Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery, or Blepharoplasty, effects subtle but significant changes in the appearance of your eyelids. Using expert techniques and an eye for aesthetics, Dr. McCracken can treat a range of concerns. Whether you want to reduce signs of aging or create a rejuvenated appearance, there is a type of eyelid surgery for you. It is a highly flexible procedure. Each surgery is fully tailored to help you achieve your unique goals. When done properly, your results will blend naturally into the rest of your appearance. You will look younger and fresher, but you will still be you. Only with fewer wrinkles or sagging skin, more symmetry, and a brighter overall look.
Don’t settle for droopy eyelids or an aging look! We can help you find the youthful face you’ve been looking for. It’s time to show the world the real you, with an eyelid surgery in Denver that is sure to impress.
Upper Eyelid Surgery
Dr. Michael McCracken can help you combat the signs of aging around the eyes with upper eyelid surgery, also known as upper blepharoplasty. Upper eyelid surgery in Denver, CO can remove excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids, improving the appearance of puffiness and creasing that contribute to a tired and aged facial appearance.
How can upper eyelid surgery help?
Upper eyelid surgery can help minimize the appearance of bagginess and puffiness in the upper eyebrow region, giving you a younger, fresher appearance. An Upper Blepharoplasty can also:
- Remove loose and sagging skin that creates folds and “hooding” around the eyes
- Remove excess fatty deposits that cause puffiness
- Improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles in the upper eyelids
- Make your eyes look refreshed and rejuvenated
- Make your eyes and face look less tired
- Provide a more youthful appearance
How is Upper Blepharoplasty Surgery Performed?
The process generally takes about 30 minutes and can be done under local anesthesia with IV sedation. During surgery, Dr. McCracken makes a small incision hidden in the natural eyelid fold to remove excess skin and fat. Our process is performed in such a way to ensure any scarring is not visible. Once the desired corrections have been made, the incision will be closed. Our sutures should dissolve within a few days.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
As a natural part of the aging process, the skin around the lower eyes can become loose, and the fatty deposits can bulge forward. Time, heredity, and environmental factors can cause the skin and fat of the lower eyelid to become wrinkled and baggy. The fat of the lower eyelid can result in a tired, puffy, and aged appearance. Dr. McCracken performs a range of surgical procedures to help reverse the signs of aging and help patients look and feel their best.
HOW CAN LOWER EYELID SURGERY HELP?
Our patients report being pleased with the way our service restores their face to a more youthful look. By fixing noticeable signs of aging, our surgery can make you look more alert and well-rested than before.
Among the things our service can help fix include:
- Eliminate puffiness under the eyes
- Improve the appearance of “bags” under the eyes
- Remove and reshape fat to restore the eyes to a more youthful appearance
- Improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles in the lower eyelids
How is Lower Blepharoplasty Surgery Performed?
Dr. Michael McCracken can help you combat the signs of aging beneath the eyes with lower eyelid surgery. During this process, Dr. McCracken makes a small incision hidden in the skin below the eyelashes or the eyelid. Through either approach, eyelid fat can be removed or repositioned to give a more youthful contour. Extra skin can be removed through an incision below the eyelid.
Am I A Good Candidate For Eyelid Surgery In Denver?
Eyelid surgery in Denver is perfect for any Colorado patient who is looking to freshen their eyelids and appearance of their face. Blepharoplasty can also be a perfect fit for you if:
- You are moderately healthy.
- You do not have any extreme pre-existing eye conditions.
- Want to get rid of puffiness around your eyes.
In September I had an accident which vertically split my upper right eyelid. Dr. McCracken’s office made room to see me on an emergency basis and scheduled me for surgery a few days later…
-Roger Harmelink
Double Eyelid Surgery
Double eyelid surgery is a special procedure for patients of Asian descent. Also called Asian blepharoplasty, its goal is to create small, but noticeable changes in the eyelid. When done by a skilled professional, it results in a natural-looking and symmetrical crease in your eyelid.
At the McCracken Eye and Face Institute, our focus is helping patients achieve their aesthetic goals. Through a patient-centered process, we work with you to help you meet your needs. We provide the best facial cosmetic surgery Denver has available. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you.
Is Double Eyelid Surgery Right for Me?
This procedure delivers a visible double crease, also called a double eyelid. However, it focuses on maintaining your natural appearance, and avoids “Westernizing” your eye’s shape and look. We understand that each patient has their aesthetic standards, and this procedure is one way for you to achieve them.
Some patients seek to balance their features. One of their eyes might have a crease while the other does not. In these cases, we work to restore symmetry to your facial appearance. Other patients would like to add a crease to both their eyelids, giving their features another level of dynamic structure.
If either of these sounds appealing, then double eyelid surgery could be right for you. The first step is to schedule a consultation.
What Does Asian Blepharoplasty Entail?
The changes delivered by this procedure are small but noticeable. As the Asian eyelid has a unique anatomy, it is vital that you work with an experienced surgeon.
Through small incisions and careful adjustment, Dr. McCracken creates a natural, symmetric crease. There are multiple methods to create this fold. The technique for your surgery will depend on your unique eye structure and your aesthetic goals.
As an out-patient procedure, you can have surgery with only local anesthetic. However, our goal is for you to be comfortable throughout the process. So, other types of anesthesia are available if needed. During your consultation, you will have a chance to express what would make you most comfortable.
Asian Eyelid Surgery Recovery
Though Asian blepharoplasty surgery is minimal, we still advise a recovery period of about 1-2 weeks. You will see immediate results, but it may take a few months for complete healing and final results.
After your procedure, some minor swelling and discomfort are typical. However, you can easily manage these with medication. We will provide a full list of recovery instructions to ensure an optimal outcome. The most important of which is simply to give yourself plenty of rest. If you have any questions during this time, do not hesitate to contact us.
When performed by an expert, there should be no visible scarring. Instead, you should only be able to notice the new aspects of your appearance.
Patient Testimonials
Blepharoplasty testimonial by Dr McCracken’s Patient Erika
Lower blepharoplasty with Laser Skin Resurfacing
Lower blepharoplasty with CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing
Eyelid Skin Cancer Repair Followed by Lower Blepharoplasty
Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery with Laser Skin Resurfacing
Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty with CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing
Lower Blepharoplasty with Ptosis Repair
Eyelid Surgery FAQs
What is the recovery like after eyelid surgery?
During your initial meeting, we will provide you with detailed aftercare information. This includes:
- instructions on how to care for the surgical site and incisions
- what pain medications may be used to handle discomfort
- when you may resume regular activity.
Be prepared for one to two weeks of bruising and swelling following your surgery. We recommend using ice packs during this time. Dr. McCracken will prescribe an antibiotic ointment for you to place in your eyes and on your sutures for the first week. During this time, you should avoid heavy lifting, exercise, and getting your eyes wet. Discomfort should be minimal, and you should be able to return to normal activities within a week. The stitches should dissolve around a week after the procedure, at which point you can resume wearing makeup and contacts.
What kind of anesthesia is used?
Dr. McCracken prefers to perform surgery in a controlled setting in a surgery center. This way, aesthesia can be administered via an I.V. for your comfort. General anesthesia is rarely needed for this procedure. On some occasions, the surgery may be performed in the office with only local anesthetic.
Where are the incisions made?
Incisions are hidden in the upper eyelid crease, where they are less likely to be noticed. For lower eyelid surgery, the incision is placed either on the inside of the lower eyelid or in the skin just below the lashes.
What is laser blepharoplasty?
A laser eyelid surgery involves the use of a CO2 laser to make the incisions. Dr. McCracken uses the laser in some cases and more conventional steel instruments and electrocautery in others. In experienced hands, the end results will be impressive either way. If there is a specific method you prefer, let Dr. McCracken know, and he will make sure to use it.
What is the difference between blepharoplasty and Asian blepharoplasty?
Several things make the Asian eyelid different from the Caucasian eyelid, which must be kept in mind when performing a surgery. At the time of your consult, Dr. McCracken will discuss these differences with you.
How much does Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty Cost in Denver?
The cost of eyelid surgery in Denver, Colorado can be around $6500-$9500, which depends on many factors, including pre-operative consultations, upper and lower eyelid procedures, anesthetic fees, surgeon’s fees, and hospital fees. For a more personalized estimate, contact Dr. McCracken today for a consultation!
Will insurance pay for my eyelid surgery?
Some insurance carriers will cover upper eyelid surgery if strict criteria are met. These usually pertain to instances in which a drooping eyelid is dangerous in some way. This includes instances where the excess skin is hanging down into the patient’s vision, which gets in the way of your vision. This must be demonstrated by both photography and visual field testing. However, lower eyelid surgery is usually considered a cosmetic procedure, which means it would not be covered by insurance.
What is the recovery time for eyelid surgery?
We suggest about two weeks of recovery time before returning to your normal activities.
What should I expect after my eyelid surgery?
Eyelid surgery is typically done on an outpatient basis, but Dr. McCracken will discuss the best option for you and whether an overnight stay is necessary. It’s our job to make sure your experience is as comfortable and rewarding as possible.
What will I look like after my eyelid surgery with Dr. McCracken?
Directly after surgery, the incision sites will appear red and slightly irritated with some minor bumpiness. There will be swelling and discoloration near your eyes, but that will begin to fade as your eyelids improve.
How long will my eyelid results last?
Results will last for many years to come and, in many cases, are permanent. Of course, the aging process never stops, and so you may have a desire to freshen your appearance a little more down the road. Many patients are so pleased with their results, they will continue with a brow lift or facelift.
