As your windows to the rest of the world, the eyes tell a dynamic story to those you communicate with, whether you intend to or not. As a result of aging, it is common for excess skin and fat to accumulate around the eyes, causing puffiness that can communicate weariness, drowsiness and an age different than the one you feel. Eyelid lifts, also known as blepharoplasty, address these issues by removing excess skin and fat from the eyelid area, making patients appear more rested and alert.
One of the surprising things about eyelid lifts is that they are one of the few cosmetic procedures that may be covered under some insurance policies. Though this coverage varies from patient to patient, Dr. Henderson will be able to help you determine if you are eligible for this option during your initial consultation.
Why do Patients in Scottsdale/Phoenix Choose Eyelid Surgery?
The eyelid lift is a highly customizable procedure that can be used to address a variety of concerns around the eyes, including upper eyelid lifts, lower eyelid lifts, or both. Upper eyelid lifts can be used to address fatty deposits that create puffiness around the upper eye, as well as saggy skin that can hang down into the field of vision, limiting a patient’s sight. These situations where vision is affected by the upper eyelid are the only time when an eyelid lift is medically indicated and may be covered by insurance.
Lower eyelid lifts are never covered by insurance, as these issues do not obscure vision, but these procedures may still provide significant benefits to patients from an aesthetic perspective. Excess skin beneath the eye may contribute to wrinkles and fine lines around the bottom of the eye, as well as bags under the eyes that may make a patient look tired or worn out. Many patients in the Scottsdale/Phoenix area who seek this procedure are frustrated at being asked repeatedly if they are tired or have slept poorly the night before.
What are the Qualifications of a Good Surgery Candidate?
Though eyelid lifts are minimally invasive, it is nonetheless crucial that each patient be in good physical health and sound mental health prior to the procedure. Being in good physical condition allows your body the chance to put all its energy into healing quickly and effectively. It also decreases the already low risk of complications, including those during the procedure and the recovery period. Smoking cessation is another crucial way to allow your body its best healing performance, as smoking interferes with the body’s natural healing processes, delaying recovery and diminishing the final results.
A thorough understanding of the eyelid lift process and the expected results can help patients to have realistic expectations about their own procedure. Before and after photographs are an excellent resource for those hoping to better understand the possible outcomes. Having a positive self-image is also important for patients undergoing any cosmetic surgery procedure.
For more information about having an eyelid lift in Scottsdale/Phoenix, or to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Henderson, please visit the contact page.
Image by Andreas Overland on Flickr.