Eyelid Surgery in Tampa

Also called blepharoplasty, this cosmetic procedure is intended to restore vitality in either the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. More specifically, it is used to correct drooping upper eyelids, puffy bags below the eyes, and dermatochalasis (excess skin of the upper and lower eyelids).

When to Consider Eyelid Surgery in Tampa

You may be a candidate for eyelid surgery in Tampa if you meet one or more of the following characteristics:

• Puffy bags below your eyes
• Drooping upper lids
• Stretched eyelid skin

Many individuals that undergo eyelid surgery are 35 or older, and have a genetic predisposition to exhibit droopy, baggy eyelids. Certain conditions may indicate that eyelid surgery is not the best treatment for you. These include:

• Thyroid problems such as hypothyroidism and Graves' disease
• Dry eye or lack of sufficient tears
• High blood pressure or other circulatory disorders
• Cardiovascular disease

Additional relative contraindications include cardiovascular disease, diabetes and detached retina or glaucoma. Be sure to consult with your ophthalmologist, as well as Dr. Albear, if you are interested in eyelid surgery and are concerned about your medical history.

Your Blepharoplasty Procedure

In Tampa, eyelid surgery typically lasts anywhere between 1 -3 hours and is conducted in an outpatient setting. Before surgery you will receive a medical evaluation, vision test, and in some cases, your ophthalmologist will need to share any relevant information with Dr. Albear.

To perform eyelid surgery, local anesthesia is used to numb the area around your eyes, though Dr. Albear may recommend general anesthesia in some cases. Next, Dr. Albear makes incisions following the natural lines of your eyelids, in the creases of upper lids, and below lashes in lower lids. He separates the skin from the underlying fatty tissue and muscle, removes or repositions excess fat, and trims sagging skin and muscle. Finally, he closes the incisions with fine sutures. An alternative technique that Dr. Albear may opt for depending on your needs is the transconjunctival technique where he makes an incision in the lower lid, and removes a conservative amount of fat and no skin.

What Happens After Eyelid Surgery?

Your recovery after eyelid surgery will require about 7 - 10 days. Directly after surgery, Dr. Albear may lubricate your eyes with ointment and apply bandages. You can expect your eyelids to feel sore and tight as the anesthesia wears off, a discomfort that can be controlled with medication.

Dr. Albear will review your detailed instructions to follow over the course of several days following eyelid surgery. Patients are generally asked to keep their head elevated for several days, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and bruising, avoid contact lens use for about 2 weeks, and resume exercise after approximately 3 weeks.

To learn more about the benefits, costs or possible side effects of eyelid surgery in Pasco County, FL, contact Dr. Albear’s office in the New Tampa - Tampa Bay area for a personal consultation.