What is Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty can correct bags and bulges around the eyes as well as drooping eyelids. The result is a more rested and youthful appearance. Upper eyelid surgery is performed by making an incision in the natural crease of each eyelid. Excess skin and fat are removed through these incisions, which are closed with fine sutures. Over time, the scars fade and are hidden in the creases of the eyelids.

In lower eyelid surgery, the incisions are made either in the lash lines or on the inside of the eyelids. Excess fat that causes puffiness is removed through an incision made inside the lower eyelids. Minimal to no visible scarring results from this procedure.

Will I be able to see blepharoplasty before and after pictures of your patients?

During your consultation visit, Dr. Humphrey will show you before and after photos of patients who have undergone eyelid surgery. You will be able to see firsthand the differences the procedure made for these people. Interested in seeing before and after photos before your consultation? Visit our online gallery.

What is the average cost of eyelid surgery?

The price of eyelid surgery is based on the extent of surgery necessary to achieve your goal appearance. During your consultation, your eyes will be evaluated to see if you are a good candidate for eyelid surgery.

Will insurance cover eyelid surgery? Do you offer financing?

There is a possibility that commercial insurance could cover your upper eyelid surgery if your vision is impaired by the overhang of your skin. A visual field study test will need to be performed by your eye doctor and brought to your consultation. This test will measure the degree of vision loss. A predetermination letter, visual field study, and photos will then be sent to your insurance company to determine if you have coverage. Surgery to the lower eyelids is always considered cosmetic.

Our office accepts several types of payment options. They are cash, credit cards (Visa, Master Card, Discover, and American Express), money orders, cashier checks, and financing with an outside agency. Cosmetic eyelid surgery is not covered by commercial insurance and will need to be paid in full before surgery. Financing arrangements must be made in advance with a financing company of your choice.

Do I have to stop smoking prior to eyelid surgery?

Yes, Dr. Humphrey requires the patient to stop smoking one month before surgery and one month after surgery. Nicotine in cigarettes, vapes, and other tobacco products decreases the blood supply to the skin, and blood supply is important to the healing process. We also require patients to eliminate secondhand exposure to all tobacco and marijuana products for the same duration.

Is there anything I need to do to get myself ready for eyelid surgery?

To reduce bruising and the risk of hematoma, you must stop taking blood thinners and vitamin E at least two weeks before and after surgery. If you are on prescription blood thinners, you may need to get medical clearance from your family doctor as well as instructions on how to stop these medications. We also want all herbal medication and diet pills (prescription and over-the-counter) stopped at least two weeks before surgery and one week following.

At Heartland Plastic & Hand Surgery, cosmetic surgeries are elective procedures. Therefore, the patient must be in overall good health before the surgery can be performed. If there are questions regarding your health, medical clearance from your family doctor may be required.

Patient Reviews

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“God has blessed the work of his [Dr. Humphrey] hands. I am very blessed and pleased with the results. I am equally blessed with the kindness, understanding, and sincere professionalism I not only received from Dr. Humphrey but from his staff as well. A team of phenomenal individuals. Thank you!”

“Had such a great experience! Everything from the consultation to follow-up appointments was amazing! The staff is so pleasant and wonderful and I was always informed of the next steps 🙂 Would definitely recommend Dr. Humphrey!”

“The staff is always very friendly. Dr. Humphrey was great as a surgeon and made me feel very comfortable the whole time. If I had to have another procedure, I would definitely go back to Heartland Plastic surgery.”

On average, how many eyelid surgeries do you perform in a year?

Our practice performs an average of 30 to 50 eyelid surgeries per year at the practice in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

Is it possible to go blind?

There are risks associated with eyelid surgery, and one of them is blindness. Dr. Humphrey has never had a patient with this complication and is not personally aware of anyone who has had this side effect. The risk is extremely low and Dr. Humphrey will address the issue during your consultation.

Is there a better time of year to have eyelid surgery performed?

You should make it a time when you can allow yourself time to heal. After eyelid surgery, you will have a 10-15 pound lifting restriction (that will include lifting children) for at least 2 weeks. You also have to make adjustments at work due to swelling, bruising, and being on pain medication. On average, patients take a week to ten days off work. Some patients have more physically demanding jobs, or their job requires them to be in the public eye, and they might need to take off more time. Patients on average will have bruising for 1-2 weeks.

Additional Procedures

• Brow Lift
• Ear Pinning
• Facelift
• Necklift
• Rhinoplasty

What is the next step?

At Heartland Plastic & Hand Surgery in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Dr. J. Stewart Humphrey, MD is board certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. He offers plastic and hand surgery to patients across Missouri including Cape Girardeau, Jackson, and Sikeston. Our Plastic Surgery office is located 72 miles from Paducah, KY and 58 miles from Marion, IL. Call our office to schedule your initial eyelid surgery consultation. Bring all your questions and concerns to your consultation so your surgeon can address them and start working on a better-looking you!

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

DR. J. STEWART HUMPHREY

Dr. J. Stewart Humphrey is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is the gold standard for plastic surgery certification in the United States. Dr. Humphrey…

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