Blepharoplasty in Austin

Dr. Sean Paul is a gifted ophthalmologist who specializes in eyelid surgery in Austin, TX. If you‘re seeking eyelid surgery, also known as a blepharoplasty, Dr. Paul is the surgeon for you and your needs.

How does eyelid surgery restore the face?

Our eyes are the first and most important feature that we use to express ourselves. But due to the natural process of aging, genetics, and our exposure to the sun and the elements, our eyes can sometimes deceive those around us. Eye bags, extra eyelid skin, and puffiness around the eyes can lead others to believe we are older, sad, angry, or tired, when in fact we feel quite the opposite. Blepharoplasty in Austin can do wonders for restoring a youthful, rested look to the eyes and indeed the entire face.

Woman with brown hair partially covering her face and mouth slightly open

What does eyelid surgery do?

Eyelid surgery is one of our most frequently performed surgical procedures. Eyelid surgery is used to remove the fat deposits and loose, drooping skin that forms around the eyelids with age. Heredity factors, smoking, edema from allergies, and sun damage can accelerate these changes. Younger patients also elect to have this procedure done to eliminate puffiness of the eyes from congenital excess fatty tissue.

Blepharoplasty at Austin Face & Body can:

Reduce the size of under-eye bags
Help you look more relaxed, rested, and youthful
Improve the shape and visual appearance of the eye
Remove dark circles commonly seen under the eyes
Remove excess skin from the eyelids that cause “hooding”
Improve or eliminate lower eyelid hollowing and a gaunt appearance
Reduce the amount and appearance of fine lines and wrinkles at the eye corners and lower eyelid
Tackle puffiness in the middle and corner of the eyelids, caused by the herniation (pushing forward) of fat

Eyelid surgery diagram

Before & After

Upper Eyelid Surgery results in Austin with Dr. Sean Paul

Dr. David Gay discusses upper blepharoplasty

Dr. David Gay discusses brow lifts & eyelid lifts

Learn more about upper eyelid blepharoplasty with Dr. David Gay

Dr. Sean Paul speaks about preparation for eyelid surgery

Surgical details

The anesthesia used during a blepharoplasty in Austin will be tailored to your comfort level and the type of procedure that is being performed. Local anesthesia and oral sedation are often sufficient for upper eyelid surgery, but if both eyelids are being treated or a combination of procedures is being done (or if the patient prefers deeper sedation), general anesthesia can be used at one of our outpatient surgical centers around the greater Austin area. Eyelid surgery takes about 1 to 2 hours on average when performed as a standalone procedure for both eyes.

Blepharoplasty usually involves the conservative removal of skin and, occasionally, the removal of fat and muscle, through small incisions that are well hidden in natural creases and folds of the eyelid. Visible scarring is minimal. Major complications with blepharoplasty surgery are rare, and the procedure is considered very safe. Dr. Paul is always meticulous with his approach, avoiding the removal of too much skin and fat for a very natural appearance and beautiful, natural results. This procedure is frequently done at the same time as other procedures, such as a face or forehead lift, and can be combined with Botox or cosmetic injectables to smooth skin wrinkles.

Recovery from an Austin blepharoplasty

In most cases, eyelid surgery in Austin is performed on an outpatient basis. Once the anesthesia wears off, you will be able to return home, though you will need someone to drive you because your eyesight will be blurry and your eyes may need to be covered. Following your blepharoplasty, your eyelids will be supported with paper tape to ensure that the tissue heals with the correct contours. Gauze may also be worn over the eyes for up to 3 days. It’s very important to leave these post-surgery coverings in place to ensure a fast recovery and optimal results.

If you have had transconjunctival blepharoplasty, in which the tissues are accessed through an incision behind the lower eyelid, your eyes may not need to be covered following surgery. Typically, the sutures used during eyelid surgery procedures need to be taken out by Dr. Paul a couple of weeks after the procedure. You will be provided eye drops or an ointment to use throughout the recovery period as directed by Dr. Paul. It’s also important to avoid disturbing the eyelid tissues as they heal. This requires keeping your head elevated while sleeping. Any discomfort you feel can be managed with pain medication and cold compresses.

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Will there be scars?

Although every surgical procedure comes with the possibility of scars, visible scars following eyelid surgery are minimized due to the placement of incisions. Because incisions are placed in the natural skin folds or sometimes behind the eyelid, they should not result in obvious scarring. Over time, any scars you see will fade into the surrounding skin. If the patient prefers, Dr. Paul can also recommend topical treatments or serums which can further reduce scarring in the treatment areas.

Am I a candidate for eyelid surgery?

Most patients who come to us for eyelid surgery in Austin are over 30 years old; however, adults of any age can have the procedure. Eyelid surgeries are a popular choice for individuals looking to reduce signs of aging, particularly droopy eyelids or under-eye bags. Although most candidates choose eyelid surgery for cosmetic reasons, it is also a functional surgery performed to remove sagging eyelid skin that interferes with vision.

You are a good candidate if you:

Are healthy with no medical issues
Are a non-smoker
Have excessive drooping or sagging around the eyes
Would like your eyes and upper face to look more youthful

You are not a good candidate if you:

Have serious eye or medical conditions (glaucoma, diabetes, etc.)
Have unrealistic expectations about what the procedure can accomplish

Your eyelid surgery consultation

During your initial consultation with Dr. Paul, he will discuss your cosmetic concerns and your goals for the procedure. He will also carefully evaluate your medical history, noting any prior history of eyelid surgery, dry eyes, or the use of blood thinners.

He will also pay special attention to the surrounding anatomic structures such as the eyelids themselves, the cheeks, and the strength of the lower eyelid muscles. This will help him determine if you are an appropriate candidate, and decide upon the best techniques for your particular case. If you're interested in blepharoplasty in Austin, please contact us.

Elegant woman with a serious facial expression and bare shoulders

Alternatives and additional options

Other treatments may also need to be considered. If the conditions affecting the eyelid are accompanied by sagging of the eyebrows, a brow lift may be recommended. Smoothing of the crow’s feet may be accomplished with Botox®, Dysport®, or a chemical peel. For dark circles under the eyes, alternatives to surgery include dermal fillers. Juvederm® and Restylane® are also two great options we use at Austin Face & Body to improve the appearance of sunken eyes or dark circles, as well as hollowing of the cheeks. Dr. Paul and his skilled team will be happy to provide further information if you have an interest in any of these additional procedures.

AccuTite for eyelid treatment

If you’re interested in treating your eyelids with a non-surgical alternative, we also offer AccuTite™, a brand new radiofrequency energy treatment that addresses smaller areas of the face and body.

These small, delicate areas have been very difficult to treat in the past. This highly effective skin tightening technology reduces the fat that causes the eyelids to appear puffy or swollen, and tightens the skin as well. If you would like to learn more about AccuTite, please let us know.

Festoon repair

Festoons, or malar mounds, are caused by a structural issue underneath the eyelid’s surface. They are characterized by skin folds and swelling of the lower eyelid and cheek area, and can make you appear aged, sick, or tired—even when you’re not.

Festoons can be confusing to those who have them because they tend to change in severity. This fluctuation in swelling and puffiness is caused by a gap in the skin layers that comes from damage to the elastic fibers in the skin.

Festoon repair is performed in our office under local anesthesia, and is It is often combined with a lower eyelid blepharoplasty.

Eyelid surgery revision in Austin

Many individuals decide to undergo an eyelid revision surgery because they are dissatisfied with the shape or contouring from a previous eyelid surgery. They may also have more visible scarring than they expected, they may not be able to fully close their eyes or blink, or their eyes may be noticeably asymmetrical due to their past eyelid surgery.

An eyelid revision surgery may also be needed if the first operation was performed a long time ago and its results are now fading. If you are experiencing complications from any kind of eyelid surgery that was performed more than six months ago and are considering a eyelid revision surgery in Austin, please contact Dr. Paul.

Schedule a consultation with us

If you’re interested in eyelid surgery or eyelid surgery revision in Austin, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Sean Paul at Austin Face & Body. Dr. Paul is a high-end oculoplastic surgeon, specializing in the eyelids and the structures surrounding the eye. He has also been hailed as an innovator in aesthetics of the eyes. To learn more or schedule an appointment, please call 512-559-3544 or contact us online.

Is eyelid surgery covered by insurance?

If certain medical conditions are present, as opposed to purely cosmetic concerns (such as the eyelids drooping significantly enough that it interferes with your vision, or the presence of inflammation in certain parts of the eye and eyelid), a blepharoplasty may be fully or partially covered by insurance. If you have questions about insurance or financing, we are happy to discuss this with you during your consultation.

Blepharoplasty FAQ

How long will my eyelid surgery results last?

The longevity of your blepharoplasty results depends on several factors, including your genes, your overall health and on how well you take care of your skin. The number one factor that helps prolong your results is taking care to avoid harmful UV rays from the sun. As a general rule, eyelid surgery results tend to last around 10 to 15 years.

How much does blepharoplasty cost?

Pricing for eyelid surgery will vary from patient to patient, based on whether they undergo lower blepharoplasty, upper blepharoplasty or both. If other facial procedures such as a brow lift or facelift are performed at the same time, the costs will expand accordingly. We will provide you with a thorough, detailed quote for services at the time of your private consultation at our offices in Austin.

How long after blepharoplasty will I see results?

After eyelid surgery, there may be some minor swelling around the eyelids, as well as minor redness at the incision sites. These side effects will slowly fade over the course of several weeks. After about six weeks you will see the final results of your blepharoplasty clearly. The eyes will look more alert and youthful, and your face will take on a brighter expression.

When can I wear makeup after eyelid surgery?

For the first 10 days after your surgery you may experience some minor swelling and bruising. Applying a cold compress to the eyes can help provide instant relief. You should keep your head elevated, even when you are sleeping or lying down. After this initial 10-day period, makeup can be applied to help camouflage discoloration. If you use makeup prior to this benchmark, you may incur the risk of an eye infection. When you do use makeup, be sure to purchase new cosmetics and brushes to avoid contamination from bacteria that may have previously built up in your products. Choose products that use all-natural ingredients rather than chemicals.

Can I sleep on my side after eyelid surgery?

For the first few days after eyelid surgery it is advised that you sleep on your back with your head elevated. This can help to minimize postoperative swelling. If you do accidentally turn onto your side during the night, it's unlikely that this will cause any serious side effects.

Why choose Austin Face & Body?

Austin Face & Body was founded by Dr. Sean Paul as a restorative haven for outstanding patient care and stunning aesthetic results. Dr. Paul is a double board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in blepharoplasty as well as many other facial plastic and reconstructive procedures. After graduating with a medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School, Dr. Paul pursued a demanding internship in surgery, medicine and pediatrics at the John Peter Smith Hospital. He then completed a surgical residency in Ophthalmology at the world-renowned Dean McGee Eye Institute.

Dr. Gay is a board-certified surgeon who has honed his skill and expertise in the delicate and complex area of eyelid surgery. After completing medical school at the Medical College of Virginia, Dr. Gay continued his ophthalmology training at the Medical College of Georgia before going on to complete a prestigious Fellowship at the Sinai Hospital in Baltimore.

Both Dr. Paul and Dr. Gay are passionate about providing natural, elegant and nuanced outcomes that reflect the clients’ wishes. As Austin Face & Body was founded on the principle of integrity, our team will never suggest a procedure that we don’t genuinely believe is in your best interest. From our immaculate state-of-the-art facility and cutting edge technology and equipment to the compassion and support each member of our staff provides throughout your treatment, you are in the best of hands at Austin Face & Body.

Eyelid Surgery Austin