When you’ve decided to undergo blepharoplasty surgery, it’s important to choose the right plastic surgeon. You want a surgeon who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. But it’s also important to choose someone with specific experience performing blepharoplasty as this is a very difficult plastic surgery procedure that requires careful attention to detail.
In the following article, we’ll go over the steps patients should plan to take when searching for a blepharoplasty surgeon. But first, let’s explain what blepharoplasty entails.
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that aims to improve the appearance of the upper and lower eyelids — sometimes one or the other and sometimes both.
You may have seen the results of celebrity blepharoplasty surgery and not even known it. It is a commonly performed procedure that typically results in a very natural looking outcome and a more youthful appearance when performed well.
Depending on the specific needs of the patient, the primary goal of blepharoplasty is typically to remove excess skin, fat, and sometimes muscle from the eyelid area. This will help to create a more youthful, refreshed, and awake appearance.
For the upper eyelids, blepharoplasty typically addresses issues like drooping skin, which can impair the patient’s vision and give them a tired, older look. On the lower eyelids (lower eyelid surgery), the procedure often focuses on reducing puffiness and under eye bags. The surgery is customized to the individual, taking into account their specific concerns and desired results.
How to Find the Best Blepharoplasty Surgeon
Step 1: Narrow your target geographic location.
Where do you want to undergo plastic surgery? We know you want to find the best eyelid surgeon you can, but most patients have a desired location wherein they’d like to undergo their procedure, so let’s start there.
Step 2: Search for surgeons in your area.
Your next step is to search online for a “blepharoplasty surgeon near me”. If you want to make your search for the “best blepharoplasty surgeon near me”, that’s fine as well. What you want is a short list of great surgeons in your area.
Step 3: Meet with surgeons for consultation appointments.
It’s always acceptable to meet with more than one plastic surgeon for a consultation appointment. This will allow you to get to know the surgeon, learn about their training and experience, and find out what their plan for surgery would be for you.
Step 4: Review before and after photos.
Eyelid surgery before and after photos can tell you a lot about a surgeon’s skill level. Through viewing before and after photos, you’ll be able to see how well they perform the surgery and whether or not you like the results they consistently achieve.
Step 5: Read past patient testimonials.
Patient testimonials are another good place to learn more about the skills and expertise of a given plastic surgeon. You’re naturally looking for great reviews from past patients. You want to know that your surgeon is kind and compassionate, but also highly skilled.
Step 6: Make sure your surgeon is board certified.
The American Board of Plastic Surgery extends certifications to plastic surgeons who meet the necessary requirements. This is an extremely difficult certification to achieve because it requires surgeons to undergo extensive additional education on top of earning their medical degree. Before ultimately achieving certification, each plastic surgeon also needs to pass a challenging written exam and a very difficult oral exam, during which some of the best surgeons in the country will review their past work.
Step 7: Select a surgeon and meet with them again.
If you’ve already had one consultation appointment with the plastic surgeon you are now choosing to be your surgeon, it’s okay to book another appointment to review what you already talked about and ideally move forward with a surgical plan. At this point, you’ll be able to finalize your chosen options and hopefully book a date for surgery.
FAQ: Blepharoplasty Surgery
Is cosmetic eyelid surgery covered by insurance?
No, rarely is plastic surgery covered by insurance in the first place. But when a procedure such as an upper or lower eyelid lift is performed only for cosmetic reasons, it definitely will not be covered. The reason for this is that health insurance companies will only provide coverage for procedures they deem medically necessary. On rare occasions, when blepharoplasty surgery is performed to improve vision, it may be covered.
What’s the difference between a blepharoplasty and brow lift surgery?
When it comes to blepharoplasty vs brow lift, blepharoplasty focuses more on the eyelids themselves. Many patients come in for an upper eyelid blepharoplasty surgery, which focuses on reducing redundant skin and excess fat on the upper eyelids. You can also get blepharoplasty surgery performed on the lower eyelids if you have under eye bags or sagging lower eyelids.
A brow lift, on the other hand, is often called a forehead lift because it focuses more on reducing signs of aging on the forehead and brow line. A brow lift will lift a sagging brow line and help to smooth and reduce wrinkles and fine lines on the forehead and between the eyes.
What is the best surgical procedure to correct hooded eyes?
If you require eyelid surgery for hooded eyes (excess upper eyelid skin and droopy eyelids), you need upper eyelid surgery, also known as upper blepharoplasty. This facial plastic surgery will involve a small incision made within the upper eyelid crease.
Your surgeon will remove excess eyelid skin and excess fat. Often, the delicate eyelid skin will also be smoothed by tightening the surrounding muscles as well. With blepharoplasty eyelid appearance should be greatly improved.
Call Today to Book a Consultation Appointment
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Dahlia Rice performs blepharoplasty procedures and other cosmetic surgery procedures at her Chicago practice.
If you have trouble with your eyesight due to excess upper eyelid skin obstructing your vision or if you simply don’t like the appearance of sagging upper eyelids or drooping lower lids, contact us today to book a consultation appointment for an eyelid lift in Chicago. We look forward to hearing from you.
