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.

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.

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.

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.