Eyelid Surgery in Michigan – Blepharoplasty

Over time, during normal aging or even with weight loss, the face will change resulting in excess skin laxity, joweling, wrinkling and even elongation of the facial skeleton itself compelling patients to seek correction. In addition, the skin of the eyelids may also sag resulting even in obstruction of vision. Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty aims to restore the eyelid by removing excess skin, fat, and muscle. Dr. Daniela Rodriguez is a Michigan plastic Surgeon who is Board Certified in plastic surgery. As a perfectionist, Dr. Daniela Rodriguez will take all measures necessary to ensure that your results are the best that he can offer.

What incisions are used?

The upper lid incision uses an incision that is placed within the natural crease of the lid – about one-half inch above the lash line. The lower eyelid incision is placed just under the lash line through which excess fat, skin, and muscle are removed. In addition, a lax lower lid can be tightened through this incision. Another option involves placing the incision along the inner potion of the lid (trans-conjunctival) from which fat can be removed and restoration of the lid skin can be achieved with other methods such as chemical peels or laser resurfacing. The scars are well hidden and usually fade beautifully.

How long does a blepharoplasty last?

Although aging will always continue, one can expect long term changes with their eyelid surgery – blepharoplasty.

In addition, as the face ages, it actually looses volume and current trends in facial rejuvenation include the actual transfer of your own fat to help restore the natural contours of youth. This can also be applied to the periorbital region (the area around the eye) whereby the fat that is normally removed can actually be used to replace the volume lost in the upper cheek.

Can other procedures be combined with eyelid surgery – blepharoplasty?

The face can actually be divided into thirds with the upper third including the forehead the middle portion including the eyes and lower third including the cheeks and jowels. These areas can easily be combined with eyelid surgery – blepharoplasty and actually help to maintain a uniform appearance.

Are there any specifics points to be aware of?

Because the eyelids and the region of the midface is so intimately involved with other regions of the face, consideration of deficiencies in other areas may be beneficial. This is especially important with regard to the eyebrow position. In many situations, drooping of the eyebrow may be present in which case, correction may even negate the need for a formal blepharoplasty – indeed, should upper eyelid skin be removed without consideration of the brow, any future forehead rejuvenation may be difficult if not impossible. Dr. Daniela Rodriguez will be sure to discuss these options with you.

What type of anesthesia is used?

A face lift is usually performed with general anesthesia although local anesthesia with IV sedation is an option. The procedure usually takes 4-5 hours and patients are best served by staying overnight so that observation for possible bleeding can be made.

What can I expect after eyelid surgery – blepharoplasty?

Most patients feel that surgery was less traumatic than they expected and many patients stop taking their narcotic pain medication only a few days after surgery. Sutures are removed at days two and five. Most of the bruising is resolved at 7-10 days, which is easily covered with make-up.

Follow up is very important and patients are encouraged to return to the office at six weeks, six months and a year. This allows Dr. Daniela Rodriguez to not only address any concerns that a patient may have but also make sure that both short and long term progress has been up to his high standards.

Will insurance coverage apply to a blepharoplasty?

Insurance will not pay for Surgery of the lower eyelid is purely cosmetic and will not be covered by insurance. However, if you have a visual obstruction due to hanging skin from your upper eyelids, this may be covered by insurance. A visual field test is often necessary to determine medical necessity.

Tell me about credentials – Is there a difference?

YES – ABSOLUTELY!!! A blepharoplasty is a procedure which, unfortunately, can be performed by any physician – whether adequately trained or not. Most states have very little regulation on this matter. Because of this, non-plastic – or so called “cosmetic” – surgeons can perform a face lift as well. In addition, some physicians who are legitimately board certified in other specialties, such as dermatology and gynecology, for example are performing “cosmetic” surgery even though they often have never had any formal residency training in the specialty of plastic surgery itself. Weekend courses abound and the patient is often confused as to which doctor to see.

Does Hospital affiliation matter?

Again, yes. Although operating in an office setting is not in and of itself inappropriate, it is always possible that an extended hospital observation or additional care might be needed. Indeed, certain procedures or multiple surgeries are usually best treated within the context of a full hospital facility. In addition, hospitals usually require certain standards (credentialing) such as board certification before a physician can have staff privileges. Unfortunately, there are no legal restrictions in most states that prevent physicians operating out of their offices or non hospital associated free-standing surgery suites; so be sure to ask if your doctor does have admitting privileges at a fully accredited hospital facility. If they don’t, their ability to either transfer patients or provide continuity of care is potentially compromised.

Any other helpful hints?

Needless to say, your decision in choosing a plastic surgeon can be a difficult and time consuming task making it even more important that you personally visit with the plastic surgeon that will perform your procedures. Evaluate their results (photos), office, staff, and testimonials and your feelings regarding your overall experience with their practice. You can often ask to speak to other patients who are willing to share their experiences with you.

How can I schedule a consultation

Considering eyelid surgery – blepharoplasty is usually a well thought out process and we strive to ensure that all your questions are fully answered. Indeed, it is Dr. Daniela Rodriguez herself who conducts the entire consultation – a complete and thorough evaluation dedicated to each patient by the plastic surgeon that will be performing the procedure. This may take more time but it is essential so that each patient can make a fully informed decision.