Eyelid Surgery, Eye Lifts & Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty, Eyelid Surgery

The eyelids are the first of our facial features to show the signs of aging. It’s not uncommon for people in their early 30s to begin showing a tired, angry, or sad look because of this problem.

Cosmetic eyelid surgery, also known as Blepharoplasty, eyelid lift, or eye lift is performed to provide the patient with a smoother, more youthful and well-rested appearance in the eyes & eyelids. Blepharoplasty is the process of very carefully removing excess skin and fat from around the eyes to produce a dramatically more youthful appearance.

Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is the second most commonly performed cosmetic plastic surgery procedure after liposuction. Over 200 thousand eyelift procedures were reported in 2005. One of the reason the eyelid lift procedure is so popular is because it is a smaller surgical procedure that does not take a great amount of time and causes little discomfort, yet can provide significant benefit.

Blepharoplasty eyelid surgery is ofter done either on the upper eyelid, the lower eyelid or both.

Areas treated by Blepharoplasty:
•Excess skin that covers the natural fold of the upper eyelids
•Loose skin that hangs down from the upper eyelids, especially along the sides
•A tired, puffy appearance of the upper eyelids
•Excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelids
•Bags or dark circles under the eyes
•Drooping lower eyelids that reveal excessive "white" of the eyes

Advantages of Blepharoplasty: •Effects of blepharoplasty can last for a long time and are sometimes even permanent. •Can improve vision by lifting droopy eyelids out of the patient’s field of vision.

The Eyelid Lift Procedure

The Eyelid lift procedure involves correcting drooping upper eyelids and puffy bags below the eyes by removing excess fat, skin, and muscle. (Upper-eyelid surgery may be covered by insurance if used to correct visual field defects.)

The time to perform an eyelid lift procedure is about 1 to 2 hours. In some cases, the lenght of the eyelid surgery could be 3 hours, but that is often rare. Sedation is usually local and cosmetic eyelid surgery is done on an outpatient basis.

Side effects of an eyelid lift procedure include temporary discomfort, tightness of lids, swelling, bruising. Temporary dryness, burning, itching of eyes. Excessive tearing, sensitivity to light for first few weeks.

The risks involved in an eyelid lift procedure include Temporary blurred or double vision. Infection, bleeding. Swelling at the corners of the eyelids. Dry eyes. Formation of whiteheads. Slight asymmetry in healing or scarring. Difficulty in closing eyes completely (rarely permanent). Pulling down of the lower lids (may require further surgery).

Recovery time for an eyelid lift is quick. The patient should be back to work in 7 to 10 days, and strenuous activities can be resumed in about 3 weeks.

Upper Eyelids
Over time, upper lids begin to sag, droop, and appear puffy, due to fat deposits and loss of skin elasticity. A person who wakes up with baggy or droopy eyelids, even after a good night's sleep, and to whom comments are made about how tired he or she looks, is a prime candidate for Blepharoplasty or Eyelid Surgery. Upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids. A small incision is made in the natural fold of the eyelid, so there is minimal scarring. The end result is a more rested, refreshed appearance

Lower Eyelids
Lower eyelids often become puffy or baggy and dark circles appear. Removal or re-positioning of fat beneath the eyes, along with removal of excess skin can eliminate the puffiness, bags, and dark circles. Laser skin resurfacing can also improve the skin on the lower lids.

Many patients elect to have both upper eyelid and lower eyelid procedures done at the same time, if both are necessary. This will be determined during your initial consultation.