour
  • Long-lasting results

Blepharoplasty is not solely a cosmetic procedure: for patients who encounter significant ptosis (sagging skin) of the upper eyelids that obstructs their vision, a functional blepharoplasty may be performed.1

Who is a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

If you are troubled by saggy or droopy eyelid skin, under eye bags, or other factors that make your eyes appear aged or tired, you may benefit from an eyelid lift. A good candidate for blepharoplasty:

  • Is in good overall health
  • Is not a smoker
  • Has realistic expectations about what can be achieved through plastic surgery2

Preparing for Eyelid Surgery

The key to feeling prepared for eyelid lift surgery is to attend a consultation with Dr. Couvillion. During this appointment, you will be able to be candid about your cosmetic goals. Dr. Couvillion will examine your upper and lower eyelid area, then conduct a brief review of your medical history. She will then educate you about the blepharoplasty procedure, and together you will decide if an eyelid lift is right for you. When your surgical procedure is scheduled, you will receive detailed pre- and postoperative instructions.

The Blepharoplasty Procedure

Blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation.

For upper lid blepharoplasty, incisions are made in the natural upper eyelid crease. During lower eyelid surgery, incisions are made along the lash line and in the natural creases below the eye. Excess skin and excess fat are then removed, and the underlying muscles are tightened. The incisions are then closed with sutures.3

Eyelid Surgery Recovery

Each person has a slightly different healing process after eyelid lift surgery. It is normal to experience some bruising and swelling around the eyes after a blepharoplasty procedure, but this will naturally resolve within a few weeks. You may feel some discomfort after blepharoplasty, and this can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and cold compresses or ice packs.

Most of Dr. Couvillion’s patients are able to return to work within a week or two of their blepharoplasty surgery.

FAQ

How long until I notice my blepharoplasty results?

You will begin to notice results within a few weeks of your eyelid lift. Final results should be noticeable within three to six months, after all swelling has resolved.4

Is eyelid surgery painful?

Your eyelid lift will be performed under anesthesia, so you won’t feel anything during the procedure. It is normal to experience discomfort during the blepharoplasty recovery period, but this can be managed with pain medication.

Will I have scars after my eyelid lift?

Dr. Couvillion makes discrete incisions for blepharoplasty within the natural creases of the upper and lower eyelid, so there should be no visible scarring.

How long will my blepharoplasty results last?

The results of an eyelid lift are long-lasting. Still, no procedure can stop the natural aging process, so you may desire a touch-up after a number of years.

Is blepharoplasty covered by insurance?

When blepharoplasty is performed solely for cosmetic reasons, it is considered to be an elective procedure and is not eligible for coverage. However, if saggy skin (ptosis) obstructs a patient’s vision, functional blepharoplasty may be deemed medically necessary. In these cases, the surgery may be covered by insurance.

Can I combine my blepharoplasty with other procedures?

Yes. Many of Dr. Couvillion’s patients choose to undergo eyelid surgery in conjunction with other procedures, such as a facelift.

Is eyelid lift surgery safe?

Blepharoplasty is a commonly performed procedure that is considered to be safe, especially when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon such as Dr. Couvillion. Risks, complications, and side effects of blepharoplasty are rare, and may include:
• Infection
• Asymmetry
• Dry eye
• Temporary vision changes including double vision and blurry vision
• Noticeable scarring
• Difficulty closing the eyes5

Contact Dr. Couvillion

If you live in Houston, The Woodlands, or nearby communities and would like to rejuvenate your eye area with an eyelid lift, please contact us to schedule your blepharoplasty consultation with Dr. Couvillion.

Reference

  1. Mayo Clinic. Blepharoplasty. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/blepharoplasty/about/pac-20385174. Accessed March 6, 2023.
  2. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Who is a good candidate for blepharoplasty? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/eyelid-surgery/candidates. Accessed March 6, 2023.
  3. UCSF Health. Eyelid Surgery. Available: https://www.ucsfhealth.org/treatments/eyelid-surgery. Accessed March 6, 2023.
  4. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What results should I expect after eyelid surgery? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/eyelid-surgery/results. Accessed March 6, 2023.
  5. Mayo Clinic. Blepharoplasty. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/blepharoplasty/about/pac-20385174. Accessed March 6, 2023.