Eyelid Surgery Fort Worth

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Emily J. Kirby performs upper eyelid surgery, clinically referred to as blepharoplasty, to correct excess or stretched upper eyelid skin and displaced fat that may obstruct your vision and cause your eyes to look droopy.

Following upper eyelid surgery, you can expect to enjoy a more youthful, rested look to the eyes. Eyelid surgery does not get rid of crow’s feet (see Botox® treatment) or completely eliminate dark circles under the eyes. Eyelid surgery does not lift the eyebrows (see brow lift).

Where will my incisions be?

Incisions for eyelid surgery are designed so that the permanent scars are well hidden within your eyelids’ natural creases. Droopy upper eyelids can be corrected through an incision of the upper eyelid skin, allowing Dr. Kirby to reposition fat deposits, tighten muscles and tissues, and/or remove excess skin.

How long will my eyelid surgery last?

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty typically lasts about 1 hour. If you have other procedures performed at the same time, the operating time will be longer.

“Thank you so much for the wonderful job you did, Dr. Kirby, on my bleph and also to each staff member that made this process so much easier to get through. I felt like each of you truly cared about my progress and results from my first visit to the last. I can’t thank you all enough.”

—Anonymous

READ MORE PATIENT REVIEWS*

What kind of anesthesia will I have?

Blepharoplasty can be performed under general anesthesia or under intravenous sedation that delivers medication through an IV in your arm that makes you drowsy. Dr. Kirby will review your specific medical history so that the best choice can be made. In most cases, eyelid surgery is performed as outpatient surgery, meaning you will be able to return home the same day of your surgery.

What are the risks of eyelid surgery?

Possible complications of eyelid blepharoplasty surgery include, but are not limited to: problems with healing or scarring, temporarily blurred vision, dry eyes, difficulty closing your eyes, ectropion, bleeding, infection, numbness, aesthesia risks, deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications, possibility of revisional surgery, and loss of eyesight.

The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure. Another surgery may be necessary. Following Dr. Kirby’s instructions is key to the success of your surgery. It is important that your surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, abrasion or motion during the time of healing.

How can I prepare for eyelid surgery?

It is important that you discuss with Dr. Kirby any eye conditions that you have prior to your surgery, including glaucoma, dry eyes, retinal problems, and thyroid disease, including Graves’ disease. It is also important to discuss ongoing medical problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, etc. Prior to any procedure, it is necessary to review medications you are taking that may affect your surgery. You may be asked to stop or adjust some medications you are on. As always, it is important to include supplements on your list of medications. Aspirin and aspirin products (Alka-Seltzer, Carisoprodol, Excedrin, Goody’s, Midol), anti-inflammatory medications (except acetaminophen, or Tylenol), and herbal supplements must be avoided for 10 days prior to your surgery. Learn more about which medications and supplements to avoid. Dr. Kirby will discuss your medications with you.

Depending on your medical condition, you may be asked to get lab testing or a medical checkup prior to your surgery.

Tobacco products impair your body’s ability to heal. You will be asked to stop smoking for 6 weeks prior to any surgery. Tobacco step-down products such as chewing gum and Nicoderm® continue to provide your body with tobacco and must be stopped as well. Please ask Dr. Kirby if you will need assistance with quitting.

Be sure to arrange for a responsible adult to drive you to and from your surgery. You will need someone to stay with you the night following your surgery as well.

You will receive specific instructions for your surgery from Dr. Kirby’s office.

Many insurance providers will cover upper eyelid surgery if it is used to improve vision. Most insurance companies require preauthorization with a pre-operative assessment of visual fields and photos. Dr. Kirby’s office will help coordinate this with you.


Patients Love Dr. Kirby

“Dr. Kirby is a caring individual who was interested in my welfare and recovery.”*

—FR

What is recovery from eyelid surgery like?

For several days to weeks following your eyelid surgery, you will have bruising and swelling around your eyes. After surgery, your eyelids may feel tight and dry and you may have an itching or burning sensation. This is normal and will gradually resolve, revealing a smoother, better-defined eyelid with a more alert, rested, rejuvenated appearance. Some patients have double or blurred vision temporarily after surgery which typically resolves after a few days. You may experience excessive tearing or light sensitivity for a few weeks. If you wear contacts, you will be asked not to wear them for at least 2 weeks after surgery. You may need eye drops to adequately restore moisture to your eyes for a few weeks after surgery. You should expect to rest your eyes for 2 to 3 days following your procedure. This includes not reading or watching television.

Most patients return to work after 5 to 7 days. Normal exercise and strenuous activities may resume about 3 weeks after surgery.

Expect Minimal Downtime, Thanks to ERAS

Dr. Emily Kirby uses Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols, also known as “multimodal analgesia,” to minimize recovery time, and we see real results: our patients experience less nausea and feel more alert, mobile, and comfortable after their procedures.

“I had very hard recoveries in the past…it took me weeks to get back to caring for my family. With Dr. Kirby, I had a wonderful recovery and was back to my activities surprisingly quickly. Don’t tell the doctor, but I was at my child’s sporting event the day after my surgery, and I felt great!”

—Real patient of Dr. Kirby

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Call today to book your consultation with Dr. Emily J. Kirby
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