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    Enhance Your Look with Eyelid Surgery

    Your eyes are an important part of your facial appearance and help you make a great first impression as you greet the world each day. If you’re feeling as though excess skin and/or fat above or below your eyes has caused a drooping appearance, eyelid surgery can help.

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    Restore Your Youthful Glow with Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

    Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, improves the overall appearance and function of your eyes by repairing sagging eyelids and under-eye bags while smoothing over lines and wrinkles. Here at Clevens Face and Body Specialists, we perform blepharoplasty surgery for patients in Merritt Island and Melbourne, Florida, and are excited to learn more about how we can unite you with your cosmetic goals. When you’re ready to learn more about what blepharoplasty can do for you, reach out and set up your consultation with a helpful member of our team.

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    How An Eyelid Lift Can Help

    Blepharoplasty—often referred to as eyelid surgery, or simply "having your eyes done"—is a popular procedure that can dramatically improve sagging upper eyelids and bulging bags in the under-eye region. This delicate area is one of the first to be visibly affected by the aging process, causing a tired or fatigued appearance.

    As early as your thirties, these signs may become visible and those around you might comment that you look tired or sad. Dr. Clevens and Dr. Barbee perform blepharoplasty in order to restore a refreshed and youthful look to your eyes, creating results that will enhance your natural sense of facial harmony.

    Clevens Face and Body Specialists: Offering You the Care and Attention You Deserve

    Here at Clevens Face and Body Specialists, our surgeons are specialists that focus solely on treatments in their areas of expertise. This means that our facial plastic surgery specialists perform a high number of procedures like eyelid surgery, giving you the ability to look forward to results that are informed by an impressive level of experience. Created by Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS, our practice is committed to natural-looking results that inspire our patients, boost their confidence, and empower them to live their best lives.

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    Our work is informed by a high degree of passion for patient care and is brought to life by a team of 30 surgeons and aesthetics professionals who bring knowledge and approachability to their work in equal measure. Your experience with us will be one that sees you enjoying a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. We’ll ensure that you’re kept supported and comfortable at every step of the process, so you can experience total peace of mind while you get ready to enjoy your life-affirming cosmetic results.

    More Experience, Better Results

    More than 250 men and women each year place their trust in Dr. Clevens and Dr. Barbee and elect to have blepharoplasty performed, making it one of the most popular facial plastic surgery procedures. Patients who choose to have a blepharoplasty procedure performed by our Facial Plastic Surgery Specialists can expect to achieve more rested, vibrant eyes. 

    Dr. Clevens has performed thousands of cosmetic eyelid procedures and offers extensive experience in many blepharoplasty techniques, including a method that does not use external incisions (transconjunctival blepharoplasty), laser blepharoplasty, fat preservation, and revision blepharoplasty.

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    What Does Eyelid Surgery Address?

    Eyelid surgery works to address droopiness in the upper eyelids, which can both improve your field of vision and rejuvenate your appearance at the same time. Lower eyelid surgery is similar, in that it also removes excess skin or fatty deposits that may be causing a puffy appearance.

    During your consultation, we’ll walk you through the treatment options available to you and help you pick out a surgical plan that is right for you. Our surgeons can perform single, upper, or double eyelid surgery to:

    • Reposition excess fat
    • Tighten underlying muscles
    • Remove unnecessary skin
    • Support the tendons
    • Address a tired or cranky look
    • Generally restore your youthful glow

    The Benefits of an Eyelid Lift

    One of the most important aspects of cosmetic surgery involves having realistic expectations when it comes to your surgical outcome. When you meet us for your consultation, your surgeon will talk you through everything you can look forward to after your eyelid lift surgery, addressing any concerns and talking you through all the details of your recovery process. Some of the benefits you can look forward to after your blepharoplasty surgery include: 

    • Reduced under-eye bags
    • Decreased puffiness
    • Improved vision
    • A rested appearance
    • The reduction of dark under-eye circles
    • Improved facial harmony
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    Is an Eyelid Lift Right for Me?

    Eyelid surgery is a common procedure for patients who feel their eyelids are droopy or make them look tired. If you have a medical condition that affects your eyes and vision, we’ll discuss the effects that a blepharoplasty surgery may have on your health.

    The best candidate for blepharoplasty is a physically healthy person who is realistic in their expectations regarding the improvement of droopy upper eyelids and bulging lower eyelid bags.

    Blepharoplasty will not correct sagging of the brows, forehead furrows, or deep lines and wrinkles. These patients may benefit from other procedures, such as a brow lift or skin resurfacing, which our surgeon can discuss with you during your consultation.

    Brow Lift vs. Eyelid Surgery: Which Is Right for You?

    Learn More About the Eyelid Lift Procedure

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    Dr. Clevens | Am I a good candidate for eyelid surgery?

    Clevens Face and Body Specialists

    Phillip Barbee, MD | Can I Combine Eyelid Surgery with Other Cosmetic Procedures?

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    Dr. Clevens | Lower eyelid surgery with invisible scar.

    Clevens Face and Body Specialists

    Phillip Barbee, MD | Recovery After Blepharoplasty

    Combining Additional Procedures

    Many patients choose to get an eyelid surgery in conjunction with other facial procedures, as this can create impressive results while enabling you to avoid multiple recovery times. 

    The best way to determine if an eyelid lift is right for you is to meet with our Facial Plastic Surgery Specialists, Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS, and Phillip Barbee, MD.

    A number of other cosmetic procedures may be safely performed at the same time as blepharoplasty, including:

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    When Is Eyelid Surgery Medically Necessary?

    Blepharoplasty is generally considered medically necessary when the eyelids cause functional problems. Usually, this occurs when the upper eyelid droops so far that it obstructs the field of vision. To qualify for insurance coverage, most companies require documentation of at least a 25% obstruction.

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    Your Eyelid Surgery Consultation

    Before your surgery, one of our highly experienced facial plastic surgery specialists will get to know your unique physical characteristics and personal goals, so they can guide you to the eyelid surgery technique that will create your ideal outcome. Together, you’ll craft a surgical plan that is tailored directly to your needs. Once your treatment plan has been established, our helpful support team will guide you through the logistics of your upcoming procedure. You’ll schedule pre- and post-operative appointments, discuss your quote and go over the financing options that are available to you, and address any concerns that you might have about the experience.

    Our goal is to ensure that you’re fully informed and enjoying total peace of mind while you prepare for your procedure, so you can feel rested and relaxed as you get ready to enjoy your results. Our support doesn’t end when you leave our recovery room, either: We’ll be available to you throughout your recovery process and beyond, ensuring that you’re healing and helping you make the most out of your inspiring results.

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    Customizing Your Eyelid Lift for a Natural Appearance

    We take care to avoid any kind of standardized approach and will tailor your eyelid lift to your physical characteristics and specific personal goals, for a natural appearance. The eyelid is part of your facial muscle system, so a drooping upper eyelid is often caused by the relaxation of the eyebrow and forehead skin. We’ll thoroughly evaluate your eyelids, eyebrows, and forehead to determine the causes of your drooping eyelids and create a solution that is specific to you and your cosmetic goals.

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    Want to Learn More? Watch This Helpful Webinar

    Dr. Clevens and Dr. Barbee are two of the most skilled facial plastic surgeons in the Merritt Island and Melbourne, FL areas, having performed thousands of eyelid lifts in their careers. This level of expertise gives you the ability to trust that your results will be customized to your specific goals, and will be created by a specialist with extensive experience and a well-developed aesthetic sensibility.

    Watch an informative webinar to learn more about our eyelid lift procedure.

    Watch a Helpful Webinar About Our Signature Eyelid Lift

    The Day of Your Eyelid Lift Surgery

    To ensure your safety and comfort, Dr. Clevens and Dr. Barbee perform eyelid surgery in a state-licensed, fully accredited ambulatory surgical facility or Outpatient Surgicenter in Brevard County, Florida, located just an hour east of Orlando and the Central Florida area.

    Blepharoplasty may be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. A board-certified physician MD anesthesiologist will be responsible for administering your anesthesia or sedation, to ensure your safety.

    During upper eyelid blepharoplasty, the excess skin, muscle, and fatty tissues that have created a sad or tired appearance are simply removed through a tiny incision hidden in the crease of the upper eyelid. Dr. Clevens and Dr. Barbee also perform “invisible” lower eyelid surgery, where the incision is hidden inside the lower eyelid so there is no visible external incision. Blepharoplasty typically takes about 45 minutes to one hour to perform, depending on the specifics of your procedure.

    Where Are the Incisions Made?

    When performing blepharoplasty of the upper eyelid, our specialists make an imperceptible incision in the upper eyelid crease. These incisions are made in such a way that they will heal into tiny, virtually hidden incision lines. During blepharoplasty of the lower eyelids, Dr. Clevens or Dr. Barbee will make a small incision on the inside of the eyelid, which results in no external incision line whatsoever—the incision is “invisible.”

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    Your Recovery Process

    Most of our eyelid surgery patients take between five and 10 days to return to their everyday lifestyles. We advise that patients refrain from heavy lifting and vigorous activity for a month. As with any surgery, there are rare risks, such as dryness, itching or burning eyes, excessive tear production, sensitivity to light, or blurred vision. Working with a highly experienced and board-certified facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Clevens or Dr. Barbee significantly reduces the likelihood of these complications.

    The First Two Weeks

    You can expect to experience some swelling and bruising for as little as one to two weeks. Dr. Clevens and Dr. Barbee use dissolving sutures that will vanish a few days after your procedure. Our surgeons and their team are devoted to delivering the best aftercare to aid you in the speediest and most comfortable recovery possible.

    Getting Back to Normal

    You’ll be advised to take five to seven days off work after your blepharoplasty procedure. Dr. Clevens and Dr. Barbee have an experienced group of medical aestheticians on their team who can offer you guidance on how to conceal any bruising and swelling that may remain when you are ready to return to your normal routine. Post-surgical care with our aestheticians is offered as a complimentary service to our patients.

    Even though you may feel ready to resume your normal physical activities within a few days, to achieve the best results of your blepharoplasty, it is very important that you give your body its very best chance to recuperate and take it easy. The healing process is a delicate time, and we recommend that you cease your exercise regimen and avoid other strenuous activities for several weeks after your procedure. 

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    What Our Patients Have to Say

    If you’d like to speak with another patient of ours who has undergone a similar surgery, let your doctor know during your consultation.

    "I’ve had a wonderful experience at Dr. Clevens’ office. The staff is always friendly and helpful. We’ll continue to come here, and recommend our friends. I wouldn’t let anyone touch my face except Dr. Clevens.” 

    –Lori, Melbourne, FL

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    Upper & lower eyelid surgery Patient Testimonial

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    Blepharoplasty FAQ

    I’ve heard of a 'skin pinch' option for eyelid surgery. What exactly does that do?

    Will I be able to wear makeup again after my eyelid surgery?

    Is eyelid taping a good alternative to eyelid surgery?

    How visible will the incision lines be?

    What are the risks or complications associated with blepharoplasty?

    Does insurance cover the cost of blepharoplasty?

    I’ve heard of a 'skin pinch' option for eyelid surgery. What exactly does that do?

    A skin pinch blepharoplasty is a somewhat less-invasive version of full lower-eyelid surgery. It removes a small amount of skin but does not touch the muscle. It’s useful for patients with lesser amounts of extra skin and for those who may be more prone to dry eyes. Dr. Clevens or Dr. Barbee can determine its viability in your specific case after a professional evaluation.

    Will I be able to wear makeup again after my eyelid surgery?

    Yes, absolutely. In order to allow the incisions to heal properly, though, patients are advised to wait for two to three weeks. Not only is the makeup itself irritating to fresh incisions, but the bacteria present on the brushes and the cleanser used to remove it can be very damaging as well. To minimize risks of infection, hold off on the makeup until everything is healed.

    Is eyelid taping a good alternative to eyelid surgery?

    Eyelid tape can create a natural-looking crease on mono-lidded eyes, but it only lasts for as long as you have the tape on. It’s a good temporary option to make sure that you like how you look with the added crease, but for long-lasting results, surgery is necessary.

    How visible will the incision lines be?

    In most cases, the incision lines will be invisible or nearly invisible. Incision lines on the eyelids tend to heal very well and become narrow, flat, and close to your natural skin color so they're very inconspicuous. Since the locations are well-protected in the crease or near the lash-line, they will not be very apparent. However, they may appear red and raised for the first month or two, so it’s important to be patient while they heal.

    What are the risks or complications associated with blepharoplasty?

    To help ensure a good outcome, it is important to select an experienced facial plastic surgeon such as Dr. Clevens or Dr. Barbee. Our surgeons perform more than 250 sets of eyelid procedures each year.

    It’s important to understand that every surgical procedure carries certain risks and the potential for complications. Potential complications associated with blepharoplasty are rare and may include the following:

    • Bleeding
    • Difficulty completely closing the eyes
    • Dry eyes
    • Infection
    • A pulling-down of the lower lids
    • Slight asymmetry after healing
    • Swelling at the corners of the eyelids
    • Temporary blurred or double vision
    • Whiteheads

    Does insurance cover the cost of blepharoplasty?

    If your blepharoplasty is performed solely to achieve a cosmetic benefit, insurance will not provide coverage. In such instances where your vision is being affected by drooping of the upper eyelids, insurance may cover part of all of the cost of the procedure. Dr. Clevens and Dr. Barbee have insurance specialists on staff who can help guide you through this process.

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    Resources

    Cosmetic Procedures For Each Decade Of Your Life

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    How To Talk To Your Loved Ones About Your Decision To Have Plastic Surgery

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