(813) 499-1408 Appointment

Blepharoplasty Tampa, FL

Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery is designed to reduce the sign of aging in the upper and/or lower eyelids.

Excess skin and fat of the upper eyelid will be removed, or modified, to improve the excess skin of the upper eyelid. At our practice in Tampa Blepharoplasty surgery is designed to open the eyes and rejuvenate the central third of the face. Upper and lower lid surgery may be performed together or separately and often in combination with other facial surgery such as a facelift or brow lift procedure.

What is Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure designed to address the common cosmetic concerns that arise around the eyes as we age. Over time, the delicate skin around the eyes loses elasticity, and fatty deposits can accumulate beneath the surface. This can lead to the formation of hooded eyelids, undereye bags, and puffiness, making you look tired, worn down, or even sad. At our practice in Tampa Blepharoplasty can effectively address these concerns by removing excess skin and fat deposits. This can result in a more refreshed, youthful, and alert appearance in the eyes, bringing back a brighter, more confident you.

Upper Blepharoplasty

Also known as upper eyelid surgery, this procedure is designed to surgically improve heavy eyelids with excessive folds and creases that are weighing down on the upper portion of the eye.

It is common to develop an excess of skin in this area as the result of gravity takes a toll as we age, combined with the effect of loose, thinning skin that occurs with time. This is a particular concern in the delicate eye area, which is known to be quite thin in comparison to the rest of the face. Hooded eyelids are a commonly cited concern. While the condition is mostly cosmetic, in extreme cases, it can begin to obstruct a patient’s vision. During your Blepharoplasty Tampa surgeon, Dr. Landon, removes excess eyelid skin that sits between the upper lash line and brow bone. This helps to open the eyes and allows the treated patient to appear more well-rested and younger in appearance.

Tampa blepharoplasty model on beach
Tampa blepharoplasty model in black bikini

Lower Blepharoplasty

Also called a lower eyelid surgery, this lower eye lift procedure helps to eliminate puffy lower eyelids and excess skin that develop in the area beneath the lower lash line.

Bags under the eyes, as well as, most types of dark circles we will see improvement with a lower blepharoplasty procedure. Some patients are prone to cosmetic changes in this area as a result of aging, genetics, lifestyle choices, or a combination of all three.

However, the cosmetic procedures at Landon Plastic Surgery can help. Your lower blepharoplasty alleviates the excess skin, under-eye bags, and puffiness for an eye enhancement that looks completely natural. Dr. Landon makes use of the latest eyelift techniques to minimize unnecessary trauma during surgery while maximizing the results of your procedure.

Benefits of Blepharoplasty

Ever look in the mirror and feel like your eyes look tired, even after a good night's sleep? That puffiness and undereye bags can be a real drag on your appearance, making you look older and more worn out than you feel. With Blepharoplasty Tampa patients that come to us can address these concerns by removing excess skin and fatty deposits that contribute to that weighed-down look. This can open up your eyes, allowing more light to shine through and creating a more youthful and refreshed appearance.

The results can also be dramatic in terms of improving your vision, especially if excess upper eyelid skin is obstructing your field of view. Perhaps the biggest benefit of Blepharoplasty is the boost it can give to your self-confidence. When you look and feel your best, it shows in everything you do. So, if you're ready to ditch the tired eyes and project a more vibrant, youthful image to the world, Blepharoplasty may be the right choice for you.

The Best Candidates for Blepharoplasty

Dr. Landon meets one-on-one with blepharoplasty candidates to evaluate them for the procedure (and explain the operation in more detail and answer any questions).

The best candidates for Blepharoplasty in Tampa are in good physical and psychological health and have a stable health history. Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions that could increase the surgical risks, impair healing, or otherwise affect the outcome do not make good candidates for eyelid surgery. For example, an individual with an overactive thyroid may not qualify for eyelid surgery as this condition may lead to excessive swelling and subsequent lid malposition.

Blepharoplasty candidates should not smoke and not have any type of active eye infection. It's also important for candidates to have specific and reasonable goals of surgery that they clearly articulate to Dr. Landon. He will inquire about the patient's ideal cosmetic outcome and work with the patient to set realistic expectations of the outcome.

Selecting a Qualified Tampa Surgeon for Blepharoplasty

Dr. Bruce Landon, MD has been performing cosmetic Blepharoplasty surgery to patients across the Tampa and Port Richey, Florida area for the last 20-plus years of his esteemed medical career. He completed medical training at UCLA and is board-certified in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures for both the face and body.

Blepharoplasty surgeon, Dr. Landon uses a careful hand paired with the latest techniques to produce an optimal result for the patients that entrust their eyes to his care. It is his goal to ensure patients obtain a natural-looking result with refreshed eyes that appear more youthful and alert, without obvious signs of having work done. Dr. Landon skillfully removes or repositions excess fat, tissue, and muscle in the orbital eye area to help patients look and feel their best.

Blepharoplasty Procedure

A combined upper & lower blepharoplasty takes approximately 2 hours under general or local anesthesia with sedation.

The upper eyelids take approximately 40 to 45 minutes and the lower eyelids approximately 1 hour. Recent technical changes in lower eyelid surgery result in the suspension of the soft tissue and musculature of the lower eyelid to enhance the longevity of the lift. This substantially improves the transition between the eyelid and cheek improving the aging features of the cheek-lid hollowing. Stitches are absorbable without the need for removal.

Tightening of the lower eyelid support is performed at the same time, to prevent sagging of the lower lid free margin. This tightening is responsible for the slight upswept appearance to the lower lid margin, which will return to a normal natural look, in approximately 2 to 3 weeks. Muscles of the brow are often thinned in conjunction with the upper blepharoplasty, to decrease furrowing or frown lines. This often requires additional postoperative BOTOX® or Dysport® administration for complete eradication. Incisions are made in the upper eyelid crease and below the lash line of the lower lids to minimize postoperative incision show.

tampa Blepharoplasty model with brown hair
Blepharoplasty Recovery

Swelling and bruising are expected after surgery and will last approximately 2 to 6 weeks in most instances. Cold packs are used after blepharoplasty surgery to minimize and control swelling, and extra pillows for head elevation are encouraged to shorten the recuperation. The blurring of the patient’s vision is expected for 48 to 72 hours after surgery due to the lubricating eye drops that are used during the surgery.

Television watching and reading should be limited in the early days of recovery. Showering is acceptable 24 hours after a blepharoplasty, and eye make-up wear may be applied after 1 to 2 weeks. Typical return to work is approximately 7 to 10 days, return to exercise is approximately 4 to 6 weeks, and smoking is prohibited in the postoperative period.

Results of Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty results are typically long-lasting, with patients enjoying their rejuvenated appearance for up to ten years or more. However, individual results may vary depending on factors like skin elasticity, genetics, and sun exposure. It's important to note that while some improvement can be seen as soon as the swelling and bruising subside (usually within two to six weeks), final results can take up to several months to fully develop as the swelling completely resolves and the skin adjusts to its new position.

Cost of Blepharoplasty

The cost of Blepharoplasty in Tampa can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon's experience, and facility fees. During your consultation with Dr. Landon, he will provide you with a personalized quote based on your specific needs and goals.

tampa Blepharoplasty model with brown hair

Blepharoplasty FAQs

Incisions for Blepharoplasty are strategically placed in natural creases or along the lash line to minimize visibility. Over time, these scars will fade significantly.

Blepharoplasty can improve your vision in some cases. If drooping upper eyelids are obstructing your field of view, eyelid surgery can remove excess skin and tissue, opening up your eyes and improving your peripheral vision. However, it's important to consult with Dr. Landon to determine if Blepharoplasty is the most appropriate solution for your vision concerns.

There are a number of non-surgical options available to address some of the cosmetic concerns that Blepharoplasty treats. These include:

  • Botox Injections: Can temporarily smooth out wrinkles and crow's feet around the eyes.
  • Dermal Fillers: Can be used to add volume and fullness to the under-eye area, reducing the appearance of hollowness.
  • Chemical Peels: Can improve skin texture and tone around the eyes.

These options may be suitable for patients with mild concerns or those who are not interested in surgery. However, they are not a substitute for Blepharoplasty and cannot achieve the same dramatic and long-lasting results.

Following Dr. Landon's pre and post-operative instructions carefully is crucial for minimizing risks and optimizing your results. Here are some key tips:

  • Quit Smoking: Smoking can impair healing and increase the risk of complications.
  • Maintain a Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients will support your body's healing process.
  • Avoid Strenuous Activity: Restricting physical activity for a recommended period will help to minimize swelling and promote healing.
  • Protect Your Eyes From the Sun: Wear sunglasses with UV protection to shield your eyes from sun damage, which can accelerate skin aging.
  • Attend All Follow-Up Appointments: This allows Dr. Landon to monitor your progress and address any concerns you may have.

Blepharoplasty is typically considered an elective cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance. However, in some cases, if drooping upper eyelids are significantly obstructing your vision, a portion of the surgery may be covered by insurance if it is deemed medically necessary. It's important to consult with your insurance provider to determine your specific coverage. Dr. Landon's staff can also assist you with navigating the insurance process.

Why People Choose to Undergo Blepharoplasty

With the rejuvenation of the eye area, the entire face takes on a more pleasant, alert, and youthful quality.

If he feels it would be helpful, Dr. Landon may recommend another procedure in conjunction with blepharoplasty for more dramatic facial rejuvenation results. People undergo eyelid surgery to address imperfections that give the eyes a tired, sad, or angry appearance, or make them look prematurely aged. When considering a Blepharoplasty Tampa patients that visit us can correct the following:

  • Under-eye bags or dark circles
  • Puffy upper and/or lower lids
  • Deep creases underneath the eyes
  • Loose, excess skin that hangs over the upper lid and eyelashes
  • Under eye bags and certain types of dark circles

What Can’t Blepharoplasty Do?

It is helpful to note the difference between eye lift and brow lift surgery. While an upper eyelid removes redundant skin and tissue that has accumulated on the upper eyelid area, a brow lift (or forehead lift) raises the position of the skin on the forehead to increase the height of the brows.

Both procedures do have a lifting effect to smooth sagging eyelid skin; However, some patients may benefit from one procedure versus the other. Dr. Landon will conduct an examination of the eyes and brow bone area to determine which procedure will provide the most optimal result. He is experienced in both procedures, and will only perform a forehead lift in the event the patient has sagging brows that are positioned too low on the face.

Can Procedures Be Combined with Blepharoplasty?

Yes. Dr. Landon may suggest a combination of procedures based on the patient's individual needs and cosmetic concerns. Oftentimes, a blepharoplasty and eyebrow lift procedure are performed at the same time as a face and neck lift to achieve total facial rejuvenation. In some cases, correcting signs of aging in one area of the face but not another may result in an inharmonious result.