Eyelid Surgery

The skin around the eyes and eyelids is very delicate and can show signs of aging much sooner than skin in other areas of the face. Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, can help you correct drooping upper eyelids, under-eye bags and other eyelid imperfections that exhibit visible signs of facial aging.

During a consultation, one of our surgeons can evaluate the appearance of your eyes and recommend a customized surgical approach that will address your areas of concern for a more youthful, refreshed look. The ultimate goal of eyelid surgery is always to achieve natural-looking results that enhance your appearance rather than change it.

Blepharoplasty can target the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both. While there are typically different concerns in each region that can warrant the desire for aesthetic enhancement, eyelid surgery is generally performed with the goal of rejuvenating the eyes and having a more rested appearance.

An eyelid lift can address several signs of visible aging on both the upper and lower eyelids. Eyelid surgery can include:

• Conservative removal of excess skin
• Removal and/or recontouring of fat deposits
• Tightening of the skin and/or muscles

Facial plastic surgeons, plastic surgeons and ophthalmologists can all perform eyelid surgery. For those who are choosing eyelid surgery for aesthetic reasons, rather than functional purposes, other facial plastic surgery procedures like a facelift or brow lift can be combined to achieve more dramatic results.

The best candidates for blepharoplasty generally notice wrinkles, loose skin, under-eye bags or other signs of aging in the region surrounding the eyes. In many cases, individuals who benefit from eyelid surgery experience upper eyelid “hooding,” which occurs when the skin of the eyelids hangs on the upper lash line or droops into your line of sight. Upper blepharoplasty can get rid of this excess skin and restore a smooth, firm eye contour – along with improve vision.

Eyelid surgery may not be right for you if you have thyroid problems, dry eye, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, detached retina or glaucoma. Prior to the procedure, your plastic surgeon will evaluate your medical history and may advise you to see an eye doctor for an evaluation, as well.

The technique used for your eyelid surgery will depend on the cosmetic improvements you want to achieve. Your plastic surgeon will explain your surgical plan before the procedure so that you understand exactly what will happen.

For upper eyelid surgery, your surgeon will hide the incision within the natural crease. Excess skin can then be trimmed away to create a smoother contour. For the lower lids, the incision is made either on the inside of the eyelid or along the lower lash line. This incision allows for the removal of under-eye bags, adjustments to musculature and tightening of the skin. An eyelid lift is an outpatient procedure, which means you can return home on the same day of surgery.

The cosmetic benefits of eyelid surgery can have a significant affect on your overall facial appearance. With a few small surgical revisions to your eyelids, you can look like a more refreshed and youthful version of yourself. The blepharoplasty procedure can offer:

• A brighter, more energized appearance
• Incision scars hidden in the natural eyelid crease or along the lash line
• Restoration of your natural upper eyelid contour
• Smoother contour above and below the eyes

Complications during or after blepharoplasty are generally rare as long as patients enlist a qualified surgeon to perform their procedure. Nevertheless, eyelid surgery involves the risks that typically exist with all surgical procedures, such as the possibility of infection, poor reactions to the anesthesia, bleeding and skin discoloration. Your surgeon will thoroughly explain the risks of surgery during your consultation and answer any questions you may have.

Eyelid surgery takes 1-3 hours to perform and is often done with a local anesthetic. Your plastic surgeon will make incisions following the natural lines of your eyelids. Your surgeon will then separate the skin from the underlying tissues and fat, removing any excess and repositioning some of it. When finished, your surgeon will close the incisions with very small sutures.

There are a few different approaches your plastic surgeon may use to perform eyelid surgery:

After surgery, swelling and bruising around the eyes is common for the first few days. During this time, it is important to ice your eyes and keep your head elevated to promote proper healing. Typically, you can return to work after about 1 week. Our surgeons advise patients to refrain from strenuous activities and exercise for the first few weeks following surgery.

After about 1-2 months, the full results of your procedure will be visible. This estimation can fluctuate, depending on the extent of your eyelid procedure and whether it was performed in conjunction with other surgeries. Many patients report looking younger after their surgery and say they would recommend an eyelid lift to anyone seeking to regain a more youthful appearance. Patients often say that friends and colleagues do not notice they had surgery, instead remarking that they look well-rested, happy and refreshed.