Eyelid Surgery

IN NASHVILLE, TN

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Upper Blepharoplasty

The eyes are one of the most expressive parts of the face. However, over time, the delicate skin surrounding the eyes undergoes various changes. Due to factors like sun exposure, age, and genetics, the upper eyelids may begin to droop, become wrinkled, or take on an overall aged appearance. In extreme cases, drooping eyelids can even affect vision.


Upper blepharoplasty, or upper eyelid surgery, is a procedure that lifts the skin of the upper eyelids. Loose skin that causes fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging is removed from the eyelids, revealing more of the mobile eyelid underneath. As the muscles and other tissues are lifted, the eyes look more refreshed and youthful.

Your Upper Blepharoplasty Consultation with Dr. Gilpin


During a consultation with Dr. David Gilpin, you can learn more about upper blepharoplasty and how it can help you look more energized and awake. Dr. Gilpin focuses solely on plastic and cosmetic surgery of the face, allowing him to refine the most effective techniques available. Through his extensive practice of aesthetic facial surgery in Nashville, he has mastered the art of blepharoplasty.


We encourage you to ask questions and voice your concerns during your consultation with our double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon. Dr. Gilpin will create a personalized surgical plan for your needs and help you learn more about how you can make the most of your rejuvenating results.

Corrects


  • Sagging upper eyelids
  • Hooded or heavy eyes
  • Heavy eyelids that cover the lash line

Benefits


  • Easily concealable incisions
  • More alert, awake look
  • Reduced heaviness or “tiredness”

ELEVATE YOUR CONFIDENCE

IN A LUXURY SURGICAL PRACTICE

Investing in your confidence is a big step, and your choice of facial plastic surgeon should reflect it. We offer a premier, luxury environment where you can focus on yourself.

With the help of our professional and knowledgeable team, you can begin your journey toward a more confident you. We’ll take every step to ensure you feel comfortable, pampered, and acknowledged. Begin your refined and cultivated experience here at Gilpin Facial Plastics & Aesthetics.

How Do I Know When I’m Ready for Upper Blepharoplasty?


Upper blepharoplasty can achieve a variety of goals, including brightening tired-looking eyes, achieving a more youthful look, and restoring impaired vision. If you identify with the following, you may be a good candidate for upper blepharoplasty:


• You look tired or worn out even after a good night’s sleep
• Your vision is blocked by low-hanging eyelids
• You have excess skin that sits on your upper lash line
• You have hooded or small-looking eyes
• You have fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging around your upper eyelids


To be considered a good candidate for upper blepharoplasty, you should be in overall good health (including non-smoking). In the case of upper blepharoplasty, only a double-board-certified plastic surgeon can determine whether you can benefit more from eyelid surgery, a brow lift, or both. Many patients also combine upper blepharoplasty with surgical options like the facelift or lower blepharoplasty, as well as non-surgical options like the MicroLaser Peel or Botox. Dr. Gilpin will give a knowledgeable, professional recommendation on which procedures will best achieve your cosmetic goals.

What Happens During Upper Blepharoplasty?


Upper blepharoplasty can sometimes be performed as an in-office procedure at our accredited surgical suite in Nashville. Most patients opt for a local anesthetic with sedation to reduce downtime. To begin, Dr. Gilpin will make a small incision within the natural crease of the upper eyelid. This ensures that any incision is completely hidden once it’s healed. Then, Dr. Gilpin can tighten the underlying muscles and remove any excess skin. The incisions are closed with very small sutures. Once complete, you can return home.

PATIENT REVIEWS

Dr Gilpin and his staff are the absolute best and I had an incredible experience with them before, during and after my procedure. They are knowledgeable and caring and I am very grateful for my experience with them!

I cannot recommend Dr Gilpin highly enough. He is so extremely knowledgeable and considerate in making the patient comfortable with all decisions and during the procedure. The nurses go above and beyond to make one feel at ease all along the way. The staff is wonderful! The office is beautiful. My results are amazing! Most of all Dr Gilpin is a true kind and professional surgeon!

Everyone at Gilpin Facial is wonderful! From the front desk, to the nurses to Dr. Gilpin himself. I’ve switched everything involving my skin and face over to their practice and I couldn’t be happier with the results. You will always feel comfortable and they go above and beyond to make you happy. I can’t recommend this place enough!

Every experience with Gilpin Facial Plastics + Aesthetics is better than the last. From the gorgeous location and caring team of skin care professionals, to the meticulous procedures, I always feel so well taken care of.

The team at GFP makes sure I feel secure and confident in my skincare choices and leave me feeling more youthful after every appointment. I wouldn’t trust anyone but Dr. Gilpin, Meredith, and their team to answer my questions and take care of my aesthetics needs.

Upper Blepharoplasty Results and Recovery


After upper eyelid surgery, you can expect minor swelling, bruising, and soreness in the area. Many patients also experience symptoms like dry eyes, photosensitivity, or blurred vision. Dr. Gilpin and our team will provide detailed instructions on how to manage side effects using cold packs, eye drops, prescription medications, and more. It’s important to keep your head elevated while resting and avoid extensive activities until cleared by Dr. Gilpin. You may feel comfortable enough returning to work and normal activities within one week, but this depends on the nature of your job.


Swelling and bruising typically disappear within two weeks, at which point you’ll begin to see your results. You’ll notice a smoother, more defined upper eyelid and a more rested appearance. Beyond two weeks, your results will continue to emerge and settle into their final appearance. Any incisions should be fully concealed within your natural eyelid crease and be undetectable, especially when wearing cosmetics. With the right anti-aging regimen, upper eyelid surgery results can last for decades.

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ESTIMATED COST
Starting at $6,000

Lower Blepharoplasty

Deep, sagging bags under the eyes can make you look aged and worn out, even if you still feel youthful and energetic. Puffy lower eyelids are typically the result of the fat pads under the eyes that begin to sag as we age. In addition, this puffiness doesn’t improve with increased sleep or treatment of seasonal allergies. If you want to get rid of sagging lower eyelids and enjoy a brighter, more refreshed look, lower blepharoplasty can help.

Your Lower Blepharoplasty Consultation with Dr. Gilpin

During a private consultation with our double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon, you’ll discuss your cosmetic goals and learn more about the possible options for eyelid surgery in Nashville. At Gilpin Facial Plastics & Aesthetics, we look forward to partnering with you on your cosmetic journey and helping you feel confident in your choice to pursue plastic surgery.


We encourage you to ask questions and voice any concerns during your consultation with Dr. Gilpin. Our team has combined decades of experience in facial plastic surgery and can help you make the most informed decision about your procedure. There are many benefits to choosing a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, and Dr. Gilpin will help you learn what natural, transformative results you can expect.

How Do I Know When I’m Ready for Lower Blepharoplasty?

Lower blepharoplasty (or lower eyelid surgery) is the most effective option for undereye bags, dark circles, and deep troughs. You may be a good candidate for lower blepharoplasty if you identify with the following:
• You look tired and worn out even after a good night’s sleep
• You’re bothered by fine lines and wrinkles around your lower eyelids
• You have puffy bags or droopy skin under your eyes
• You feel like your under eyes age you
• Undereye fillers or concealers don’t produce the results you want

Dr. Gilpin will assess your under eyes to determine whether you can benefit from lower eyelid surgery and whether it’s best combined with another surgical or non-surgical option. Some of the most common procedures combined with lower blepharoplasty are facial fat transfer, upper blepharoplasty, and the facelift. Certain laser technologies like the MicroLaser Peel or injectables like Botox can be effectively combined with blepharoplasty. Dr. Gilpin will give a professional recommendation on the best treatment options for your goals.

What Happens During Lower Blepharoplasty?

Lower eyelid surgery may be performed as an in-office procedure with local anesthetic and sedation. However, Dr. Gilpin will help you select the right anesthetic for your goals. To begin, Dr. Gilpin will create a small incision on the inside of the eyelid, the outside of the eyelid, or both. Through the incision, Dr. Gilpin can lift and reposition the tissues underneath the eye and excise any extra skin. Once complete, the incisions will be closed, and you can return home.

Lower Blepharoplasty Results and Recovery

It’s normal to experience some minor swelling in the area, as well as bruising and soreness. It’s also normal to experience dry eyes, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. Our team will provide detailed aftercare instructions on how to manage your symptoms with prescription medications, eye drops, or cold packs. Keeping your head elevated is essential to preventing swelling, as well as avoiding raising your heart rate. Depending on your job, you may be able to return to work within a week. Dr. Gilpin will give you the best indication of when you can begin regular activities again during your follow-up appointments.


You’ll begin to see your results as swelling and bruising fade, which is typically within two weeks. At this point, you’ll see a noticeable improvement in the smoothness, brightness, and youthfulness of your under eyes. It may take several more weeks for your results to settle into their final appearance. Dr. Gilpin prefers an inner incision for lower blepharoplasty because it leaves no visible scarring, but if you undergo an outer incision, it can take several months for scars to fade into the natural lash line. Lower blepharoplasty can last for decades with the right anti-aging regimen and sun protection, and Dr. Gilpin will help you understand how to make the most of your results.

Schedule a Consultation

Upper blepharoplasty can help you look more refreshed and energetic. To meet with Dr. Gilpin and learn more about your facial rejuvenation options, contact our Nashville, TN office by calling or filling out our online form.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do you reduce bruising after eyelid surgery?

Patients can minimize their risk for bleeding and bruising by following our pre-operative instructions regarding medications to avoid. We recommend patients avoid taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and more. We also encourage patients to eliminate alcohol consumption in the week prior to surgery. These are easy measures to reduce the risk of bleeding and bruising as much as possible.

Why is my vision blurry after a blepharoplasty?

Postoperative blurry vision is largely due to the lubricating eye drops we recommend for patients. This ophthalmic ointment is used post-operatively to avoid excessive drying of the eyes, and it can sometimes cause incidental blurred vision. We typically recommend using this ointment for about 3-5 days after surgery.

Can Botox lift droopy eyelids?

While Botox to the crow’s feet region can serve to open the eyes, Botox cannot dramatically correct true eyelid ptosis. Droopy eyelids, or eyelid ptosis, can be addressed with surgical procedures that either repair the muscle ptosis or remove excess skin.

Can droopy eyelids cause blurred vision?

If severe enough, droopy eyelids can impede an individual’s ability to see. If your vision is impacted by eyelid ptosis to a certain degree, a corrective procedure can oftentimes be covered under insurance. At CARE Plastic Surgery, we are out-of-network with all insurance companies.

Can I sleep on my side after eyelid surgery?

We recommend sleeping elevated for approximately 2 weeks after surgery to minimize post-operative swelling as much as possible.

Can you get rid of hooded eyelids?

Hooded eyelids can be a result of excess skin at the upper eyelids. An upper blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes this excess skin from the upper lids. There are less invasive treatments, such as Botox or Upneeq, that can be used to help open the eyes, providing a more alert and youthful appearance.

Can you go blind from blepharoplasty?

We always recommend choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon for any elective procedure. While there are always risks and complications with any surgical procedure, the likelihood of total blindness is relatively low in the right hands.

Does eyelid surgery leave scars?

While there are different techniques for upper blepharoplasty, typically the scar utilized is well-concealed within the crease of the upper eyelid. It is important to note that every patient is different, but these scars typically heal quite nicely. They can also be easily covered with the use of make-up.

How do you fix droopy eyelids?

Eyelid ptosis refers to the drooping of the lid. This can be corrected with surgical procedures. There are noninvasive options that can help to lift the eyelids. Upneeq is a prescription eye-drop medication used to treat acquired eyelid ptosis. It works to lift the upper eyelids approximately 1-2 mm to give a more alert and awake appearance to the eyes. This is a great option for patients who may not be suited for surgical intervention.

How is upper eyelid surgery performed?

An upper blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure that removes excess upper eyelid skin. At CARE Plastic Surgery, we use MAC anesthesia for optimal patient comfort and safety during surgical procedures. By making a small incision at the upper eyelids, Dr. Coan will carefully remove excess skin to provide a lifted appearance to the eyes. You can expect to be at our surgery center for approximately 1-2 hours for the entire procedure.

How long after blepharoplasty do you see results?

You can see blepharoplasty results immediately after surgery; however, it is normal to expect some degree of swelling post-operatively. This may obscure results, making it more difficult to see your immediate outcome. We find the majority of patients are fully healed by about 3 months after surgery, which is when we take final photos and judge your final results.

How long are eyes blurry after blepharoplasty?

Postoperative blurry vision is largely due to the lubricating eye drops we recommend for patients. This ophthalmic ointment is used post-operatively to avoid excessive drying of the eyes, and it can sometimes cause incidental blurred vision. We typically recommend using this ointment for about 3-5 days after surgery, so this is about how long you can expect blurry vision.

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