Blepharoplasty in New Orleans, LA

Our patients can receive the best eyelid surgery in New Orleans, LA performed by the state’s only triple-board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Stephen E. Metzinger. With over 30 years of academic and practical experience, he is an authoritative figure and the author of many scholarly works that move our industry forward with new techniques and approaches. Dr. Metzinger achieves excellent results in eyelid surgery, helping patients look and feel perfect.

What is
Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is a type of facial plastic surgery that is focused on the eyelids. It involves reshaping or altering the upper and/or lower eyelids by removing excess skin, muscle, and fat. The goal of blepharoplasty is to improve vision or change the appearance of the eye area. This surgery takes around 1-3 hours to complete, depending on whether one or both eyelids are being operated on.

Blepharoplasty can address the following issues:

Sagging folds of skin, particularly those that obscure vision

Fatty deposits collected around the eyes

Wrinkled or drooping skin in the lower eyelid

Swollen skin above or below the eyes

Ectropion disorders, in which the eyelid turns up on itself and chafes the cornea

Damage from prior eye surgery requiring a revision blepharoplasty

Upper Eyelid Surgery

This type of blepharoplasty involves removing excess skin, muscle, and fat from the upper eyelids. It can improve vision obstructed by sagging tissue. This operation may also give the eyes a more youthful appearance. By removing the drooping skin and fat, the eyes look more open and refreshed.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

This procedure focuses on improving the appearance of the lower eyelids. It eliminates unwanted skin, fat, and muscle from below the lashes. Lower eyelid surgery can reduce bagginess, wrinkles, and dark circles under the eyes to create a more rested, youthful look.

Quad Blepharoplasty
(Upper + Lower)

Quad blepharoplasty, also called four-eyelid surgery, addresses both the upper and lower eyelids. It is an option for patients seeking to improve drooping upper lids and under-eye bags and wrinkles in one operation. The functional and aesthetic results can be very impressive because this surgery addresses all cosmetic issues in the eye area.

Types of
Eyelid Incisions

Depending on the condition of the eyelids and desired results, Dr. Metzinger will use either a transcutaneous or transconjunctival technique:

Transcutaneous blepharoplasty

During a transcutaneous blepharoplasty, the surgeon makes a small incision either above or below the lashes to remove excess skin, fat, and tissue before smoothing the skin. After the correction, all incisions are closed with sutures.

Transconjunctival blepharoplasty

Transconjunctival blepharoplasty is a more advanced procedure in which Dr. Metzinger makes an incision within the eyelid, tightening the muscles and removing fat deposits. He is a leading practitioner of this surgical technique and has published scholarly articles describing the best ways to use it.

Transcutaneous and transconjunctival techniques are designed primarily for lower blepharoplasty. However, they can also be helpful during upper eyelid surgery.

Consultation & Preparation for Eyelid Surgery

The initial consultation for blepharoplasty includes a thorough evaluation of the eyelids, facial features, and medical history. Dr. Metzinger examines the upper and lower eyelids to determine if there is excess fat, loose skin, or muscle laxity. He also analyzes brow position, skin quality, and other facial features. Medical history, medications, allergies, and previous surgeries or health conditions that could impact healing are discussed as well. Finally, Dr. Netzinger develops a surgical plan based on the individual’s anatomy and goals.

Patients must follow these recommendations when preparing for eyelid surgery:

Stop smoking for a minimum of 2 weeks before and after the operation;

Avoid certain medications, supplements, and other products that can increase bleeding risk, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and red wine;

Arrange a ride home from the surgical facility and have someone to assist for the first 24 hours;

Stock up on soft, nutritious foods that are easy to prepare and eat;

Create a comfortable space at home with eye drops, gauze, a mirror, and anything else that will make cleaning the incisions and caring for the eyes more convenient.

Blepharoplasty Procedure

General Anesthesia

Blepharoplasty is usually performed under general anesthesia. It puts the patient into a deep sleep so they do not feel pain or have any memory of the procedure.

Incisions in the Lower and/or Upper Eyelids

The surgeon creates small incisions along the natural creases and lines of the eyelids to minimize visible scarring. For lower eyelid surgery, the cut is made just below the lash line. For upper blepharoplasty, the incision follows the upper lid crease. The length and shape of the cuts depend on how much tissue should be eliminated.

Removing Excess Skin and Fat

Dr. Metzinger uses delicate instruments and techniques to remove excess tissue. He also repositions the local muscles and makes the contours more youthful. Fat pads underneath the eye may be removed to reduce puffiness. The surgeon can also eliminate drooping skin in the upper eyelids and tighten the underlying muscles.

Closing Incisions

Once the desired results are achieved, the surgeon closes the incisions with sutures, skin adhesives, surgical tape strips, or a combination of these. Over time, the scars will fade and become almost invisible.

Fat Grafting

Dr. Metzinger can combine blepharoplasty with fat grafting to make the eyes look younger. During the grafting procedure, he injects the patient’s body fat into the eyelid area. This tissue is collected via liposuction and then purified for reuse. Fat grafting can provide a very natural look since it uses the patient’s own material to add volume to the face and further diminish wrinkles or sagging.

Brow Lift

This operation removes excess skin and tightens muscles in the forehead to lift the eyebrows and smooth forehead wrinkles. The goal is to create a more alert, rested, and youthful eye appearance. Combined with eyelid lift surgery, this procedure can significantly improve facial contours and make the patient look more attractive.

Recovery After
Blepharoplasty Surgery

Immediate Recovery

In the first 24 hours, the eyes may feel tight, dry, or scratchy from ointments placed during surgery. Pain is usually mild and controlled with oral medication. Bruising and swelling peak at around 48 hours post-op. We recommend that patients keep their heads elevated on several pillows to ensure proper recovery.

Week 1

Bruising and swelling continue to improve during the first week. Stitches are removed after 4-7 days, allowing patients to open their eyes widely again. Their vision returns to normal, and discomfort decreases to a mild level. Patients can usually return to non-strenuous work within 7 days.

Weeks 2-4

Most swelling and discoloration resolve within two weeks. Incision lines start fading and becoming less visible. Eye makeup and contact lenses can be worn again after nearly one month. Activity restrictions are usually removed at the end of this period.

Long-Term Recovery

Final results become visible within two months as residual swelling disappears completely. Scars continue to mature and fade. Most patients see and feel the full effects of blepharoplasty six months after the operation.

Candidates for Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty is becoming increasingly popular as both a cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. It can help people address their vision problems and improve facial appearance. To be considered a good candidate for upper or lower blepharoplasty, the patient should:

Be in good overall health

Not smoke

Not suffer from severe ocular diseases or disorders, such as cataracts or glaucoma

Be at least 18 years old

Be able to tolerate anesthesia for the duration of the surgery

Have realistic expectations for the results of blepharoplasty

During the initial consultation, Dr. Metzinger will create a comprehensive surgical plan. It is crucial to consider the patient’s anatomy, medical history, and other factors to determine the best course of treatment.

Benefits of Blepharoplasty

Eyelid surgery improves the appearance of the eyes and corrects functional impairments caused by various defects. In particular, blepharoplasty provides the following benefits:

Removes excess skin and fat deposits on the eyelids that can contribute to a tired, sad, or aged appearance

Eliminates puffy bags and sagging skin under the eyes

Allows a broader field of view by correcting drooping upper eyelids that impede peripheral vision

Reduces irritation, tearing, or dry eyes caused by eyelids turned inwards or outwards

Boosts self-confidence and self-image

Gives the eyes an overall refreshed and rejuvenated look

Requires minimal downtime before patients can return to normal activities

Provides long-lasting and natural-looking results

Cost of
Blepharoplasty In Metairie

In Metairie and New Orleans, eyelid surgery is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. The costs range from $3,000 to $9,000, depending on the surgeon’s credentials, operational complexity, and the geographic location of the practice. In terms of the prices and quality of eyelid surgery, New Orleans and Metairie are the leading places in Louisiana. However, none of the local practices can compare to Aesthetic Surgical Associates. Our triple-board-certified plastic surgeon has a strong reputation and a long track record of excellent operations.

Patients should schedule a consultation with Dr. Metzinger to receive accurate financial information and discuss their goals. We offer competitive prices and various credit options to make our procedures affordable for everybody.

What Makes Our Blepharoplasty Different From Others?

Aesthetic Surgical Associates is an excellent option for cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Patients can rest assured that eyelid surgery performed by Dr. Metzinger meets the highest standards of quality and safety. Our center blends surgical expertise with compassionate care. We work together to support patients through every step and make sure that they receive the desired results.

Our commitment to safety, comfort, and satisfaction sets Aesthetic Surgical Associates apart from most practices in New Orleans. Dr. Metzinger performs all surgeries in an AAAHC-accredited outpatient center with professional staff and attentive service. With our solid experience and patient-centered approach, Aesthetic Surgical Associates is an ideal choice for eyelid surgery.

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Blepharoplasty in New Orleans, LA

What is
Blepharoplasty?

Types of Eyelid Surgery