Eyelid Lift Surgery (Blepharoplasty) in Tucson, AZ

It is said that the eyes are the windows to the soul. But wrinkled, droopy or puffy tissue around the eyes can detract from your inner and outer beauty. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Arun Rao performs blepharoplasty (also known as eyelid surgery) to reduce excess skin and rejuvenate the upper or lower eyelid, creating an awakened appearance. Countless men and women receive eyelid surgery at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery to remedy the unsightly look of saggy eyelids, leading to improved function and appearance. Blepharoplasty, whether it is focused on the lower or upper lids, creates a natural, alert appearance and produces subtle yet striking improvements. If you want to learn more about rejuvenating your eyes with eyelid lift surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Rao at his office in Tucson, AZ.

Wrinkles around the eyes can make you appear tired and stressed out. Additionally, saggy eyelids can impair your vision and make it difficult to perform tasks like reading and driving. Eyelid surgery is designed to correct these issues by removing excess tissue that hangs down. Dr. Rao can personalize blepharoplasty to address your specific concerns and achieve the most natural-looking results possible. Our patients report feeling more alert and youthful after surgery, with a refreshed appearance that lasts.

Upper or lower blepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgery that is performed for both men and women. You may want to consider this procedure if you experience any of the following conditions in the upper or lower eyelids:

• Looseness, puffiness or wrinkles
• Excess or puffy tissue that interferes with eyelid function or obscures your vision
• Droopy lower eyelids
• Bags or dark circles under the eyes

To fully determine if you could be an ideal candidate for this effective surgery, schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Rao. During this consultation, you will be able to discuss your wants and goals and he will let you know if this treatment can help.

Dr. Rao uses advanced techniques to ensure patient safety and to produce the best results. An outpatient procedure, your eyelid surgery in Tucson, AZ will involve the removal of excess skin and fatty tissues from around the eyes. Dr. Rao will work with your natural contours to conceal incision lines. Depending on the type and complex nature of the blepharoplasty, general anesthesia or IV sedation will be provided. This surgery may be done on the upper eyelid alone, on the bottom eyelid alone, or a combination of both eyelids.

• Upper
  Upper blepharoplasty assists in decreasing the folds of skin that droops over the eye to create a more awakened and appealing look. An incision is usually made along the lid crease to excise loose skin and fatty tissue.
• Lower
  Eyelid correction on the lower lid is performed to reduce puffy and bulging skin beneath the lower eyelid. The incision is carefully made along the lash line to allow access to remove tissue and fat, and the skin is subtly lifted to allow for a softer, flatter look. In some cases, fillers can be used for more smoothness and softening post-surgery if desired.

Eyelid surgery can last up to two hours, depending on whether one or both eyes are being treated. After your outpatient surgery is complete, you should plan about a week to recover and rest at home. A cold compress can help reduce discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Your results from eyelid surgery can last years; however, even though your outcomes will be long-lasting, the aging process will not cease. To maintain your surgical outcomes, other nonsurgical cosmetic treatments at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery, such as fillers, peels, and lasers, can be paired to maintain your fresh, youthful appearance.

How much does eyelid surgery cost?
Blepharoplasty costs can vary, depending on whether you are having an upper eyelid lift, lower, or both. When your treatment plan has been decided upon during your consultation, Dr. Rao will go over your estimated costs. To get natural-looking results that last a long time, it's better to focus on choosing a skilled, trustworthy plastic surgeon, like Dr. Rao. To make it easy for you to afford a safe and effective eyelid lift, Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery accepts many payment methods, and we can help you find low-interest medical financing.

Can I use insurance to pay for my eyelid surgery?
If hanging skin is affecting your vision, your insurance may pay for part of your eyelid lift. Please let Dr. Rao know during your consultation if you are considering using your insurance. Someone at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery will help you get the needed information and paperwork to process your claim. Generally, you will need a diagnosis from an optometrist or an ophthalmologist stating that an eyelid lift would improve your vision.

What are some other benefits of an eyelid lift?
Eyelid surgery not only helps to refresh your appearance, but it can also improve other aspects of your life. You may find your field of vision expanding when loose skin from your upper eyelid is removed. It can also be easier to apply eye makeup when your upper eyelid is smooth. Eliminating fine lines, "crepey" skin, puffy bags, and dark circles under your eyes can make your eyes look brighter and fuller even without cosmetics.

Will an eyelid lift fix wrinkles and Crow's feet?
Wrinkles on your forehead and the corners of your eyes (Crow's feet) may be better corrected with a facelift or brow lift because the results of your eyelid surgery will be confined to the eye area alone. Eyelid surgery can be combined with a nonsurgical procedure, like BOTOX, which combats wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes. An injectable filler can also be effective because it adds volume to hollow areas for a smoother appearance. During your consultation, Dr. Rao will create your personalized treatment plan based on your goals.

What about nonsurgical treatments instead of eye surgery?
Noninvasive skin tightening procedures and injectable treatments (for example, BOTOX, Restylane, and Juvéderm) can provide some improvements. However, if you have moderate to severe sagging skin or want long-lasting results, an eyelid lift would be better than nonsurgical treatments. After you have talked to Dr. Rao about your eye-related concerns and goals, he can explain his recommendations for your nonsurgical or surgical treatment plan. He may also suggest both surgical and nonsurgical procedures for your best results.

If you find it difficult to see or apply makeup because of folds of skin on the upper eyelid, or if you suffer from puffy bags under your eyes, then upper or lower blepharoplasty at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery may be right for you. This enhancement can help you look refreshed and youthful while providing a beautiful answer to your vision impairment concerns. We invite you to get in touch with our office in Tucson, AZ to learn more and schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Arun Rao.