Eyelid Lift
Eyelid lift surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a procedure that restores firmness and eliminates excess skin from the upper and lower eyelids, making patients look younger, more rested, and more alert. Blepharoplasty can treat sagging or drooping of the upper eyelids (which in older patients often obstructs vision) and fatty deposits that appear as puffiness in the upper eyelids or “bags” under the lower eyelids. It can also smooth skin and improve the appearance of fine lines. (It will, however, not affect crow’s feet or deep wrinkles.)
Initial Consultation
During your initial consultation, you will meet with one of our plastic surgeons and your patient-care coordinator. They will carefully and completely review your health history and perform a thorough exam. We will also discuss with you the risks, benefits, and potential complications as well as explain in detail what the procedure entails. Finally, we will evaluate the area and advise you as to whether you need an upper blepharoplasty (upper eyelids only), lower blepharoplasty (lower eyelids only), or quad blepharoplasty (both upper and lower eyelids).
Procedure
The procedure will take approximately one to one-and-a-half hours and will require general anesthesia. A surgeon will begin by making an incision within the natural crease of your upper eyelid, through which excess skin, muscle, and/or underlying fatty tissue will be removed. Then, if a lower blepharoplasty is to be performed, an incision will be made inside the lower eyelid, fat will be removed or redistributed, and the muscle will be tightened to correct bagginess. If there is excessive skin and wrinkling, an incision just below the lower lash line will be made to reduce this.
Recovery
Most patients are able to return home the day of their surgery; however, you will need someone to drive you as well as to stay with you for the first 24 hours. Following your surgery, you can expect bruising around the eyes and that your eyelids will be very swollen (this swelling will actually worsen overnight before it begins to get better). You may also notice bloody-looking drainage, and you may experience a burning or scratchy sensation in your eyes as well as blurry vision and either excessive or abnormally low tear production. All of these symptoms are normal; for your comfort, you will be given medication to control the pain and ointment and drops to keep your eyes well lubricated. You will not need to worry about having your sutures removed, as all sutures will be dissolvable.
Your bruising should subside within the first couple of weeks, while swelling may take up to four weeks to settle. Within a couple months, your final results should be visible; however, your incision lines will gradually fade over the course of a year. Post-operative care will include refraining from makeup, contacts, or glasses for approximately two weeks and avoiding strenuous physical activity for several.
Risks
Although complications are rare, they do occur on occasion. With our staff’s advanced training and methodical technique, complications are extremely unlikely, as are revisions; most importantly, our doctors have never experienced a life-threatening surgical complication. Because of their commitment to patient safety and satisfaction, they will not perform this procedure unless a patient has completely quit smoking for at least three months pre-operatively, as smoking significantly increases your risk of complications and interferes with wound healing.