While concerns about the aging process often focus on the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, nothing makes a person look more aged than drooping eyelids. An eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the upper and/or lower eyelids by removing excess skin and tissue that weigh the eyes down and make you look perpetually tired. After an eyelid lift, you will notice a rejuvenated, rested appearance that can greatly increase your self-confidence. Some patients may also find they can see better after eyelid surgery, particularly if drooping lids were interfering with the line of vision.
The best candidates for eyelid surgery are men and women that are in relatively good health and still have some resiliency to their facial tissue and muscles. The procedure may be performed alone or in combination with other surgical procedures like a facelift or brow lift to further enhance results.
Upper Eyelid Lift Surgery
Over time, the upper eyelid can develop excess skin that droops over the edge of the eyelid, a condition known as “hooding.” Surgery can effectively remove that excess skin, as well as small deposits of fat that gather along the inner corner of the eyelid and get in the way of your appearance and your vision. An upper eyelid lift opens up the eye area, giving you a refreshed, more alert appearance
After an upper eyelid lift, you may notice the heaviness that was once hanging over your eyes is now gone. While upper eyelid surgery will not raise the eyebrows, we can combine your eyelid surgery with a brow lift of Botox to further elevate the brow and give you more dramatic results. These procedures can be performed at the same time as the eyelid surgery, so you can enjoy your positive outcome with just one procedure and recovery period.
Eyelid surgery will not eliminate fine lines around the eyes, but can be combined with procedures that will achieve that purpose as well. Dr. Yune will discuss your procedure with you to ensure your aesthetic goals are met as closely as possible to your expectations.
Upper eyelid surgery is generally performed on an outpatient basis under IV sedation or general anesthesia. Incisions are placed within the natural creases of the eye to minimize visible scarring after the procedure. Tiny sutures are also used at the end of surgery to encourage positive wound healing and minimal scarring. Through these incisions, fat deposits and excess skin are removed and muscles and skin are repositioned to create a naturally refreshed look.
Lower Eyelid Lift
A lower eyelid lift, also known as a canthopexy, addresses the “bags” that often form underneath the eyes, giving you a weary, unhealthy appearance. The procedure also fixes drooping lids that might reveal too much of the white below the iris of the eye, making you self-conscious about your look.
A lower eyelid lift is not effective in improving the look of cheek hollowing that often forms beneath the lower eye. However, Dr. Yune can combine a lower eyelid lift with a facelift or injections of a dermal filler to improve the volume in the cheeks and add definition tot eh cheekbones. A lower eyelid lift may also be combined with upper eyelid surgery or a brow lift to refresh the entire upper portion of the face in a single procedure.
Incisions for lower lid surgery are made just below the lash line to minimize visible scarring after the procedure. A transconjunctival incision can also be used, which is placed inside the lower eyelid where scarring will be completely hidden. Through these incisions, excess fat is removed or redistributed to create a smoother look to the undereye area. In addition, laser skin resurfacing may be used during the procedure to further minimize the appearance of fine lines underneath the eye.
Eyelid Lift Recovery
Eyelid surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, which means you can return home the same day as your surgery. You will be advised to keep your head elevated for a number of days after the procedure to reduce swelling in the area. Cold compresses can also be used for this purpose. Any mild discomfort you experience after the procedure can usually be effectively managed with oral pain medication. You may also be given an ointment to apply to the eyes to prevent dryness, which can lead to additional discomfort. It is important to keep the eye area clean during the recovery process to ensure full healing without possible complications.
Most patients are able to resume light activities within 3-5 days after their procedures. Dissolvable sutures are used so you don’t have to come back into our office to have stitches removed. Any residual bruising after eyelid surgery should resolve within approximately two weeks. Strenuous activitiy and heavy lifting may be resumed after six weeks. The results of eyelid surgery are very long-lasting, even permanent for some patients.
If eyelid surgery sounds like the right procedure for you, a consultation will be your next step. You can schedule this appointment by calling Aesthetic Specialty Centre Plastic Surgery & Dermatology in Roswell at (770) 393-9000 or in Greensboro at (706) 467-6500.
*The information about Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) was reviewed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Marc E. Yune. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using our contact form below.