Blepharoplasty
Authority, Artistry, and Care
The eye area is often the first to show signs of aging, leading to a tired or heavy appearance that doesn't reflect how you feel inside. If excess skin on the upper lids or persistent puffiness beneath the eyes is obscuring your natural vibrancy, a solution is available. At Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery, we combine surgical precision with a commitment to natural-looking results. We offer this highly effective procedure to restore a refreshed and elegant look to your entire face.
Eyelid droopiness or excess skin can make you look older than you are. Blepharoplasty, also known as an eyelid lift, is a cosmetic surgery that can restore a more youthful appearance by removing excess eyelid skin. The procedure offers quick results that are often long-lasting, giving you a refreshed look. With blepharoplasty, you can enjoy a brighter and more rested facial appearance with minimal downtime and discomfort.
Blepharoplasty may be performed on the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids, or both areas simultaneously. Upper Blepharoplasty removes redundant, drooping skin that can sometimes hang over the lash line. Lower Blepharoplasty addresses puffiness, bags, and crepey skin below the eye, often repositioning or removing bulging fat pads.
Dr. Sauerhammer will perform your blepharoplasty on an outpatient basis in our AAAHC-certified private surgical suite in Appleton, using general anesthesia for optimal comfort.
Once you are fully asleep, Dr. Sauerhammer will assess your eyelids and the surrounding skin to determine what needs to be removed and lifted. She will resect excess skin and place the remaining skin in a higher, tighter position. This technique creates the appearance of a smoother, wider upper eyelid.
For an Upper Blepharoplasty, Dr. Sauerhammer places a fine incision along the natural crease of the upper lid, allowing the scars to be well hidden. For a Lower Blepharoplasty, the incision is often placed just below the lash line or inside the eyelid (transconjunctival approach). Once the adjustments are complete, the incisions are carefully closed.
The entire blepharoplasty process takes about one hour to complete. You will be monitored briefly before being released to a trusted friend or family member.
Blepharoplasty is highly effective for concerns related to aging and genetics in the eye area.
It commonly treats dermatochalasis, which is the drooping or sagging of excess skin on the upper eyelid. This condition can sometimes even impair peripheral vision. The procedure also corrects under-eye bags and puffiness caused by the protrusion of fat pads beneath the lower eyelid. Furthermore, it addresses fine, crepey skin texture and wrinkles around the eyelids.
Dr. Sauerhammer offers patients nearly 15 years of experience and specialization in rejuvenating procedures for the body, breasts, and face. Her practice also includes transgender confirmation, reconstructive procedures, and noninvasive cosmetic treatment. She is double board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery.
Blepharoplasty focuses exclusively on the delicate skin and tissue of the upper and lower eyelids. The goal is a subtle yet significant improvement to the contours immediately surrounding the eye itself.
Patients in Appleton and Green Bay choose Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery because of the skill, experience, and personal attention that our team provides. Learn what other people in our community have to say about our doctors and their treatment.
You may be a good candidate for blepharoplasty surgery if you have excess skin on your upper eyelids or under-eye bags. Eyelid lifts are a popular cosmetic procedure for patients who want a more youthful appearance.
In fact, eyelid surgery has a 94% Worth It Rating on RealSelf.
When your blepharoplasty is complete, you will need to remain in the office under supervision for several hours. After that, our team will discharge you, and you can return home. Dr. Sauerhammer will place small sutures over any incisions. These sutures are removed about one week after surgery.
In the weeks following your blepharoplasty, you will need to avoid certain skin care products that can irritate your skin. Do not apply any direct pressure to the area around your eyes. To keep the incisions and skin clean, wash with a mild cleanser.
Upon discharge, you will receive detailed aftercare instructions from the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery team.
You will notice an immediate improvement once the swelling begins to subside, typically within the first two weeks. The full, refined result of your Blepharoplasty will become clear as residual swelling completely resolves, which can take several months. These results are remarkably long-lasting. While the natural aging process continues, the effects of removing the excess tissue typically remain for ten to fifteen years or often much longer.
We are experienced and dedicated to helping patients feel like the best versions of themselves.
Your blepharoplasty journey will begin with an in-office consultation. It’s essential to meet with your plastic surgeon to review the blepharoplasty process and ensure you know what to expect from treatment. During this appointment, Dr. Sauerhammer will examine the skin around your eyes and discuss your desired outcome.
You can schedule your procedure if you are confirmed to be a good candidate for blepharoplasty. If not, we will discuss alternative options that may be a better fit for you. Our goal is to find the ideal treatment to meet your needs.
If you are interested in blepharoplasty surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sauerhammer at the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery in Appleton and Green Bay at tel:(920) 380-9890. We can evaluate your excess eyelid skin and determine whether you are a candidate for this treatment.
Most people who seek blepharoplasty have mature skin, but some patients are younger. If you are over 18, you may be eligible for an eyelid lift.
The procedure is performed while you are comfortably sedated, so you will not feel pain during the surgery. Following the procedure, most patients report mild discomfort, heaviness, or tightness, which is easily managed with oral pain medication prescribed by Dr. Sauerhammer.
Dr. Sauerhammer is meticulous in placing incisions in the natural creases of the eyelids (upper) or inside the lid or along the lash line (lower). These locations allow the fine scars to blend seamlessly and become virtually imperceptible over time.
In most cases, Lower Blepharoplasty is cosmetic and not covered. Upper Blepharoplasty may be considered medically necessary if the drooping skin significantly obstructs your vision. If this is the case, Dr. Sauerhammer can perform an examination and visual field test to determine if your procedure may qualify for insurance coverage.
Yes, it is common to combine procedures. If the position of your eyebrows is contributing to the heavy appearance of your upper eyelids, Dr. Sauerhammer may recommend that a subtle brow lift be performed simultaneously to achieve the most harmonious and refreshed result.
Many other procedures can be combined with blepharoplasty. Patients frequently combine eyelid lifts with facelifts and neck lifts to achieve a more youthful overall appearance. You can also combine blepharoplasty with non-surgical options like injectables or a more extensive surgery, such as breast augmentation.
Blepharoplasty will permanently remove excess skin and under-eye bags from around the eyelids. That said, you may experience new sagging or loose skin as you age. The natural effects of aging may cause the skin to lose volume and droop, but to a lesser extent than before.
At the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery, you can enjoy a range of cosmetic procedures and dedicated care in our offices in Appleton and Green Bay. As a double-board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Sauerhammer specializes in rejuvenating surgical solutions, including breast augmentation, tummy tuck, and facelifts, designed to help you look and feel your best. We seamlessly integrate all our plastic surgery services with skilled dermatology care and aesthetic specialists: Megan MacCarthy, PA-C, Colleen Van Egeren, PA-C, and Amanda Olsen, PA-C. They prioritize your goals through comprehensive evaluations and advanced techniques to help you achieve optimal and long-lasting results.
