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    Improve Your Appearance...and Vision!
    The shape and tone of your eyelids should give you a look of vitality and youthfulness. If they don't, perhaps you should consider eyelid surgery.

    All types of Eyelid Plastic Surgery are routinely performed by Board Certified Ophthalmologists at Grand Rapids Ophthalmology. Our Ophthalmologists are both eye physicians and surgeons with additional training and expertise in plastic surgery and structures around the eye.

    Eyelid Surgery is performed in the comfort of our state-of-the-art surgical facility on an outpatient basis.
    WHY EYELID SURGERY?
    Do you feel that you look "tired" and older than you are? Often, drooping and baggy eyelids are the cause. Today, many people are having eyelid surgery to improve their looks and vision.

    This procedure is called Blepharoplasty. The shape and tone of your eyelids should give you a look of vitality and youthfulness. If they don't, perhaps you should consider eyelid surgery.

    WRINKLES AROUND THE EYE
    In the past, fine wrinkles around the eyes have been difficult to treat surgically. A procedure using the laser has proven very effective for treating skin wrinkles. This procedure is safe and performed on an outpatient basis.

    WHO IS THE BEST CANDIDATE FOR EYELID SURGERY?
    The best candidates for eyelid surgery are men and women who are physically stable and realistic with their expectations. Most are 35 or older, but if droopy eyelids run in your family, you may decide to have eyelid surgery at a younger age.
    - TOP

    A few medical conditions make eyelid surgery more risky, including thyroid problems such as hypothyroidism and Graves' disease, dry eye or lack of sufficient tears, high blood pressure or other circulatory disorders, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

    An ophthalmic plastic surgeon is best trained in performing eyelid surgery to improve your appearance while protecting your valuable gift of vision.
    SURGERY - WHAT TO EXPECT
    Eyelid surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia in a surgical suite. The procedure routinely lasts one to two hours followed by a short rest in our recovery lounge. Patients may return to work in a few days.

    Activity can be resumed 7-10 days after surgery. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for 3-4 weeks.

    The incisions are hidden in the natural and normal lid creases. Lower lid incisions are under the eyelid margins, close to the eyelashes and fade quickly. Often, lower lid bags can be removed without skin incisions.

    In most situations, removal of the excess skin and bags restores a vibrant, less tired appearance. The improvement can be quite dramatic.
    - TOP

    AFTER SURGERY....HEALING
    Complications related to cosmetic eyelid surgery are rare. The most noticeable problems are swelling and discoloration around the eye which diminishes in 1-2 weeks. Some patients have a "tight" sensation around the eyes which decreases after a few days.

    Postoperative bleeding and asymmetry infrequently occur, but usually resolve in a short time. If any asymmetry does not resolve, in almost all cases it can be corrected with minor touch-up surgery.

    Sutures are removed one week after surgery. You can begin using cosmetics immediately after suture removal.
    - TOP

    YOUR CONSULTATION
    The initial consultation with your surgeon is very important. You will need to provide medical information so a complete medical history can be established.

    Inform the doctor about any allergies you have, any medications (including vitamins) you are currently taking, and if you smoke.

    Your eyes will be examined and a test for tear production will be performed. If you wear contacts or glasses, please bring them with you.

    The consultation will include a discussion of the reasons you are interested in the procedure and your expectations.

    The doctor will explain the surgical techniques, anesthesia, type of surgical facility, risks, and costs. Please feel free to ask any questions.
    - TOP

    FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
    The fee for eyelid surgery includes the surgery and all follow-up visits for three months. Health insurance usually does not cover the procedure if it is for "cosmetic" reasons only. If vision is affected or if there is another medical reason for the procedure, insurance may pay all or part of the fee.

    We are happy to discuss fees and insurance coverage during your consultation. Financing is available. When eyelid surgery is performed for a medical or visual reason, we bill the insurance company and provide the necessary documented medical information.
    - TOP