Indianapolis, Indiana

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Introduction

Introduction to Eyelid Surgery

Dr. Mark M. Hamilton, F.A.C.S., is a double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon who proudly offers blepharoplasty to men and women throughout the Indianapolis area and beyond from his offices in Carmel and Greenwood.

Also known as eyelid surgery, blepharoplasty is a highly sought-after procedure that rejuvenates the eye area for a more youthful, refreshed appearance. Removing excess skin, fat, and muscle from the upper and/or lower eyelids can reduce drooping upper lids and eliminate puffiness under the eyes. In some cases, it can even enhance vision when sagging eyelid skin obstructs sight.

What is Eyelid Surgery?

Blepharoplasty is a popular and effective aesthetic procedure that restores youthfulness to the upper face, creating a more inviting and attractive appearance. Sagging skin, puffiness, and excess fatty tissue in the eyelids are common signs of aging that can cause patients to feel self-conscious. With eyelid surgery, Dr. Hamilton in Indianapolis helps patients reclaim their confidence, vitality, and peace of mind.

A close up shot of a woman's eyelids being measured with a caliper during a cosmetic procedure. - Eyelid Surgery Blepharoplasty in Carmel, IN

Dr. Hamilton Discusses Blepharoplasty

Types of Eyelid Surgery

  • Upper Blepharoplasty

    Upper eyelid surgery is performed to trim drooping, loose skin on the upper lids, which can negatively impact facial expression and interfere with eyesight. During surgery, Dr. Hamilton creates incisions in the fine folds of the upper eyelids, ensuring scarring is well-hidden and inconspicuous.

  • Lower Blepharoplasty

    Lower blepharoplasty addresses signs of aging in the lower eyelids, including puffiness, eye bags, and sagging skin. Dr. Hamilton employs cutting-edge techniques to ensure your final result appears balanced, natural, and revitalizing. Incisions are hidden in the lower lash line or inside the lower lids.

What Are the Benefits of Eyelid Surgery?

Dr. Hamilton in Indianapolis performs blepharoplasty with skill, artistry, and precision. In his capable hands, the surgery comes with the following transformative benefits:

  • Eradicates excess sagging skin
  • Tightens the underlying muscles and tissue
  • Restores the field of vision
  • Combats puffiness and fat accumulation
  • Restores an alert, energized facial expression
  • Rewinds the clock on aging
  • Erases lines, wrinkles, and creases
  • Boosts self-confidence
  • Well-hidden scarring
  • Long-lasting improvements
  • Natural-looking changes

Who Are the Best Candidates For Eyelid Surgery?

If you are considering eyelid surgery, it’s important that you be in good physical health and that you have realistic expectations for your surgery’s outcome. Surgery may not be indicated for patients with certain circulatory or ophthalmologic conditions. If you smoke, you will need to quit at least 4-6 weeks before and after blepharoplasty in Indianapolis, as smoking can significantly increase your risks and interfere with your results. Dr. Hamilton will conduct a thorough consultation process to ensure that the surgery is a good fit for your goals and that it will be safe, rewarding, and effective for you.

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) First Step

What’s the First Step?

You’ll need to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Hamilton in Indianapolis to get started. Be sure to prepare a list of any questions or concerns you may have. At your initial consultation, you’ll have time to ask questions and learn more about the cost of facial plastic surgery. Remember, it’s important to maintain realistic expectations. There are several factors to consider, including your medical history and pain tolerance. Your results will not be noticeable immediately. You’ll have to wait for the swelling and bruising to subside, and, in some cases, this can take months.

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What to Expect on the Day of Eyelid Surgery

The surgical time for blepharoplasty typically lasts between one and three hours, with either local anesthesia and sedation or general anesthesia being used. Incisions are usually located in the crease of the upper eyelids and just below the lashes of the lower eyelids. Working through these small openings, Dr. Hamilton removes excess fat, sagging skin, and muscle before closing your incisions. A procedure known as transconjunctival blepharoplasty may be performed on patients who have excess skin but only a pocket of fat beneath the lower eyelids. For this procedure, incisions are made on the inside of the lower eyelids.

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Eyelid Surgery Recovery

After eyelid surgery, a bandage may be temporarily applied to the eyelids. Patients can expect some bruising and swelling, with most of the bruising fading within two to four weeks. Discomfort can also occur, particularly a tight or sore sensation in the eyelids. Pain medication can be prescribed to help relieve these symptoms.

Other side effects that may occur during the first week after surgery can include dry, itchy, or burning sensations in the eyes, tearing, sensitivity to light, and blurred or double vision. Stitches are generally removed on day seven. It will take about seven to ten days before work and other normal activities can be resumed, and about three weeks before more strenuous activities can be reinstated.

Keeping cold compresses on the eyes for the first 48 hours after surgery is important. This can be done with cold-wash clothes from a basin of ice water or with a Swiss Therapy Mask. Do not use an ice bag. Wash clothes should be changed every 20 to 30 minutes during the first night to keep them cool. You should remain within thirty miles of the surgery location for the first night. It is also important for you to keep your head elevated the evening after surgery and for the first two weeks following surgery. This can be achieved by sleeping in a recliner tilted at a 45-degree angle or by placing two pillows under the head. Avoid rolling onto your face. Sleeping on your back for the first two weeks after surgery helps to ensure this.

Restrictions

  • No strenuous exercise for at least two weeks
  • No heavy lifting for three weeks
  • You should wait 10 to 14 days before inserting your contacts. You may begin wearing your glasses the day following surgery.
  • No tweezing of the eyebrow for two weeks
  • Hair coloring should be delayed for four weeks after surgery
  • No driving for one, preferably two weeks after surgery
  • Eye shadow and false eyelashes should not be applied for two weeks after surgery
  • Makeup should not be applied for two weeks after surgery

Daily Care

  • Apply two to three drops of the Bion teardrops in each eye three times a day (Do this prior to cleaning the suture line).
  • Go over suture lines three times daily with hydrogen peroxide on a Q-tip. After this, again with a Q-tip, apply a liberal amount of the antibiotic ointment (Bacitracin ophthalmic or Maxitrol ointment).
  • At night, put a small amount of either lubricating ointment or, if not available, antibiotic ointment in the eye to keep it moist.
  • You may shower on the second day following surgery and should shower daily thereafter. Be sure to use a gentle shampoo such as Johnson’s Baby Shampoo.
  • Be sure to report immediately any signs of bleeding that persist after ten minutes of direct pressure, infection, redness, fever, unusual drainage, or pain.
  • Stitches will be removed at the one-week point.

The healing time for blepharoplasty surgery is often less than expected, and the results are worth the wait. While swelling should be completely gone after four to six weeks, your healing will continue for the entire first year. I will follow you through this entire process, but be patient.

Please do not hesitate to contact our office.

How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost in Indianapolis, IN?

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Dr. Hamilton seeks to make facial surgery procedures available and affordable for everyone in the Indianapolis area. We accept cash, major credit cards, and personal checks for blepharoplasty procedures to accommodate this.

Eyelid surgery is not generally covered by insurance if performed specifically for aesthetic reasons. However, if it is being performed for medical reasons, insurance may cover all or some of the costs. Patients should verify with their insurance carrier.

Why Choose Dr. Hamilton?

Hamilton Facial Plastic Surgery offers concierge care, impressive cosmetic results, and a seamless treatment process for patients in and around Indianapolis, IN. Double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Mark K. Hamilton specializes in delicate, complex procedures, such as blepharoplasty, adhering to the most stringent safety protocols to ensure a stress-free aesthetic journey. Dr. Hamilton has written for multiple scientific publications and lectured both domestically and abroad on cutting-edge topics in facial plastic surgery. He has been consistently honored by his peers as one of Indianapolis Monthly Magazine’s “Top Docs” for over a decade and has been named by Castle Connolly as one of the “Top Physicians” in America for his work in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Eyelid Surgery FAQ

  • Thank you, Dr. Hamilton, I think of you often!

    Can it be over ten years already? I can hardly believe that much time has passed. Among other procedures, I was lucky enough to have Dr. Hamilton perform my upper & lower blepharoplasty with wonderful results. My eyes still look good, and I often get compliments on how youthful my eyes look belying my 66 years! I was especially gratified when, now that I have moved out of state, another surgeon I saw here noted the fine work that was performed by Dr. Hamilton. What better recommendation is there than the test of time? Thank you, Dr. Hamilton, I think of you often!

  • I could not be happier with the results of my surgery with Dr. Hamilton.

    I could not be happier with the results of my surgery with Dr. Hamilton. I had reconstructive surgery on one of my eyes, as well as lower eye and a brow lift procedure. Dr. Hamilton was there every step of the way before and following surgery, as well as his staff. The results are perfect and natural looking. I have had numerous compliments on his work. I highly recommend Dr. Hamilton; you will not be disappointed.

  • His Skills are unmatched and as Indiana residents we are fortunate to have the level of care he offers.

    Today was my 4th visit to the offices of Dr. Hamilton. I have had eyelid surgery,botox and fillers along with Voluma for deep tissue volume. He and his Staff (especially my friends Irma and Ashley) are kind, caring and competent. His Skills are unmatched and as Indiana residents we are fortunate to have the level of care he offers. Simply exceptional!

Schedule Your Consultation

Dr. Mark M. Hamilton, M.D., F.A.C.S., is recognized as one of the “top physicians” in America for facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. As a double-board-certified plastic surgeon specializing solely in cosmetic facial procedures, Dr. Hamilton provides his Indianapolis patients with exceptional skills and results that last. Please contact us for more information on blepharoplasty or to schedule a private consultation at Dr. Hamilton’s Carmel or Greenwood office.

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