Charlotte Oculoplastic Surgeons

What's the average eyelid surgery time for correcting ptosis?

Surgery to correct ptosis (drooping of the eyelid on the eye surface as opposed to excess eyelid skin) usually takes between 30-45 minutes for both sides. I prefer to do the surgery from an external (skin) approach as this is the best way to treat the most common type of ptosis.

I also prefer to perform surgery in the office with minimal injectable anesthetic as this allows the patient to open and close their eyes during the procedure. If a patient is under general anesthesia or deep under anesthesia, it will be difficult to judge the eyelid position. This is critical during the procedure.

Also, I would always consult a specialist in eyelid surgery for ptosis repair. There are many variables and nuances and, although it seems like an easy and quick procedure, there are many factors to consider.

Briggs E. Cook, Jr., MD

Charlotte Oculoplastic Surgeon

Risk of Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty for Keloid Prone Skin?

Hi, I have "keloid prone skin" and I was wondering what would happen if I get the incisonal upper eyelid blepharoplasty??? I have one uneven monolid eye and one big (in comparison) double lidded eye. I would just like to even out my eyes

As previously stated, keloids tend to form in areas where there is high wound tension, such as the torso and back. When a wound is closed, it is important to remove as much tension as possible from the skin edges to avoid keloids.

As an oculoplastic specialist who performs many blepharoplasties, I have never seen keloids form on the upper eyelids. The key is to take all tension off of the skin edges when you close the wound. This is done with stitches underneath the skin and then one to gently close the edges.

I am always happy to answer any other questions.

Briggs Cook

Briggs E. Cook, Jr., MD

Charlotte Oculoplastic Surgeon

How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost?

How much does a blepharoplasty cost?  Are the prices different for blepharoplasty on the upper eyelids vs. the lower eyelids?

The price for upper eyelid and lower eyelid blepharoplasty varies geographically and among practitioners.

In my practice, the typical cost for a cosmetic upper eyelid blepharoplasty alone is roughly $2500. The cost for a cosmetic lower eyelid blepharoplasty alone is roughly $2500 as well. If you combined the two procedures, the cost would be roughly $3200.

We have two operating rooms in our office and use light sedation (twilight anesthesia) which we do not charge extra for.

Depending on the amount of skin, upper eyelid blepharoplasty can be covered by insurance and Eye and Facial Plastic surgeon can help determine whether the procedure would qualify for coverage.

Briggs Cook, MD

Briggs E. Cook, Jr., MD

Charlotte Oculoplastic Surgeon