When loose skin is limiting your sight, your insurance might cover some of your blepharoplasty. Please talk to Dr. Shumway in your initial consultation if you might be applying for an insurance claim. A team member at Shumway Cosmetic Surgery can help you submit the required paperwork and information to your provider to consider your claim. Typically, you will require a letter from an ophthalmologist or optometrist stating that blepharoplasty is medically necessary to restore your vision.

Forehead wrinkles and Crow’s feet might be better addressed with a brow lift or facelift since the improvements of blepharoplasty are limited to the upper or lower eyelids. Blepharoplasty may be performed with a nonsurgical treatment, like BOTOX, which can smooth wrinkles around the eyes and on the forehead. Wrinkle fillers, like Juvéderm or Restylane, may help to add volume for a fuller appearance. In your initial consultation, Dr. Shumway will develop your custom treatment plan to fit your goals.

Skin tightening without surgery, plus injectable treatments (such as BOTOX, Juvéderm, and Restylane) may give you mild improvements. Although, if you want to fix moderate to severe loose skin or would like to see results that last a long time, eyelid surgery is better for your needs. When you tell Dr. Shumway about your needs and goals, he will give you his suggestions for a surgical or nonsurgical treatment plan. He might also recommend both nonsurgical and surgical procedures for ideal results.

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure designed to improve the appearance of the eyelids. It involves the removal of excess skin, fat, or muscle from the upper and/or lower eyelids to reduce puffiness, bags, and sagging. The surgery can be both functional (to improve vision) or cosmetic (to enhance aesthetics).

Good candidates for eyelid surgery are individuals who:
• Are in good overall health
• Have realistic expectations about the outcome
• Experience sagging skin or puffiness around the eyes
• May have drooping eyelids that obstruct vision
• Are looking to improve the youthful appearance of their eyes
A consultation with an experienced surgeon like Dr. Shumway is necessary to determine if eyelid surgery is right for you.

Eyelid surgery can offer several benefits, including:
• A more youthful and refreshed appearance
• Reduced puffiness and bags under the eyes
• Improved vision in cases where drooping eyelids obstruct sight
• A smoother and firmer eyelid contour
• Enhanced self-confidence from improved facial aesthetics

It can. While eyelid surgery rejuvenates your appearance by addressing puffiness, sagging, or tired-looking eyes, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can support your body’s natural healing and enhance overall skin quality. Hormonal balance plays a key role in how your skin behaves, especially as you age. Dr. Shumway offers BHRT to help optimize your energy, mood, and skin resilience—so you not only look refreshed but feel revitalized too. At Shumway Cosmetic Surgery, our goal is to help you achieve results that reflect how vibrant and awake you truly feel.

Eyelid surgery can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, depending on your needs. During the procedure:
• For upper eyelids, incisions are typically made in the natural crease of the eyelid to remove excess skin and fat.
• For lower eyelids, incisions may be made just below the lower lash line or inside the lower eyelid to remove or reposition fat deposits.
The surgery generally takes one to two hours, and it may be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity.

Recovery time varies, but most patients can expect:
• Swelling and bruising that may last 1-2 weeks
• Stitches are typically removed within 5-7 days
• Full recovery and final results may take up to 6 months
During the recovery period, it’s important to avoid strenuous activities and follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions carefully.

As with any surgery, there are potential risks, although they are rare. These may include:
• Infection
• Bleeding
• Scarring
• Dry eyes or irritation
• Asymmetry in eyelid appearance
• Difficulty closing the eyes fully (in rare cases)
Choosing a skilled, board-certified surgeon and following all aftercare instructions can help minimize these risks.

Scarring is a common concern for many patients. However, the incisions made during eyelid surgery are usually well-hidden in the natural folds of the eyelids. In most cases, scars fade significantly over time, becoming nearly invisible.

The results of eyelid surgery can last many years. However, the natural aging process will continue, and you may develop some signs of aging over time. While you may not need additional surgery, some people choose to undergo touch-up procedures years later to maintain a youthful appearance.

Yes! Eyelid surgery is often combined with other cosmetic procedures for enhanced results. Common combinations include:
• Facelifts
• Brow lifts
• Laser skin resurfacing
• Botox or dermal fillers
These procedures can complement eyelid surgery and further rejuvenate the facial appearance.

The cost of eyelid surgery varies depending on factors such as the surgeon’s experience, the complexity of the procedure, and your location. On average, the cost ranges from $5,000 to $12,000. Keep in mind that insurance may cover the cost of eyelid surgery if it is deemed medically necessary, such as for vision obstruction.

Eyelid surgery can help reduce puffiness and excess skin, but it is not typically designed to address dark circles. Dark circles can be caused by factors such as genetics, skin pigmentation, or thinning skin under the eyes. For dark circles, other treatments like fillers, laser therapy, or topical creams may be recommended.

Yes, eyelid surgery can be performed on both the upper and lower eyelids during the same procedure. Many patients opt for a combination of upper and lower blepharoplasty for a more comprehensive rejuvenation of the eyes.

Before undergoing eyelid surgery, you will have a consultation with Dr. Shumway, where he will review your medical history and perform an examination. You may be asked to:
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol at least 2 weeks before surgery
• Stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners
• Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure
Follow Dr. Shumway’s instructions carefully to ensure the best possible outcome.

• Upper eyelid surgery focuses on removing excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids to reduce sagging and improve the appearance of droopy eyes.
• Lower eyelid surgery addresses puffiness and bags beneath the eyes. It can involve the removal of excess skin, fat, or muscle to smooth the under-eye area and eliminate tired or aged appearance.