Eyelid Surgery

Upper eyelid surgery removes excess skin from the upper eyelids, reducing the hooded, sagging appearance that appears with age or was inherited through your family line. Lower eyelid surgery removes excess fat and may remove excess skin from the lower eyelids, while also addressing under-eye bags and loose skin.

What is an Eyelid Lift & Blepharoplasty?

Dr. Mangat will meticulously place and closed your incisions, taking care to ensure that you surgical scars will be virtually invisible. Mangat Plastic Surgery Institute and Skin Care is the premier practice in Colorado and the Vail Valley for eyelid surgery.

Am I a good candidate for eyelid surgery?

You may be a good candidate for eyelid surgery if you're 30 years or older, in good health, and do not currently suffer from an eye disease or condition. Upper or lower blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) may be the ideal treatment if you have:

Excess fat or drooping skin on the upper eyelids
Loose skin or heavy bags beneath your eyes
Occasionally, hereditary lower eyelid bags can be removed prior to age 30

Older woman checking out her beautiful eyelids

Before & After

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What should I expect during eyelid surgery?

Blepharoplasty is performed on an outpatient basis, with intravenous sedation and local anesthesia. If you need both upper and lower eyelid surgery, the procedure on the upper eyelids is typically performed first, immediately followed by the lower eyelids.

An incision is placed along the fold of the upper eyelid, through which excess skin, muscle, and fat may be lifted, tightened, or removed. The incision is then closed with sutures or skin adhesive.
On the lower eyelid, the incision is placed in the natural crease just below the lashes, or within the lower eyelid. Excess fat, muscle, and loose skin are removed or redistributed, and the incision is then meticulously closed.

Why choose Mangat Plastic Surgery for eyelid surgery?

Our specialty aesthetic practice was founded in the Vail Valley 26 years ago. We are specialists in facial plastic surgery and are known for achieving surgical outcomes that appear entirely natural, for a “never had surgery” look. We offer custom eyelid surgeries at our state-of-the-art, private surgery center in the Vail Valley.

We are committed to offering our patients the highest level of care in a discreet, private environment. Dr. Mangat has performed thousands of procedures over his years in practice and has gained widespread recognition for his refined facial plastic surgery techniques. We take an individualized approach to every eyelid correction surgery we perform.

How long does recovery take after eyelid surgery?

Swelling and bruising should be minimal and may take approximately 7 - 10 days to subside after eyelid surgery, during which time you might not feel comfortable going out in public. Your eyes may be watery and sensitive to light, and you'll need to avoid strenuous activities for one week, while cool compresses applied to your eyes can help reduce swelling.

Rest with your head elevated and wear dark sunglasses to protect the skin of your eyelids when going out of doors. For approximately one week after your procedure, avoid taking medications or herbal supplements that may increase bleeding. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is typically the only medication needed to control discomfort.

FAQ

Will my insurance cover eyelid surgery?

Most health insurance will not cover cosmetic surgery. When eyelid surgery is performed to correct drooping eyelids that interfere with your peripheral vision, the procedure may be covered by insurance. Our friendly administrative staff can help you find out if your procedure could be covered.

How should I prepare for eyelid surgery?

Your doctor will instruct you to stop taking certain medications that may increase bleeding, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, for a certain length of time before eyelid surgery. If you smoke, you will need to stop at least several weeks before the procedure. Arrange to have someone drive you home after surgery and stay with you through the first night.

How long does eyelid surgery last?

The results last indefinitely, and the surgery rarely has to be repeated

How soon after eyelid surgery can contact lenses be worn?

You can wear your contacts after about one week after surgery.

Will the fine wrinkles around my eyes go away with eyelid surgery?

Eyelid surgery will not correct the wrinkles around the eyes or crow’s feet. There are several other ways to handle crow’s feet, such as Botox®, a chemical peel, or laser therapy.

I am considering having the bags removed under my eyes. Will the procedure also take care of my dark circles?

Dark circles under the eyes may improve to some degree if related to large bags, but most often, the dark appearance of the lower eyelid skin remains. Chemical peels or other types of skin resurfacing treatments may improve the dark circles in some cases.

Is there a risk to my vision if I have eyelid surgery?

Your vision will more than likely improve with eyelid surgery. However, postoperative bleeding could lead to serious vision problems. This is an extremely rare problem and is preventable with good postoperative care.

Will my eyes still close completely after eyelid surgery?

Eyelids may not close tightly for a few weeks after surgery. This condition will subside as healing progresses and the swelling passes.

What causes the skin above the eye to droop?

Gravity, sun, heredity, and loss of natural collagen and elastin in the skin, along with life stresses, can cause the eyelid to sag and puffiness to develop under your eyes.