Eyelid Surgery in Minneapolis-St. Paul

What is Eyelid Surgery?

Drooping eyelids can cause you to look tired or even cause functional problems. Eyelid surgery, also known as a blepharoplasty, can help to treat loose and sagging skin on the upper eyelids, fatty deposits that can cause eyelid puffiness, and bags under the eyes for a more youthful appearance.

Cost of Eyelid Surgery

Upper Lids: $2,500
Lower Lids: $5,252

This includes your surgical fee and all follow-up visits with Dr. Rocheford. This estimate also includes the facility fee and anesthesia costs. This is an estimate and may be different depending on your specific situation. It does not include the cost of your pre-operative physical, lab tests, or medications. Dr. Rocheford does charge $100 for consultations, and that fee is deducted from the price of your surgery or in-office procedure.

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DETAILS OF EYELID SURGERY:

  • Surgery: Surgery is done under local sedation or general anesthetic at a surgery center. The surgery takes 1 – 2 hours and is outpatient surgery.
  • Discomfort: Mild. Anticipate 0 – 3 days of pain medication.
  • Bruising and Swelling: Improves within 1 – 2 weeks. Can last up to 4 weeks. Minimize with constant head elevation and frequent ice application.
  • Stitches: Sutures will be removed in one week.
  • Contact Lenses: May be worn in one week. Glasses may be worn immediately.
  • Bandages: None
  • Make-up: May be worn in 1 week.
  • Presentation in Public: 3 days to 2 weeks with the help of make-up.
  • Work: You may feel capable of returning within 1 – 3 days, but your appearance will be the limiting factor.
  • Exercise: May be resumed in 2 weeks.
  • Sun Protection: Six months with SPF 15 or higher.
  • Final Result: Seen in 2 – 6 weeks. The results are usually permanent.

Who is a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

Individuals who have excess skin covering the natural fold of the eyelids, have loose eyelid skin that impairs their vision, or have puffy eyelids which cause a look of sadness can often benefit from eyelid surgery. Good eyelid surgery candidates are healthy, non-smokers who do not have a serious eye condition. It is important to remember that drooping lids may also be caused by relaxed skin on the forehead and eyebrows. A consultation with Dr. Rocheford can help to determine whether eyelid surgery can help to remedy your drooping eyelids.

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The Procedure

Eyelid surgery incisions are created so that any scars will be hidden within the natural eye creases. Upper eyelid surgery involves an incision along the eyelid crease for the removal and repositioning of fat, tightening muscles, and removing extra skin. During lower eyelid surgery, an incision will be made below the lower lash line. Incisions will be closed with a stitch that will be removed about one week later. Incisions will fade over time and blend into the natural creases of the eye, so virtually no scarring is apparent.

Eyelid Surgery Recovery

Eyelid Surgery is an outpatient procedure that takes about one to two hours. Following surgery, patients will experience bruising and swelling, which can be controlled with elevation and ice. Any discomfort can also be controlled with pain medication. Glasses can be worn immediately following surgery, and contacts can be worn after a week. Patients can return to work within one to three days, or when they feel comfortable with their appearance. Exercise can take place in two weeks. Final results are seen in two to six weeks post-op and are permanent. If you’re ready to discuss your options for improving the appearance of your eyelids, now is a great time to schedule your eyelid surgery consultation with Dr. Heather Rocheford at our plastic surgery offices, serving the Twin Cities Metro area including St. Paul, Minneapolis, Woodbury and beyond. Simply request a consultation online, or call Rocheford Plastic Surgery at 651-739-1100 today to schedule your appointment.

Eyelid Surgery FAQ’s

Who can benefit from eyelid surgery?

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. The surgery can also correct fat deposits that create a puffy appearance, as well as dark under-eye circles.

How do I know whether I need eyelid surgery or a brow lift?

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. Brow lift surgery does not address fat deposits or any concerns related to the lower eyelids. 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.

Where will my eyelid surgery be performed?

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.

When may I return to work after surgery?

Eyelid surgery is not typically a complex procedure, and most patients are pleasantly surprised that pain and discomfort during recuperation are mild. However, the procedure can cause significant bruising around the eyes, and makeup application should be avoided for at least 1 week to promote proper healing. For the upper lids, bruising is generally gone in a week, but it takes longer for the lower lids, around 2 weeks. We use a topical patch containing arnica and other anti-inflammatory botanicals called OcuMend, which has significantly reduced bruising and swelling in blepharoplasty patients.

What will my scars look like?

Whether your surgery involves the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, Dr. Rocheford takes care to make fine, discreet incisions. Upper incisions generally follow the natural crease of the eyelid, while lower incisions are made near the lower lash line. The healed scars are typically very inconspicuous and can be concealed further with a small amount of makeup.

Can eyelid surgery be combined with other procedures?

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.

Does Dr. Rocheford offer any non-surgical methods to improve the eyelids?

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.

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Meet Dr. Rocheford

A board-certified plastic surgeon in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Dr. Heather Rocheford provides a full spectrum of surgical and non-surgical procedures. Request a private consultation to learn how she can customize treatments to your exact needs. Request Consultation