Bershof Plastic Surgery: 303.399.7662 Body By Design: 303.399.9609 4500 E. Ninth Ave, Suite 100
Denver, Colorado 80220

Fax #: 303-399-1314


Eyelid Lift in Denver, CO

(Blepharoplasty)

Eyelid Lift | Denver CO | Bershof Plastic Surgery

What Causes Droopy Eyelids?

Several factors such as aging, sun damage, smoking, stretching and obesity can cause the eyelids to have a droopy appearance and sag as the supporting tissues deteriorate.

In actuality, as Dr. Bershof, a 5280 Top Doctor Eyelid Surgery explains, it is not the eyelid itself that droops but the excess hanging skin that drapes and droops. The eyelids are often the first area to shows signs of aging, as the skin of the eyelid is thinner than the rest of the face. Upper eyelid skin that droops and lower eyelids that bulge can cause people to appear much older, tired or fatigued than they actually are. On the upper eyelid, the lid itself does not droop; it is the skin that hangs, droops and drapes; occasionally some fat on the upper inner lid also bulges. On the lower lid, the issue is less of excess droopy skin and more to do with fat pockets weakening and pushing forward, giving an appearance of a bulge or “bags under the eyes”.

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What is Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)?

Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid lift and eyelid surgery and somewhat misleadingly known as an eyelid lift, is a surgical procedure that improves the appearance of the upper and lower eyelids by removing excess skin, especially on the upper lids, and by removing excess fat on the lower lids. This procedure can be performed on men and women alike and offers a younger, more refreshed look that reflects across the whole face.

Blepharoplasty is now the most popular facial plastic surgery procedure after rhinoplasty. The popularity of this procedure reflects the importance of the eyes in perfecting overall appearance and youthfulness. In fact, two-thirds of adults consider the eyes to be the defining feature of the face. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your eyes, you may want to consider blepharoplasty to improve your look and boost your confidence, through a safe procedure with minimal downtime.

Candidates for Eyelid Lift

The best candidates for blepharoplasty are individuals who are in good overall health and who do not smoke and do not have any serious eye conditions. If you have loose, sagging upper eyelid skin or puffy bags under your eyes, this procedure can help reduce these unwanted effects and leave the eyes looking young and refreshed.

It is important for patients to have realistic expectations before undergoing surgery in order to be satisfied with their results. While this procedure can enhance your appearance and may improve self-confidence as a result, it cannot alter your entire appearance or change the structure of your face. Other signs of the aging face, such as smile lines ("crow's feet) are not improved with this procedure.

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"On October 2nd Dr Bershof performed a an upper bleph. I’m thrilled it’s the results. The before and afters speak for themselves!" - S.D.

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How is Blepharoplasty Performed?

Upper Eyelid Surgery

If the upper eyelid is being treated, a lazy-S excision of skin is made along the natural crease of the eyelid fold called the supratarsal fold and the droopy skin from above is removed. Once the excision is made, Dr. Bershof may also remove small fat deposits located near the nose. The result leaves the upper eyes looking younger and refreshed.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

For the lower eyelid, an incision is made just below the lash line extending a tad out into a smile line, and through this incision excess fat (the puffy bulge) is removed as well as a small amount of excess skin. Whereas the upper lid is usually an excess skin problem, the lower lid is usually an excess fat problem.

After the procedure is performed, the incisions are closed with sutures, some of which dissolve. Ice compresses are applied as one is brought to the recovery room.

Does Eyelid Surgery Require Anesthesia?

The blepharoplasty procedure is performed under local anesthesia within our Denver office with sedation or general anesthesia, although for the lower eyelids, Dr. Bershof often uses general anesthesia.

How Long Does Eyelid Surgery Take?

Patients may choose to have this procedure performed on either their upper or their lower eyelids, or both. Depending on these choices, the procedure can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours.

Blepharoplasty Recovery

After the blepharoplasty procedure, Dr. Bershof recommends applying lubricating drops during the day and lubricating ointment for bedtime, as well as aggressive cold ice compresses to aid the healing process. In distinction to many other procedures, ice compresses are very important after a blepharoplasty in order to minimize the four main side effects: swelling, bruising, oozing and pain. Ice, ice, ice.

How Long After Blepharoplasty Can I Return to Exercising?

Patients can usually return to work within several days but should avoid exercise and strenuous activities for at least two weeks. Makeup or lightly tinted glasses often help camouflage signs of surgery allowing patients to return to work sooner. Most swelling and other side effects usually subside within two weeks after surgery. Dr. Bershof’s staff will give you specific instructions on how to care for your eyes after surgery.

Eyelid Surgery Results

Results of a blepharoplasty procedure are visible as swelling and bruising subside and will continue to improve for up to a year after surgery. This procedure is designed to produce long-lasting results, although the aging process continues. While surgery cannot prevent your eyes from aging, most patients are more than satisfied with their results and do not seek repeat procedures for many, many years.


Eyelid Surgery Before and After Photos

blepharoplasty eyelid surgery bershof plastic surgery 1 blepharoplasty eyelid surgery bershof plastic surgery 2

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What Will My Scarring Look Like After Eyelid Surgery?

The scars from the blepharoplasty procedure are usually well concealed and will fade almost completely with time until they are virtually unnoticeable. The incision is hidden in the crease of the eyelid in an upper blepharoplasty, and just below the lashes in a lower blepharoplasty.

Risks of Blepharoplasty

As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks associated with this procedure. Although rare, these risks include bleeding, infection, dry eyes, skin discoloration, sagging lower eyelid (ectropian) and an inability to fully close the eyes (very rare). Many of these risks can be minimized by choosing an experienced surgeon and following proper care instructions after surgery. You can discuss these risks, along with any other concerns you may have with Dr. Bershof, to reduce anxiety and worries about your surgery.


What Type of Anesthesia Is Used During the Procedure?

At Bershof Plastic Surgery, Dr. John F. Bershof often uses general anesthesia for most plastic surgery procedures, including blepharoplasty. However, some patients may be able to benefit from a combination of local anesthetic, general anesthetic, or even medical sedation, depending on their pain tolerance and anxiety prior to their procedure.

How Long Will Recovery From the Eyelid Lift Procedure Take?

Before you have your procedure performed, your plastic surgeon in Denver, CO, will talk to you about what you can expect during and after your surgery. This includes recovery and healing time needed before you can return to your regular activities. Generally, full recovery from blepharoplasty surgery takes up to four weeks, though you may experience side effects such as bruising and mild swelling throughout this timeframe. Dr. John F. Bershof provides you with detailed post-operative instructions on healing during this period to ensure the most successful outcome and results with minimal downtime, complications, and risks.

Will I Experience Pain or Discomfort After the Surgery?

Thanks to the use of anesthetics, including both local and general, you will not have to worry about pain and discomfort during your surgical procedure. However, after you leave our practice and return home to heal, you may experience some discomfort that comes along with any type of surgical treatment. Many patients can use over-the-counter pain medication as directed to manage this discomfort, though some patients with a lower pain tolerance may benefit from prescription-strength pain management medication instead. A conversation with your doctor before your surgery will help him determine if a prescription for pain medication will be required so it can be filled prior to the day of surgery.

When Can I Expect To See Results of My Eyelid Lift Surgery?

Over a month or two, after healing and recovery has occurred, you will be able to see the benefits of your blepharoplasty procedure. If you have bruising and swelling, it can take some time for these to resolve to see the improvements that were made by our plastic surgeon. Be patient and understand that the healing process takes time before you get the full and final results.

Is It Possible To Have a Revision Procedure Following an Eyelid Lift?

Before undergoing the blepharoplasty procedure, Dr. John F. Bershof will consult with you to get a better understanding of the goals you would like to achieve with this plastic surgery. By doing this, he can decide if you will be satisfied with the results. When done the first time correctly, there is often no need for revision surgery. However, if patients only treat the upper or lower portion of the eyes, and want to come back to address the other, this is scheduled as a different surgery and can be performed after the area heals from the previous procedure.

Is Financing Available for This Type of Surgery?

Because blepharoplasty is considered a cosmetic and "elective" surgery, it is not covered by most health insurance plans. Out-of-pocket expenses can be discussed with our team to see if a payment plan or other financing option is available to make this procedure affordable.

What Type of Anesthesia Is Used During the Procedure?

At Bershof Plastic Surgery, Dr. John F. Bershof often uses general anesthesia for most plastic surgery procedures, including blepharoplasty. However, some patients may be able to benefit from a combination of local anesthetic, general anesthetic, or even medical sedation, depending on their pain tolerance and anxiety prior to their procedure.

How Long Will Recovery From the Eyelid Lift Procedure Take?

Before you have your procedure performed, your plastic surgeon in Denver, CO, will talk to you about what you can expect during and after your surgery. This includes recovery and healing time needed before you can return to your regular activities. Generally, full recovery from blepharoplasty surgery takes up to four weeks, though you may experience side effects such as bruising and mild swelling throughout this timeframe. Dr. John F. Bershof provides you with detailed post-operative instructions on healing during this period to ensure the most successful outcome and results with minimal downtime, complications, and risks.

Will I Experience Pain or Discomfort After the Surgery?

Thanks to the use of anesthetics, including both local and general, you will not have to worry about pain and discomfort during your surgical procedure. However, after you leave our practice and return home to heal, you may experience some discomfort that comes along with any type of surgical treatment. Many patients can use over-the-counter pain medication as directed to manage this discomfort, though some patients with a lower pain tolerance may benefit from prescription-strength pain management medication instead. A conversation with your doctor before your surgery will help him determine if a prescription for pain medication will be required so it can be filled prior to the day of surgery.

When Can I Expect To See Results of My Eyelid Lift Surgery?

Over a month or two, after healing and recovery has occurred, you will be able to see the benefits of your blepharoplasty procedure. If you have bruising and swelling, it can take some time for these to resolve to see the improvements that were made by our plastic surgeon. Be patient and understand that the healing process takes time before you get the full and final results.

Is It Possible To Have a Revision Procedure Following an Eyelid Lift?

Before undergoing the blepharoplasty procedure, Dr. John F. Bershof will consult with you to get a better understanding of the goals you would like to achieve with this plastic surgery. By doing this, he can decide if you will be satisfied with the results. When done the first time correctly, there is often no need for revision surgery. However, if patients only treat the upper or lower portion of the eyes, and want to come back to address the other, this is scheduled as a different surgery and can be performed after the area heals from the previous procedure.

Is Financing Available for This Type of Surgery?

Because blepharoplasty is considered a cosmetic and "elective" surgery, it is not covered by most health insurance plans. Out-of-pocket expenses can be discussed with our team to see if a payment plan or other financing option is available to make this procedure affordable.

Want to Know More About The Plastic Surgery Group?

For more information about Blepharoplasty procedures in Denver, please call our office at 303.399.7662 or click here to send us an email contact form.

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