Eyelid Lift Procedures

Patients frequently complain that excess baggy skin in the eyelid area and puffy fat deposits below the eye area give them a very aged and tired look. An eyelid lift gives a patient a fresher, well rested appearance and eliminates the excess baggy skin.

Who is a Candidate for Eyelid Lift?

You may be a candidate for eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) if you have excessive, sagging, or wrinkled upper or lower eyelid skin. Eyelid lift can also be helpful if you have excess upper eyelid skin that interferes with vision or if you have lost your natural upper eyelid crease. Eyelid lift may also be indicated if you have puffy pouches of fat in the upper or lower lids that create a tired or aged appearance.

The eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) procedure is intended to produce a more youthful and rested appearance of the eyes. The procedure may also widen your visual fields if excessive upper lid skin has partially blocked vision.

About Eyelid Lift Surgery

Blepharoplasty is done on an outpatient basis under sedation and local or general anesthesia. The incisions are made where the natural crease should be in the upper lids and below the lash line in the lower lids. Excess fat and skin are removed. If only excess fat is present in the lower lids, it may be removed through an incision inside the lower lids with no external incision or scar (transconjunctival blepharoplasty).

All sutures are usually removed within 4 to 6 days. Initial mild discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication. Bruising and sensitivity to light last at least a week or two. Swelling progressively disappears in 1 to 2 weeks. Eye makeup can be used after sutures are removed. Contact lenses can be worn when comfortable -- usually within 7 to 10 days.

Additional Procedures

Additional procedures that may enhance the result of an eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) are Brow Lift, Face Lift, or Laser Skin Resurfacing

Procedure:	Correct 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)
Length:	1 to 3 hours.
Anesthesia:	Usually locally with sedation or general.
In/Outpatient:	Usually outpatient.
Side Effects:	Temporary discomfort, tightness of lids, swelling, bruising. Temporary dryness, burning, itching of eyes. Excessive tearing, sensitivity to light for first few weeks.
Risks:	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). Blindness (extremely rare).
Recovery:	Reading: 2 or 3 days. Back to work: 7 to 10 days. Contact lenses: two weeks or more. Strenuous activities, alcohol: about 3 weeks. Bruising and swelling gone: several weeks.
Duration of Results:	Several years. Sometimes permanent.