Blepharoplasty (Eye / Eyelid Lift)

With age, drooping of the eyebrows, looseness of the eyelid skin, and bulging fat cause loss of definition of the upper eyelids and bulging of the lower lids. Because the natural position of the brows and fullness of the eyelids varies among individuals, aging changes manifest themselves dramatically in some and much less so in others. The result in affected individuals is a tired, sad, or even angry appearance or an apparent decrease in the size of the eye. In an aesthetically pleasing face, the eyes are open and are the focal point of the face.

Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is designed to restore the eyes as the natural focal point of the face by reversing age associated changes. Before proceeding with blepharoplasty, it is essential to undergo a comprehensive evaluation by a facial plastic surgeon. Many patients present requesting eyelid surgery when in actuality a sagging brow or midface is the source of their concern.

Procedure Benefits

At our facility, blepharoplasty is performed under deep sedation. With upper eyelid surgery, incisions are hidden in the natural eyelid crease and extend laterally so as to remove excess skin and to prevent an unnatural, "operated" appearance. Lower eyelid incisions are made either along the inner lining of the eye or just below the lower lashes. Excess skin and underlying fat are removed, and the incisions are closed with fine sutures. Early on, incisions are easily camouflaged with makeup and with time fade to the point of imperceptibility in most patients. The benefits of an eye lift include:

  • Corrects droopiness, puffiness and bags
  • Eliminates tired, angry, or sad look
  • Restores the eyes as the focal point of the face
  • Restores eyelid contour
  • Safely and easily combined with other facial plastic surgical procedures

Recovery

Ice packs are applied immediately following surgery to minimize swelling and bruising. Sleeping with the head of the bed elevated for several days helps as well. Pain is generally minimal with this procedure, and the sutures are removed three to four days following surgery to prevent suture marks. Although most patients feel ready to return to work within one week, bruising often remains into the second week.

What's Next?