We all want our eyes to appear youthful, awake, bright and alert. With age, however, they are often the first areas on the face to appear tired or puffy. Surgery of the upper and lower eyelids (blepharoplasty) removes excess skin and fat leaving a more rested and youthful appearance. It can be performed on the upper eyelids, the lower and both. It is a common procedure in both women and men that rejuvenates the area around your eyes.
Upper eyelids
Upper lid surgery involves removing excess skin and fat leaving a near invisible incision hidden within a lid crease. Only small tapes are used to cover the incisions postoperatively. Healing is quick with little or no pain.
Lower eyelids
Surgery of the lower lids removes the fullness and baggy appearance that develops with age. The removal of excess fat is usually performed under a light general anesthesia through hidden incisions on the inside of the lower lid. Excess skin or fine wrinkling, if present, is managed postoperatively with laser resurfacing. Pain from surgery is minor or absent and healing is quick and usually uneventful.
What can eyelid surgery do for you
People who benefit from eyelid surgery usually present with one or more of the following issues:
- Loose or sagging skin that gives eyes a tired look or blocks normal vision
- Excess fat that appears as upper or lower eyelid puffiness or bags
- Drooping lower eyelids or excess fine wrinkling
Who is a good candidate for eyelid surgery?
Healthy people with no other major eye-related conditions are excellent candidates for eyelid rejuvenation.
What is involved in planning eyelid surgery?
Evaluation for eyelid surgery begins with carefully listening to the concerns and desires of every patient. Satisfaction with the procedure hinges on giving patients what they want. After a careful history and evaluation of the patient’s upper and lower eyelids, a surgical plan is developed to meet the patient’s individual goals.
Upper eyelid surgery alone is performed under local anesthesia with or without sedation while any surgery involving the lower lid is best performed with a light general anesthesia. Incisions on the upper eyelid are closed with fine sutures that are easily removed in the office a few days following surgery. The incisions on the lower eyelid are hidden on the inside and are closed with absorbable sutures. Only small tapes are used to cover the incisions postoperatively. Eyelid surgery is well tolerated, involves little or no postoperative pain and is an outpatient procedure.
Recovery after eyelid surgery
After eyelid surgery, patients return home to rest. Ice is applied to the eyelids for 24 hours and eye drops are used to keep them lubricated during the early days after surgery. Postoperative instructions are given and pain medication is provided.
What will my eyelids feel like after surgery?
Your eyelids will show mild swelling following surgery but this is kept to a minimum with the application of ice for the first day. Pain is usually minimal and easily controlled with mediation. Bruising, when it develops, clears quickly.
When can I resume my normal activities?
Most patients can return to light activity and work within 3 to 7 days following surgery. A progressive return to normal physical activity, including sports, is permitted after 3 to 4 weeks.
Can I have other procedures done at the same time?
Yes, patients frequently combine eyelid surgery with a wide variety of other procedures.
Are there any risks with eyelid surgery?
Generally, eyelid surgery is a very safe and reliable procedure. During your office consultation, Dr. Zelt will discuss with you the associated risks and complications. Fortunately, most are very uncommon and the vast majority of patients enjoy an uneventful surgery and recovery period.
If you would like to setup a consultation or have any general questions feel free to contact us.