Eyelid Surgery Seattle

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Lift)

Eyelid surgery can be performed on both the upper and lower lids to revitalize the smile and provide relief from age-related sagging, eye bags and puffiness. During your eyelid surgery in Seattle, excess fat, skin and tissue are excised while wrinkles, fine lines and creases are all beautifully diminished. Vision may even be improved by addressing upper eyelid ptosis.

What does eyelid surgery with Dr. Nadeau entail?

With age, our vital supply of collagen begins to break down and dwindle, causing sagging, wrinkling and a loss of skin elasticity. Collagen is that incredible protein found naturally in the human body that gives the skin its radiance, youthfulness and resilience. This trend is especially apparent around the eyes, which begin to appear puffy and prone to heavy bags and bulges. The upper eye skin may even hang down, obscuring the vision. An eyelid lift, also called blepharoplasty, can do wonders to refresh the entire eye area, smoothing away the unwanted signs of aging and restoring confidence in your appearance.

“From the moment I entered the office and spoke with Dr. Nadeau, I was very happy I selected her. She spent time with me and explained all my options. I never felt rushed. After my surgery she called later that night to see how I was doing. Even after the surgery, I am so pleased with all my visits. I never feel rushed and she always takes time to explain what she is doing and what is going on with the healing process.” Patient

Before and After Gallery

Before Photo of Blepharoplasty in Seattle

After Photo of Blepharoplasty in Seattle

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How is eyelid surgery in Seattle performed?

Blepharoplasty is performed under general anesthesia, with incisions created inconspicuously in the folds of the upper lids, or in the lash line of the lower lids, with scarring virtually undetectable. Through the incisions, fat deposits and excess skin and tissue can be removed, and the muscles can be tightened to appear firmer. The absorbable incisions will then be closed and you will be able to begin your recovery journey.

Issues addressed by eyelid surgery include…

Loose, sagging skin that can hang down and disrupt your vision
Puffy fat deposits that appear to bulge from the lids
Under-eye bags
Wrinkles and fine lines
The whites of the eyes showing

Types of Eyelid Surgery

Upper eyelid surgery

Droopy upper lids can not only make you appear tired and depressed, but they can also obscure your vision. By removing fat, skin and tissue from the upper lids, the entire upper eye region is revitalized, and the eyes begin to really shine and draw attention. The incisions for upper eye blepharoplasty are nicely hidden within the upper eye creases, so no one will be able to detect that you’ve had surgery, they will simply comment on how refreshed and radiant you appear.

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Lower eyelid surgery

Lower lid blepharoplasty can be performed at the same time as upper eyelid surgery, or by itself. Prominent lower lid fat deposits (bags) and hollowing of the undereye area can be addressed, while excess sagging skin can be tightened. Results are highly natural so that you will merely look rejuvenated and not “done”.

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Asian Eyelid Surgery

Asian eyelid surgery is done to create a new, smooth but natural-looking crease in the upper eyelids and is ideal for patients who lack the crease genetically. Asian eyelid surgery is a blepharoplasty procedure and it will correct redunant or saggin skin tissue, correct asymmetry, and excise saggin skin tissue for an overall improvement to the eyelids, but it does so while attaining a very specific and sought-after look. Two methods of the procedure are available for patients who prefer either long-lasting but temporary improvements, as well as for patients who choose to have a dynamic crease that looks as though it was there from birth and will last a lifetime, barring significant age-related changes.

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Double Eyelid Surgery

Despite the name, double eyelid surgery doesn’t refer to doing surgery on both the upper and lower eyelids. Instead, it is a specific surgical procedure done to change the appearance of the upper eyelids so that they have a horizontal crease in them. Many patients are born with what is called a single lid or monolid, and there’s nothing medically or cosmetically wrong with that. But for those patients who prefer the crease, or whose eyelids interfere with their vision, the permanent crease is an excellent choice that makes the eyes appear larger and can ease certain makeup styles.

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What are the benefits of eyelid surgery?

Improves eyelid definition: Eyelid surgery helps eradicate fatty bulges and excess skin that causes a lack of definition in the eyelids, inhibiting an attractive smile.

May improve vision: If low-hanging lids are a problem, you may be experiencing vision problems that are entirely solvable. Eyelid surgery can trim away unwanted skin and tissue from the lids, making it easy to see and be seen.

Can create a more youthful appearance: Eyelid surgery can help reverse the damage caused by gravity, the aging process and the environment, giving you a new lease on life and an improved outlook.

Reduces under-eye bags and dark circles: Eyelid surgery can help redistribute fat in the eyelids to account for decreased soft tissue volume, improving your look and making you appear more well-rested.

Can help minimize wrinkles and fine lines: This is a top benefit of eyelid surgery, because when we look in the mirror, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by unwanted signs of aging and not know where to begin in terms of correcting the situation. Eyelid surgery is a huge step forward in the fight against aging and can beautifully and naturally restore your youthful appearance.

Can correct asymmetry: Blepharoplasty can correct asymmetry and restore functionality.

Correcting an Asymmetrical Eyelid

Who makes the best eyelid surgery candidate?

Good candidates for eyelid surgery:

Are of sound mind and body
Have no serious medical issues such as hypertension or obestiy
Are non-smokers
Have realistic expectations for their results
Are over 35

Combing a blepharoplasty with complimentary procedures

Because the eyes are so central to the upper face anatomy, blepharoplasty leaves the whole of the area looking more youthful, rejuvenated and attractive. A more comprehensive approach to full rejuvenation of the upper face may also include the following, each of which is a very complimentary procedure to eyelid surgery:

Brow Lift: Eyelid surgery treats the excess skin and fat in the upper and lower eyelids themselves. A brow lift complements this by spreading that rejuvenated look to the brows and forehead by removing excess tissue, frown lines, and furrows from the brows.
Wrinkles relaxers, fillers, and facials: A comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation usually always includes a careful assessment and correction of fine lines, dynamic wrinkles, and lackluster areas of the facial skin, with Botox, dermal fillers, and/or a facial.
Fat Grafting: While a blepharoplasty removes excess tissue for a rejuvenated appearance, there are other areas of the face that actually need more fat added to them. A thin, gaunt or hollow look is common with the natural process of aging and can be reversed with facial fat grafting.

How can I maximize my blepharoplasty results?

In order to achieve comprehensive improvement in the upper face, Dr. Nadeau may elect to combine your eyelid surgery with injectables and dermal fillers that can fill out depressed areas of volume loss and also help reduce crow’s feet, wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes. She may also suggest a brow lift, which can work in tandem with a blepharoplasty to rejuvenate the brow and forehead area. Repositioning the brows can enhance the results of eyelid surgery, opening up the eyes so they appear more youthful and engaged.

What will my recovery entail?

As with most facial surgeries, some bruising, swelling and soreness are to be expected, but these symptoms will subside within a few weeks. You will be able to resume your normal activities within about 5 days once your sutures are removed. You should abstain from wearing contact lenses for at least 2 weeks. Dr. Nadeau will prescribe both pain medications and eye drops to keep you feeling at ease as you recover. Within a month, you will be able to see the full spectrum of your results.

Recovery timeline:

Immediately after surgery: You will see some swelling and bruising, but these side effects can be well-treated with ice packs. You may also need to take eyedrops to keep the eyes moisturized.

1 week after surgery: Sutures will be removed and you will be able to resume watching TV, reading and performing household tasks. Swelling will begin to decline.

2-3 weeks after surgery: You may see some asymmetry between the right and left sides of the face, but this is normal and will resolve with time. You will be able to return to your normal routine.

1 month after surgery: Only minor swelling will still be visible. You may be prescribed a scar cream to help reduce the appearance of your incisions.

Eyelid surgery Before & After

Before and After Eyelid Surgery in Seattle

Before and After Blepharoplasty in Seattle

How long will my results last?

The results from eyelid surgery tend to last anywhere from 5 to 7 years, at which point the surgery can be repeated in order to maintain the improvements made. Addressing the face holistically, it may be helpful to also undergo a brow lift, facelift, neck lift and non-surgical facial rejuvenation with dermal fillers in order to place your blepharoplasty in a context and reverse age-related changes in the face as a whole instead of piecemeal.

Brunette model smiling with hand on chin

How much does blepharoplasty in Seattle cost?

Costs for blepharoplasty in Seattle will vary, and will be based on whether surgery is performed on the upper lids, lower lids or both. Dr. Nadeau will assemble your custom quote at the time of your private consultation. If low-hanging lids are disrupting your vision, costs may be covered partially or in full by your insurance carrier. Our office can help you to navigate the paperwork, and can also provide financing options from a host of trusted healthcare lenders.

Why select Dr. Nadeau for eyelid surgery?

Dr. Nadeau believes that outstanding results come from the understanding that is established between surgeon and patient, and she goes to great lengths to ensure clients feel truly seen and heard. Results are seamlessly blended with your existing facial structures for an organic-looking outcome that will roll back the hands of time.

After completing her plastic surgery training, Dr. Nadeau pursued an additional year long fellowship in Los Angeles specializing in cosmetic surgery under the guidance of Dr. W. Grant Stevens at the University of Southern California.

Prior to that, she graduated at the top of her class and was selected into the medical honor society AOA at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine in Lexington, KY. She completed her residency in plastic surgery at the Ohio State University Medical Center. She is a top injector and trainer for Allergan, makers of BOTOX, Juvederm and Kybella. She serves on several committees for the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons and is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

What can I expect from my consultation?

Honesty: Dr. Nadeau will give you honest opinions and facts, and will never recommend a procedure she doesn’t believe to be in your best interest. She will go over the costs of surgery, the risks and benefits, your recovery and your results during your private consultation.

Help with financing: We understand that paying for your surgery can be stress-inducing, so we’ve made the process easy but providing access to quality healthcare lenders with instant approval. We can also assist you in handling your insurance paperwork.

Customized approach: Dr. Nadeau delves into your aesthetic preferences and tastes to deliver results that are personalized. She performs a physical evaluation and review of your medical history with every consultation to further hone in on your goals.

Privacy: Dr. Nadeau understands the value of discretion, and offers confidentiality to all her clients.

A surgery date: Dr. Nadeau will schedule your appointment the same day as your consultation so you can begin to prepare for your exciting surgical journey immediately.

Blepharoplasty FAQ's

What does eyelid surgery do?

Eyelid surgery reduces prominent under-eye bags and removes the tired, aged, and droopy appearance from the upper face, leaving it looking more youthful and attractive. In many cases, blepharoplasty can also help restore a wider range of vision and peripheral vision that was previously blocked by sagging skin tissue.

How long is the surgery?

Blepharoplasty can usually be completed in under two hours.

What anesthesia is used in blepharoplasty?

Eyelid surgery is typically done under local anesthesia with IV sedation.

How do I prepare for surgery?

If you smoke, stop for as long before and after the surgery as possible, with 2 weeks being an ideal minimum. You should also cease taking certain medications such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and certain herbal supplements. Wear comfortable clothing, but do not wear lotion, perfume or makeup. Don’t eat or drink anything after midnight on the day before your surgery. Have a friend or family member either on call or attend the surgery with you as you will be unable to drive home afterward.

How long is recovery?

Patients will return home after surgery when the anesthesia has worn off. Recovery is most strenuous immediately after surgery and pain medication will be prescribed. Patients often return to their regular activities within a week when sutures are removed. Full recovery often occurs within a month, with only very minor swelling (if any) still visible.