Eyelid Surgery in Minneapolis-St. Paul

Although many people pursue eyelid surgery to address age-related concerns, such as sagging skin or wrinkles, others may undergo the surgery to correct inherited irregularities. Regardless of the cause, healthy adults who are bothered by drooping or tired-looking eyes may benefit from eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, at our Minneapolis-area practice.

A brow lift, or forehead surgery, can also rejuvenate the upper face, but it focuses more specifically on wrinkles of the forehead and sagging or lowered brow. Some patients may benefit from both brow and eyelid surgery. During your consultation, Dr. Rocheford works with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses each of your needs.

Dr. Rocheford performs eyelid surgery using local anesthesia at her office, which saves the patient the surgical center cost. Blepharoplasty is an outpatient surgery that is relatively simple, so performing it in the office is beneficial.

Dr. Rocheford takes care to make fine, discreet incisions. Upper incisions generally follow the natural crease of the eyelid. The healed scars are typically very inconspicuous and can be concealed further with a small amount of makeup.

Yes. Dr. Rocheford regularly performs blepharoplasty in addition to other facial rejuvenation procedures, such as brow lift or facelift. A comprehensive at-home skincare regimen, which we can help you set up, can also complement and enhance your surgical results. Dr. Rocheford and our team of aesthetic professionals are excited to work with you to help you find the best version of yourself.

Injectable dermal fillers, such as Juvéderm and Radiesse, may be used to enhance the area around the eyes by replenishing volume in areas such as the tear troughs and reducing wrinkles. However, the results of injectable dermal fillers are temporary, lasting anywhere between 6 and 9 months. Although these treatments can help improve the appearance of the eyes, they are not an equal alternative to surgery, which repositions and removes excess tissue for a more refined appearance. During your consultation, Dr. Rocheford evaluates your eyelids and the surrounding tissue to help you decide which course of action can create the best results for you.

In some cases, Botox can lift droopy or hooded eyelids. However, eyelid surgery is sometimes a better option if drooping is caused by excess skin rather than sagging in the brow.

In severe cases, eyelids that droop too low can obstruct your vision. In this case, eyelid surgery may be medically necessary.

Its extremely important to sleep in an elevated position (on a couch or recliner) after your surgery. This prevents blood pooling and causing excess swelling.

Eyelid surgery is often effective for hooded eyes because it can remove the excess skin that causes hoods. In other cases, a brow lift may be needed if the hoods are caused by a low or sagging brow.

After eyelid surgery, youll be given detailed instructions on using ice packs, remaining upright, and taking prescription medications to reduce swelling and bruising. Some bruising is inevitable after surgery since blood tends to pool around the eyes after facial surgery.

Upper eyelid surgery is nearly permanent but naturally aging may start to impact the results after 5-7 years.

Most people choose to have eyelid surgery in their 30s or later once signs of aging like drooping lids have started. However, people with naturally hooded lids can have this surgery earlier. There is no “right age” to have cosmetic surgery.

People with eye conditions like chronic dry eye or other medical conditions like hypertension, thyroid disorders, hypertension, and heart disease might not be candidates for eyelid surgery. Dr. Rocheford will determine whether you are a candidate at your consultation.

Yes. General anesthesia will be used to put patients to sleep and keep them comfortable during surgery.

Like any surgical procedure, eyelid surgery has some risks of infection and a bad reaction to anesthesia. However, these possible complications are rare, especially when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Rocheford.

After eyelid surgery, patients should sleep with their heads in an elevated position on their backs. They should continue this sleeping habit for the first few weeks to minimize swelling.

Skin that covers the pupil is caused by drooping eyelids can lead to blurred vision or hinder the eye from fully opening. This impaired vision can be dangerous and create risks for someone trying to do their daily activities.

In most cases, there is no visible scarring after blepharoplasty. In cases where scarring is unavoidable, the scars will be minimal and nearly impossible to notice.