When sagging eyelids begin to impact the basic function of the eyes, a medically necessary surgical intervention may be required. Functional blepharoplasty is a surgical treatment that repairs the eyelids, recovering visual function while also restoring a youthful appearance to the entire eye area. The results can improve the aesthetic balance of the face while optimizing quality of life.

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How Does Functional Blepharoplasty Work?

Functional blepharoplasty restores the visual field by surgically removing excess eyelid skin and raising the remaining skin to a position that no longer falls into the line of vision. If you are looking to restore your vision and improve your appearance with a functional eyelid lift in Boulder, schedule your consultation with Dr. Cox today. She will carefully assess the structure and symmetry of your face while providing compassionate care and exemplary results.

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What Does Functional Blepharoplasty Improve?

When the eyelids are sagging over the eyes and functionally impairing vision, there are additional impacts.

Functional blepharoplasty can have a monumental impact on some of the additional challenges that arise, such as:

  • Struggling to see while reading, driving, or performing regular day-to-day activities
  • Fatigued forehead muscles from lifting the eyelids with the brow to overcompensate
  • Headaches
  • Difficulty wearing glasses or contact lenses 
  • Looking excessively tired

How Do I Know If I Am a Good Candidate?

If you are struggling to see due to heavy sagging of the upper eyelids and brow, functional blepharoplasty may be the perfect solution to give you long-lasting relief that may not only improve your vision and appearance, but also your life as a whole. The most viable candidates are patients who are in good overall health and experience vision problems resulting from sagging upper eyelids.

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What Is the Procedure Like?

Functional blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure, performed under local anesthesia or IV sedation, that takes less than an hour to complete. Using a hidden incision along the natural fold of the upper eyelid and extending to the outer eye edge, the superfluous skin and fat are removed, and the underlying muscle is tightened, preventing further sagging. Because no two faces are exactly the same, each surgical procedure is customized with your specific anatomy and restorative goals in mind.

What Is the Recovery Process?

Swelling, bruising, and tenderness are common for the first 72 hours after surgery. Applying ice and cold compresses to the area will soothe the skin, minimize the skin’s reaction (bruising and swelling), and kickstart the healing process. Patients will want to avoid strenuous activity for the first 2-3 weeks and focus on resting and recovering. It may take around 10 days of recovery before patients will feel ready to return to work and regular daily activities.

FAQ

Is the procedure covered by insurance?

How long do the results last?

What are the risks?

Is the procedure covered by insurance?

Since functional blepharoplasty is considered medically necessary, medical insurance companies will typically cover part or all of the procedure. Talk to your provider directly to discuss the benefits associated with your specific policy.

How long do the results last?

The results of functional blepharoplasty surgery only have to be performed once and generally last a lifetime.

What are the risks?

Although there are risks to any surgery, some potential complications to a blepharoplasty are: scarring, bleeding, infection, dry or irritated eyes, photosensitivity, or changes to vision. However, when in the care of a surgeon with specialization and experience like Dr. Cox, you can count on a surgical experience that is safe and comfortable, with very little risk of complications.

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