Face
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) in Seattle.
Eyelid surgery removes or repositions a small amount of skin and fat around the eyes. It is a short operation, often under local anesthesia with sedation.
My note
People often come in asking for a facelift when what bothers them is the eyes. I look at the brow, the lids and the cheek together before saying which one is the cause.
Taking out too much is the mistake that lasts. I would rather leave you a little less changed than give you a hollow look.
Dr. Thea Kinnear
Who it suits
- Upper lid skin that folds onto the lashes
- Bags under the eyes that do not change with sleep
- Upper lids heavy enough to narrow your view (sometimes covered by insurance)
What I will ask you
- Whether the heaviness is the lid or the brow above it
- Any dry eye, glasses or contact lenses
- Whether you have had eye surgery before
The day
- Often done in the suite under local anesthesia with sedation
- Upper lids alone usually take about an hour; your plan gives your time
- You go home the same day with cold compresses and written care
Recovery, week by week
- First weekSwelling and some bruising. Cold compresses and rest. Stitches out at about five to seven days.
- Week twoMany return to work, with sunglasses for any remaining bruising.
- Month one to threeThe lid crease settles and scars fade into the fold.
A typical course, not a promise. Your own calendar comes with your plan.
Fee
From $ owner to $ owner
One written fee: surgeon, anesthesia and the surgical suite. Paying over time
What moves the fee within that range:
- Upper lids, lower lids, or both
- Local anesthesia or general
- Whether it is combined with a brow lift
Risks
Risks include dry eye, difficulty closing the eye fully for a time, asymmetry, visible scarring, and rare changes to vision. We check your eyes carefully before planning.
No result can be guaranteed. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons publishes plain-language patient information at plasticsurgery.org.
A patient letter
I had stopped wearing eyeliner because there was nowhere to put it. A small thing, and I notice it every morning.
Questions
Will insurance pay?
Sometimes, for upper lids that measurably block your vision. We can arrange the visual field test and help with the paperwork. Cosmetic changes are self-pay.
Will I look tired-looking afterwards for long?
Most bruising has faded by the second week. Your plan has a calendar so you can choose a quiet fortnight.
Also in face
Talk through eyelid surgery with Dr. Kinnear.
Three short steps, about a minute. You leave the consultation with a written plan, the fee, and time to think. Rather talk first? Call (206) 555-0164.
Consultation fee: Owner: fee, and whether it is credited toward surgery. No obligation to book surgery, ever.