Eyelid Surgery

The eyes are the center of facial expression, conveying a great deal about your mood and feelings to others. Extra folds of skin, bags, and fullness of the eyelids can make you appear older and more tired than you feel. Eyelid surgery in West Des Moines, Iowa, at the facial plastic surgery practice of Dr. Brent Koch and Dr. Cody Koch, corrects the sags and bags of the eyelids that develop with age. Also called blepharoplasty, this procedure helps patients from Ankeny, Ames, Davenport, and surrounding areas look refreshed yet natural-looking.

An eyelid surgery consultation at Koch & Carlisle Plastic Surgery & Spa can answer your questions and address your concerns. Request a consultation with one of our board-certified facial plastic surgeons or call our office at  (515) 277-5555 to schedule an appointment.

About Eyelid Surgery

Inviting eyes are essential to a youthful appearance. The eyes are what create uniqueness and depth, and we typically want others to focus on this area. Much of what facial plastic surgeons do is divert attention from other parts of the face to the eyes.

Unfortunately, the eyes are also one of the first parts of the face to show aging. In certain families, aging eyelids are hereditary, with hooded lids or prominent under-eye bags emerging as early as the late teens to early 20s. Some individuals may experience obstructed vision from excess upper eyelid skin, making blepharoplasty a medically necessary procedure. In such cases, insurance may cover eyelid surgery.

How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost in Des Moines?

At our Des Moines practice, the price of eyelid surgery varies depending on each patient’s specific needs. Cosmetic consultations with Dr. Brent or Dr. Cody Koch are $150. If you decide to book your procedure within a year of your consultation, this payment is applied to the surgeon’s fee.

The Procedure

Our doctors restore a firmer, smoother appearance to the upper eyelids through upper blepharoplasty. The incision is placed within the upper lid crease, and extends slightly beyond the corner of the eye to remove the loose skin often present in this location. Underlying fat is removed to eliminate fullness.

Lower blepharoplasty removes bags that cast shadows beneath the eyes. Excess skin is also eliminated to create a smoother look. The incision to remove excess lower lid fat can be made on the inside of the eyelid. An incision just below the eyelashes is used to remove the extra skin.

In most cases, eyelid surgery takes 1 to 3 hours, and is performed in an outpatient surgery center under general anesthesia. In some instances, however, this procedure can be performed in our office with local anesthesia.

Can Eyelid Surgery Be Combined With Other Procedures?

To correct concerns that eyelid surgery alone cannot address, blepharoplasty may be combined with complementary procedures including:

• Brow lift surgery to elevate sagging eyebrows
• Facelift surgery to improve overall facial appearance
• Liposuction to enhance the contours of the lower face and neck

How Long Does It Take To Recover From Eyelid Surgery?

After eyelid surgery, our patients typically report that they can return to their normal activities within a few days of their procedure. Any slight bruising or swelling typically vanishes in 10 to 14 days. Most patients can resume exercising 3 to 4 weeks after their blepharoplasty procedure. You will be provided with thorough aftercare instructions.

The nominal consultation fee covers an extensive, personal consultation with one of our board-certified facial plastic surgeons. Your doctor will spend a great deal of time with you, discussing your goals, concerns, and physical and lifestyle considerations. He will listen intently to what you have to say, and together the two of you will develop the best approach to your treatment. Women and men who schedule their surgery at the time of consultation will have their consultation fee applied toward their procedure.

Eyelid Surgery FAQ