Functional Upper Eyelid Surgery with Dr. John Hilinski
Functional upper blepharoplasty is an eyelid reshaping procedure designed to improve poor vision caused by excess upper eyelid skin. This surgery, often medically necessary, can enhance your field of vision by removing the heavy skin that blocks peripheral vision, providing both functional and cosmetic benefits. Dr. John Hilinski, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in San Diego, specializes in advanced techniques to achieve excellent results for patients in need of functional eyelid surgery.
Dr. Hilinski, Nicole, and team are absolutely amazing! Dr. Hilinski is very knowledgeable, takes the time to thoroughly explain procedures, and has gone above and beyond with patient care during my procedure and throughout all of my follow-ups.
How Upper Eyelid Surgery Can Improve Vision
Excess skin on the upper eyelids can impair peripheral vision, causing difficulty in daily activities. As shown in the accompanying images, excess upper eyelid skin can create a heavy, drooping effect that obstructs the visual field. By undergoing functional upper eyelid surgery, patients can see significant improvements in their vision as the excess skin is removed, allowing for a wider and clearer field of view.
Understanding Ptosis and Its Impact on Vision
In addition to excess skin, some patients suffer from upper eyelid ptosis, where the eyelid itself droops below its normal position, further contributing to vision problems. Ptosis is caused by a weakening of the levator muscle, which lifts the eyelid. Dr. Hilinski performs ptosis repair surgery to correct this condition by tightening the levator muscle, restoring the eyelid to its proper position and improving vision.
Cosmetic Benefits of Functional Upper Eyelid Surgery
While the primary goal of functional upper eyelid surgery is to improve vision, patients often experience cosmetic benefits as well. By removing excess skin and lifting the eyelid, this procedure can create a more youthful, refreshed appearance. Many patients find that their eyes look less tired, and their overall facial appearance is enhanced.
The Functional Upper Eyelid Surgery Procedure
Dr. Hilinski performs functional upper eyelid surgery using local anesthesia or light sedation. The procedure is completed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day. During surgery, Dr. Hilinski makes an incision along the natural crease of the upper eyelid to remove excess skin and, if necessary, tighten the levator muscle to correct ptosis. The incision is carefully closed with sutures, leaving minimal scarring that fades over time.
Recovery from Functional Eyelid Surgery
Recovery from functional upper eyelid surgery is generally quick and involves minimal discomfort. Patients may experience mild swelling and bruising for the first few days, but most are able to resume normal activities within a week. Sutures are typically removed after 5-6 days, and the majority of patients feel comfortable returning to work and social activities within 7-10 days.
Insurance Coverage for Functional Upper Eyelid Surgery
Many insurance companies will cover functional upper blepharoplasty if it is deemed medically necessary to improve vision. Dr. Hilinski’s office works with most major PPO insurance plans, including Blue Cross, Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Aetna Healthcare, and Tricare. A visual field test is often required to provide objective evidence that the excess skin is impairing your vision. This test compares your vision with and without the eyelid taped, helping to confirm the need for surgery.
Functional Upper Eyelid Surgery: FAQ
Functional upper eyelid surgery, also known as upper blepharoplasty, is a procedure designed to improve vision by removing excess skin from the upper eyelids. It can also correct drooping eyelids (ptosis).
By removing excess skin and tightening the levator muscle (if needed), upper eyelid surgery lifts the eyelid, providing a clearer field of vision and reducing obstruction.
Upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin, while ptosis repair addresses a drooping eyelid caused by a weakened levator muscle. Both procedures can be combined for optimal results.
Yes, in addition to improving vision, functional eyelid surgery often provides cosmetic benefits by making the eyes look more open, youthful, and refreshed.
The surgery typically takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on whether ptosis repair is included.
Most patients can return to normal activities, including work, within 7-10 days. Swelling and bruising generally subside within the first week.
If the surgery is deemed medically necessary due to impaired vision, insurance may cover the procedure. A visual field test may be required to demonstrate the need for surgery.
Results from functional upper eyelid surgery are long-lasting, though the natural aging process will continue. Some patients may require additional procedures in the future as they age.
Why Choose Dr. Hilinski?
Dr. John Hilinski is a highly skilled and double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, with extensive experience in performing upper eyelid surgery for both cosmetic and functional purposes. A graduate of Harvard Medical School, Dr. Hilinski completed his residency at UC San Diego Medical Center, further specializing in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery under the mentorship of renowned surgeons. His expertise ensures that each patient receives individualized care and outstanding results.
Dr. Hilinski’s practice is focused exclusively on the face, head, and neck, making him a true expert in these areas. With more than 20 years of experience, he has performed thousands of successful surgeries, including rhinoplasty, facelifts, eyelid surgery, and non-surgical rejuvenation treatments. His patients come from all over the world to benefit from his precision, artistic eye, and personalized approach.
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Hilinski is a respected contributor to the field of facial plastic surgery, with numerous publications in medical journals and book chapters on surgical techniques. His dedication to patient education, safety, and comfort is evident in every step of the treatment process, from the initial consultation to post-operative care. Patients consistently praise Dr. Hilinski for his honest, transparent approach and his commitment to delivering natural-looking, long-lasting results.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you are experiencing impaired vision due to excess upper eyelid skin or drooping eyelids, contact Dr. John Hilinski’s San Diego office today. We can help you determine if functional upper eyelid surgery is right for you and guide you through the insurance process.