Eyelid Lift Surgery

Who is a candidate for cosmetic lower eyelid surgery?

The primary goal of lower eyelid surgery is to reduce or eliminate under-eye bags caused by prominent fat deposits beneath the eyes. These fat pads can create a puffy or tired appearance that often becomes more noticeable with age. Because these fat deposits are influenced by anatomy rather than body weight, they typically do not improve with diet, exercise, or weight loss. During lower blepharoplasty, excess orbital fat may be carefully removed or repositioned to create a smoother transition between the lower eyelid and the cheek. In many younger patients, this can be accomplished using a transconjunctival approach, where the incision is made inside the eyelid. Because the incision is hidden within the eyelid, there is no visible external scar. Patients over the age of 50 may also have loose or crepey lower eyelid skin in addition to under-eye bags. In these cases, a conservative skin-tightening procedure can be performed through a small incision placed just beneath the eyelashes. The incision is typically closed with surgical tissue adhesive, minimizing the need for external sutures.

Top Blepharoplasty Surgeon in Portland Oregon

Pre-operative considerations

Before undergoing elective cosmetic surgery on the eyes, it is essential that medical conditions have now been addressed, and are in order, such as high blood pressure or skin conditions. Additionally it is important patients avoid taking any blood thinners such as aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen, vitamin E and herbal supplements for fourteen days before and following the eyelid surgery. This helps reduce any bruising after the surgical procedure. Significant medical problems will demand clearance by the patient's primary care physician, cardiologist, or internist.

Day of Eyelid Surgery

Patients check in on the day of surgery with our front office administrative team. A registered nurse then admits the patient into the surgical suite and reviews final pre-operative details. Patients must not eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery, as general anesthesia is typically administered by a board-certified physician anesthesiologist. Prior to the procedure, patients also meet with the anesthesiologist to review the anesthesia plan and address any questions.

Oregon facial plastic surgeon Dr. Portuese carefully marks the upper and lower eyelids to guide precise removal of excess skin and fat. For upper eyelid surgery, small amounts of skin and fat are removed and the incision is closed with dissolvable sutures placed within the natural eyelid crease for minimal visibility. For lower eyelid surgery, fat deposits contributing to under-eye puffiness are typically removed through an internal (transconjunctival) incision, and the area may be closed with tissue adhesive when needed.

Once the procedure is complete, anesthesia is discontinued under the supervision of the physician anesthesiologist. Patients are then taken to the recovery area for monitoring before being discharged home with a responsible caregiver. In some cases, upper eyelid surgery may be performed under local anesthesia, while lower eyelid surgery is generally performed under general anesthesia for comfort and safety.

Eyelid Rejuvenation Surgery For Baggy Eyelids

Medical Insurance for Baggy Eyelids

Does medical insurance cover eyelid surgery for baggy eyes?

In some cases, medical insurance may contribute to the cost of eyelid surgery when the procedure is deemed medically necessary rather than purely cosmetic. This typically applies when excess upper eyelid skin causes a significant obstruction of the visual field.

To determine eligibility for coverage, documentation is usually required, including visual field testing, clinical photographs, and detailed medical records showing the degree of eyelid drooping (such as the relationship between the pupil and upper eyelid margin). These materials are submitted to the insurance provider for preauthorization once medical necessity is established. Patients should also be prepared for potential co-pays, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket expenses depending on their insurance plan.

Postoperative Eyelid Surgery Visits

After upper or lower eyelid surgery in Portland, Oregon, patients typically return to the clinic for a postoperative evaluation about one week after surgery. Additional follow-up visits are commonly scheduled at approximately 30 days and again at three months. During these appointments, healing is assessed and postoperative photographs may be taken to document results. Final outcomes from eyelid surgery are long-lasting, often maintaining improvement for 10 to 15 years or more depending on individual factors.

Portland, Oregon

Portland is the largest city in Oregon, located along the Willamette and Columbia Rivers near Mount Hood. It is known for its green spaces, bridges, bike-friendly infrastructure, and strong focus on sustainability. Popular attractions include Washington Park, the Oregon Zoo, the Portland Japanese Garden, and a vibrant downtown filled with cafes, breweries, and cultural venues. The city is also recognized for its active arts, music, and theater scenes, making it a major cultural hub in the Pacific Northwest.

With its mix of natural beauty and urban amenities, Portland is often ranked among the most desirable places to live in the United States, offering residents and visitors access to outdoor recreation, cultural events, and year-round activities.