Eyelid Surgery (blepharoplasty)
Eyelid surgery is performed to restore a more youthful appearance to the upper and lower eyelids. Eyelid surgery can correct drooping upper lids and puffy bags below your eyes – features that make you look older and more tired than you feel, and may even interfere with your vision. Many people have excess skin or bags (fatty deposits) of the eyelids and by removing this extra skin and fat, the eye area can be rejuvenated. Upper and lower eyelid surgery
can be performed together or separately.
Eyelid surgery candidates
- excess skin obscuring the natural fold of the upper eyelids
- a puffy appearance to the upper eyelids (excess fat can cause a tired appearance)
- excess skin and wrinkling of the lids
- bags under the eyes (excess fatty deposits)
- lower eyelids that droop (sad expression)
Consultation
You and your surgeon should carefully discuss your goals and expectations from eyelid surgery. You will need to discuss wether to do all four eyelids or just to do the upper or lower ones, and wether any additional procedures are appropriate. The placement of the incisions will be demonstrated and the surgeon will explain to you the best technique that will safely and effectively achieve your goals.
Upper eyelid surgery
Incisions are hidden in the natural crease of the upper eyelid. Through this approach, excess skin, muscle, and fat is removed and the scar is virtually invisible. The incision will be extended beyond the lateral edge of the eye to address wrinkles in this area.
Lower eyelid surgery
Incisions for lower eyelid rejuvenation are made just below the lash line or inside the eyelid (transconjunctival blepharoplasty) depending on the individual characteristics of the patient. Excess skin, muscle, and fat are removed as necessary.
Risks
The surgeon will explain to you the risks that are involved in eyelid surgery during the consultation. The minor complications that occasionally follow include double or blurred vision for a few days, temporary swelling at the corner of the eyelids, and a slight asymmetry in healing or scarring.
Your Surgical Experience
Eyelid surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to stay with you at least the first night following surgery. Aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs can cause increased bleeding, so you should avoid taking these medications for a period of time before and after surgery. Your surgeon will provide you with additional preoperative instructions. You should bring dark sunglasses to wear after surgery as your eyes may be more sensitive to bright light. There is often minimal bruising and swelling which diminishes almost completely in 1-2 week, although this varies between patients.
Most patients schedule 7-10 days off from work, after this time makeup can usually be used to cover up any residual bruising. A gel ice pack may be used for the first 48 hours after surgery to maximize comfort and minimize swelling. Most surgeons use absorbable sutures which disappear in about five days. This will eliminate the need for uncomfortable suture removal and assure the best possible healing. Most patients having both upper and lower eyelid surgery will have their procedure done in the hospital with intravenous sedation or general anaesthesia. You will be instructed to rest the evening after surgery and keep your head elevated. You may experience increasing tearing or dryness for several days after surgery.
Post-operative activity restrictions
You should be able to read or watch TV after 2-3 days. However, wearing contact lenses will be restricted for 1-2 weeks. You must avoid strenuous activity for about 2-3 weeks following surgery. It is especially important to avoid activities that raise your blood pressure, including bending, lifting and rigorous sports. You may also be asked to avoid alcohol, since it causes fluid retention. .
Results of Your Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid procedures have the effect of making you appear more alert, refreshed, and youthful. The final results will become more apparent several weeks after operation and it is important to allow the natural healing process to take place. The incisions are placed in natural creases and fade nicely to the point where they are virtually imperceptible. For many people, the results of eyelid surgery are permanent.
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