Blepharoplasty
in Novi, Michigan

In Michigan, blepharoplasty is a cosmetic procedure enabling individuals to regain a youthful and revitalized appearance.  At Illuum Cosmetic Surgery, both Dr. Lakin and Dr. Ozolins are leading the forefront of transformative facial surgeries. Dr. Lakin, renowned for his expertise in oculoplastic surgery, leans on his rich experience in craniofacial procedures. He’s celebrated for his tailored approach, offering specialized treatments like upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, and ptosis repair. Alongside him, Dr. Ozolins, with over 20 years of experience, complements the team, bringing her own brand of precision and care. Together, they ensure every decision made in the blepharoplasty journey centers around the patient’s safety and comfort. Trust in their combined excellence for personalized and comprehensive care in facial plastic surgery.
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What Is Blepharoplasty?

Often referred to as an “eyelid surgery” or “eyelid lift,” blepharoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure that enhances the eyelids’ appearance. Blepharoplasty can target the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids, or both, offering a rejuvenating solution for sagging, puffy, or tired eyes. By removing excess skin, fat, and muscle, this procedure can enhance the appearance of the eyes. Additionally, eyelid procedures can address functional issues by lifting droopy eyelids and improving eyesight by removing obstructions from the patient’s field of vision.

Eyelid Surgery Before & After

Different Types of Blepharoplasty

There are two primary types of blepharoplasty: upper eyelid lift and lower eyelid lift. Each targets a different area of the eye and addresses distinct issues.

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Upper Eyelids

Upper blepharoplasty addresses concerns related to the upper eyelid, such as drooping lids, sagging skin, and excess fat. It involves an incision along the eyelid’s natural crease to remove or reposition fat, tighten muscles, and eliminate excess skin. 

Lower Eyelids

Lower blepharoplasty addresses cosmetic and functional concerns around the lower eye area. The surgical approach mainly depends on the patient’s specific needs, typically reflected in the type of incision made: subciliary or transconjunctival.

Subciliary Incision

Using the subciliary approach, surgeons make an incision below the lash line on the outer surface of the lower eyelid, granting direct access to excess skin, fat, and muscle that cause under-eye bags or wrinkles. This technique’s notable advantage is its capability to remove or reposition fat and excess skin, benefiting patients with significant skin redundancy or wrinkling. The incision is closed with sutures following adjustments, resulting in a faint scar hidden beneath the lash line.

Transconjunctival Incision

The transconjunctival approach for lower lid blepharoplasty involves an incision inside the lower lid, making it invisible externally. This technique, best for addressing under-eye bags from fat deposits, allows surgeons to adjust or remove fat without leaving a visible scar. The incision’s inner location minimizes the risk of altering the eyelid’s shape, but it can’t remove excess skin, making it more suitable for younger patients with good skin elasticity.

Upper blepharoplasty addresses concerns related to the upper eyelid, such as drooping lids, sagging skin, and excess fat. It involves an incision along the eyelid’s natural crease to remove or reposition fat, tighten muscles, and eliminate excess skin.
Upper blepharoplasty addresses concerns related to the upper eyelid, such as drooping lids, sagging skin, and excess fat. It involves an incision along the eyelid’s natural crease to remove or reposition fat, tighten muscles, and eliminate excess skin.
Lower blepharoplasty addresses cosmetic and functional concerns around the lower eye area. The surgical approach mainly depends on the patient’s specific needs, typically reflected in the type of incision made: subciliary or transconjunctival.

Subciliary Incision

Using the subciliary approach, surgeons make an incision below the lash line on the outer surface of the lower eyelid, granting direct access to excess skin, fat, and muscle that cause under-eye bags or wrinkles. This technique’s notable advantage is its capability to remove or reposition fat and excess skin, benefiting patients with significant skin redundancy or wrinkling. The incision is closed with sutures following adjustments, resulting in a faint scar hidden beneath the lash line.

Transconjunctival Incision

The transconjunctival approach for lower lid blepharoplasty involves an incision inside the lower lid, making it invisible externally. This technique, best for addressing under-eye bags from fat deposits, allows surgeons to adjust or remove fat without leaving a visible scar. The incision’s inner location minimizes the risk of altering the eyelid’s shape, but it can’t remove excess skin, making it more suitable for younger patients with good skin elasticity.

What to Expect During Your Blepharoplasty Procedure?

Blepharoplasty is a generally straightforward outpatient procedure. The exact duration of the surgery depends on whether you are undergoing the procedure on the upper or lower eyelids or both.
Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty

During an upper lid blepharoplasty, Dr. Lakin will skillfully make an incision following the natural fold of your eyelid. This incision allows him to remove or reposition excess fat and loose skin proficiently and, if necessary, tighten lax muscles. This transformative procedure can significantly enhance the appearance of your eyes, and in cases where sagging upper eyelids obstruct vision, it can also improve your sight. For this surgery, patients may undergo either local anesthesia or general anesthesia, providing the option to be awake or asleep during the procedure while ensuring the targeted region is adequately numbed and maximizing the patient’s relaxation.

Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty

During a lower eyelid blepharoplasty by Dr. Lakin, the incision is strategically placed either just below the lash line (subciliary approach) or inside the lower eyelid (transconjunctival approach). Dr. Lakin will skillfully remove or redistribute excess fat to address under-eye bags and may also remove excess skin to reduce wrinkles and enhance overall appearance. Lower eyelid surgery requires general anesthesia, inducing a sleep-like state to ensure patients remain comfortable.

Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Combining upper and lower blepharoplasty involves addressing the lower and upper lids in a single surgical procedure. This comprehensive approach allows for a harmonious rejuvenation of the entire eye area, addressing concerns such as drooping eyelids, under-eye bags, excess skin, and wrinkles. In addition, combining these procedures allows patients to achieve a more balanced and younger-looking appearance. Similar to the lower eyelids, this procedure requires general anesthesia — a sleep-like state to ensure patients remain comfortable.

Procedures That Can Be Combined With Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, can yield significant results, but it is often combined with other procedures for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Some other facial procedures that can be coupled with blepharoplasty for more extensive results are:

It corrects drooping or sagging of the upper eyelid caused by weakened or stretched muscles. It involves tightening or reattaching the muscles to restore the eyelid’s proper position and functionality, resulting in a more alert and youthful appearance.

The facelift surgery complements blepharoplasty by addressing sagging and wrinkles in the lower face and neck, providing a balanced rejuvenation.

It along with blepharoplasty, restores volume to the cheeks and under-eye area, enhancing facial fullness and youthfulness.

Botox complements blepharoplasty by targeting fine lines and wrinkles, particularly around the eyes, giving the face a smoother and fresher appearance.

Morpheus8 enhances blepharoplasty results by improving skin tone, texture, and tightness. It also reduces wrinkles and promotes a youthful look.

It removes excess neck fat when combined with blepharoplasty, resulting in a more defined jawline and overall facial profile.
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Recovery and Aftercare

Immediate Post-operative Care

After your upper or lower blepharoplasty, it is typical to experience bruising and swelling, and your eyes may be covered with gauze. If general anesthesia is administered, it is normal to feel groggy. Once at home, it is important to rest with your head elevated to minimize swelling. Follow your surgeon’s recommendations for applying cold compresses to reduce swelling and discomfort. You may also be prescribed eye drops or ointments to keep your eyes lubricated and alleviate dryness or itching.

Timeline for Recovery

The recovery from blepharoplasty varies between individuals, but a common trend has emerged. Typically, patients begin to feel improved within a few days post-surgery, with significant swelling and bruising diminishing by the end of the first two weeks. In addition, suturesare typically removed after one week, marking a key recovery milestone. As such, a typical time frame for returning to work or usual activities is about one-week post-surgery.

Tips for a Speedy and Smooth Recovery

Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, can yield significant results, but it is often combined with other procedures for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Some other facial procedures that can be coupled with blepharoplasty for more extensive results are:
Allow your body to heal by getting ample rest and taking it easy during the initial days following your surgery.
Proper hydration aids in healing. Stay well-hydrated by drinking sufficient water and maintaining a nutritious diet.
This can lead to complications, such as pulling out stitches or causing infections.
Excessive sun exposure can cause swelling and hamper healing. Wear sunglasses when outside.
including taking prescribed medications, attending all follow-up appointments, and adhering to activity restrictions.

What is the cost of Blepharoplasty?

The cost of a blepharoplasty procedure can vary considerably, depending on several factors. The average cost of blepharoplasty in Michigan is between $2,000 to $5,000 per eye, but this estimate does not include additional costs like anesthesia and facility fees.
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Benefits of Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty offers a host of benefits that contribute to a refreshed and youthful appearance within realistic expectations:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes, upper eyelid surgery or upper lid blepharoplasty is designed to correct droopy upper eyelids by removing excess skin and fat, improving the field of vision and the overall appearance.
Yes, upper eyelid surgery or upper lid blepharoplasty is designed to correct droopy upper eyelids by removing excess skin and fat, improving the field of vision and the overall appearance.
Yes, upper eyelid surgery or upper lid blepharoplasty is designed to correct droopy upper eyelids by removing excess skin and fat, improving the field of vision and the overall appearance.
Yes, upper eyelid surgery or upper lid blepharoplasty is designed to correct droopy upper eyelids by removing excess skin and fat, improving the field of vision and the overall appearance.
Yes, upper eyelid surgery or upper lid blepharoplasty is designed to correct droopy upper eyelids by removing excess skin and fat, improving the field of vision and the overall appearance.

Schedule a Consultation

Whether you’re seeking the expert guidance of Dr. Lakin or Dr. Ozolins, or have a clear idea of your needs, scheduling a consultation is the obvious and easy next step. Meet and sit down with one of Michigan’s premier plastic surgeons and start your journey into illuminating the best version of yourself.

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Katie Wells BSN, RN

Nurse Injector

She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Michigan State University and worked as an operating room nurse at Michigan Medicine for 2 years before transitioning to aesthetics. She
received her certification as a Nurse Injector, and attended further training and certification through Allergan Medical Institute. She absolutely loves being a Nurse Injector and is very passionate about
combining medicine and the creativity and artistry of aesthetics in her practice. It is extremely important to her to remain educated and up to date with the newest and best treatments and injection techniques. Her goal as an Injector is that when you sit in her chair that you feel comfortable, fully educated on your procedure, and confident and happy in your results when we are done. She loves forming connections with her patients and feels truly honored to be a part of your journey to becoming your most confident self, inside and out! She is a great listener and looks forward to creating an individualized plan to meet each of her patient’s unique goals and desires. Some of her favorite treatments include lip filler, Botox, and midface/cheek filler (but there is so much more!). When she is not injecting, you can find her trying new recipes, spending time with family, working out, gardening, or taking a long walk with her dog.

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Heidi Winkler BSN, RN

Director of Nursing & Surgical Services Leadership

Heidi’s goal is to ensure every patient has a positive experience and is satisfied with the high quality of service provided by our clinical staff. Her passion as a caregiver is to impact each person’s life in a positive way.

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Tonya Gilbert BSN, RN

PACU Nurse

Tonya has been a registered nurse for 15 years. She earned her BSN at the University of Michigan. Go Blue!

She started her career as a trauma RN in Detroit. She has been working as a recovery RN for the past 8 years. She loves being part of a team that makes a difference in people’s lives. 

Her passions include lounging with her fur babies, family, and friends, traveling, crunching, and recycling. 

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