Before & After Results
What is an Blepharoplasty? An eyelid surgery zaps fat and excess skin from the upper and lower eyelids. Also known as blepharoplasty, this procedure corrects drooping upper lids and puffy bags below the eyes which tend to make you look older and tired. It can even interfere with your vision. Dr. Bartholomew strives to deliver the best blepharoplasty Portland has to offer.
Blepharoplasty can be done by itself or at the same time as other facial surgeries such as a facelift or a brow lift.
Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that rejuvenates the appearance and function of the eyelids. Using advanced surgical techniques, this procedure addresses excess skin, puffiness, and drooping around the upper or lower eyelids. By removing or repositioning tissues, blepharoplasty creates a more youthful and refreshed look while potentially improving peripheral vision for some patients.
As a person ages, the skin around the eyelid stretches, the muscles weaken, and fat starts to accumulate around the eyes, causing upper and lower "bags" to appear.
Prior to surgery, the surgeon will mark the incision sites, following along the natural creases and lines of the lower and upper eyelids.
Underlying fat, as well as excess skin and muscle, are removed with the procedure.
For a transconjunctival blepharoplasty, the surgeon makes a tiny incision within the lower eyelid, and excess fat is removed using fine forceps. No skin is removed, and dissolving sutures are used to close the incision.
The surgeon will close the incisions using fine sutures, leaving nearly invisible scarring.
Following the surgery, the upper eyelids will no longer droop, and the skin underneath the eyes become firm and smooth.
Blepharoplasty is more than a cosmetic procedure—it can improve your appearance, confidence, and overall quality of life. Whether you're addressing functional concerns or aesthetic goals, the surgery offers transformative results that enhance both form and function.
Key benefits include:
The best candidates for eyelid surgery are physically healthy men and women. Most blepharoplasty candidates are 35 years old or older. Some younger patients can get this type of surgery if they have droopy and baggy eyelids, especially if it runs in the family.
Some medical conditions that may be too risky for blepharoplasty, include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, dry eye or lack of sufficient tears, glaucoma, and high blood pressure and thyroid problems.
Like any other surgery, there are some risks involved with blepharoplasty in Portland. Possible minor complications can include a bad reaction to anesthesia, blurred vision, infection, swelling at the corner of the eyelids and slight asymmetry in healing. Occasionally, tiny whiteheads may appear after the stitches are removed.
Some Portland blepharoplasty patients have said that they had difficulty closing their eyes while trying to sleep. In rare cases, this condition, as well as ectropion which are a pulling down of the lower lids, can become permanent or require another surgery.
During your initial consultation, you will get a chance to express your goals for getting the procedure and your fears about it. Dr. Bartholomew will review your health and your medical history. He may test your vision and assess your tear production. Please bring the latest information from your ophthalmologist and any recent eye exam. Also, please bring any glasses or contact lenses that you wear on a regular basis.
The consultation allows you to go in detail what your goals are and what you expect from eyelid surgery. In your discussion with Dr. Bartholomew, make sure to cover whether you should get just one eye done, upper or lower ones, or all four eyelids. Will skin and fat be removed as part of the procedure?
Dr. Bartholomew will provide specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery. When should you stop eating prior to the surgery? If you are a smoker, when do you need to stop smoking prior to surgery? Should you continue with your regular medications? Follow these suggestions carefully and your surgery will go smoothly.
Also, make arrangements for a family member or a friend to drive you home after your eye lift in Portland.
How long does blepharoplasty take? Up to three hours, depending on the extent of the surgery.
If you have decided to have surgery on all four eyelids, Dr. Bartholomew will probably start with the upper lids first. He will make incisions following the natural lines of your eyelids from the creases of your upper lids to below the lashes in the lower lids. Sometimes, the incisions can extend into the crow's feet at the outer corners of your eyes.
Dr. Bartholomew separates the skin from the underlying fatty tissue to extract excess fat and trims sagging skin and muscle. Finally, he closes the incisions with fine sutures.
There is a chance Dr. Bartholomew may lubricate your eyes with ointment and apply a bandage.
A transconjunctival blepharoplasty deals with fat beneath your lower eyelids that don't need any skin removed. In this case, the incision is made inside your lower eyelid. This way, there is no visible scar. A transconjunctival blepharoplasty is usually reserved for younger patients with thicker and more elastic skin.
The results of blepharoplasty will develop gradually as swelling and bruising subside. Most patients start to notice significant improvement within the first few weeks, but the final results typically settle around three months after surgery.
Your eyelids will appear smoother, firmer, and more youthful, with improvements in vision if sagging skin previously obstructed your sight. These changes can last 10-15 years or more, though the natural aging process will continue to affect your skin over time.
While the results are long-lasting, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and protecting your skin from sun damage can help prolong the benefits. Dr. Bartholomew's meticulous surgical techniques ensure that scarring is minimal and often well hidden within the natural folds of the eyelid.
Blepharoplasty in Portland not only revitalizes your appearance but also offers functional benefits for those struggling with drooping eyelids. With careful post-operative care, you can enjoy a refreshed, confident look for years to come.
You can expect to have some discomfort and your eyelids to feel tight. Dr. Bartholomew can prescribe medication for pain relief. If the pain gets too severe, do not hesitate to contact our office immediately.
You will likely need to keep your head elevated for a few days and use cold compresses to minimize swelling. Everyone reacts differently to bruising. It usually lasts between two to four weeks. After your stitches are removed, two to seven days after surgery, the swelling and discoloration around your eyes should gradually subside.
You will get instructions on how to clean your eyes, which will feel gummy for a week or so. Eye drops may be recommended because your eyelids will likely feel dry and your eyes may burn or itch. Excessive tearing and sensitivity to light will likely affect you for a few weeks. You may also experience blurring or double vision as part of a temporary change in your eyesight.
Dr. Bartholomew will keep an “eye” on you for a couple of weeks to make sure everything is going well. After a couple of days, it should be fine for our Portland blepharoplasty patients to read a book or watch their favorite show.
You won't be able to wear contact lenses for two weeks and expect them to feel uncomfortable for a few weeks.
You should be able to return to work after a week depending on your healing process. Be aware you’ll probably still be sensitive to sunlight and wind for a few weeks. Wear sunglasses and sunblock to protect your eyelids.
Activities should be kept to a minimum for five days and avoid any activity that raises your blood pressure. Strenuous activities should be put on hold for three weeks. Avoid alcohol for a while because it causes fluid retention.
Your scars will remain pinkish for at least six months and eventually fade to a thin white line. It should be almost invisible to the naked eye.
Blepharoplasty in Portland will bring a new vision into your life, including a more youthful appearance.
Each blepharoplasty procedure is highly personalized, meaning costs can vary based on your specific needs and goals. Factors that influence the cost include the surgical technique, materials, and whether additional procedures are performed concurrently (such as a brow lift or facelift). The total cost typically includes surgeon's fees, anesthesia fees, facility fees, pre- and post-operative care, geographic location, and individual medical needs. At our Portland clinic, we ensure transparency in pricing and provide a comprehensive estimate during your consultation.
How long does blepharoplasty last?
The results of blepharoplasty typically last 10-15 years, though individual aging and lifestyle factors may influence longevity.
Will insurance page for blepharoplasty?
Insurance may cover blepharoplasty if it is deemed medically necessary, such as for improving vision. Cosmetic procedures are generally not covered.
What are the cons of blepharoplasty?
Potential cons include temporary swelling, bruising, and dry eyes during recovery. Rare risks may include asymmetry or scarring, which can be minimized with a skilled surgeon.
What is the best age for blepharoplasty?
There's no set "best" age, but most patients seek treatment in their 40s to 60s when signs of aging around the eyes become more noticeable.
Is there a difference between eyelid surgery and blepharoplasty?
No, they refer to the same procedure. "Blepharoplasty" is the medical term, while "eyelid surgery" is more commonly used.
