Eyelid Lift

The eyelid lift or blepharoplasty is a procedure designed to remove excess fat, usually along with excess skin from the upper and lower eyelids. It will help improve the appearance of droopy eyelids and puffy bags below the eyes, features that may make you look older and more tired than you feel. It may be combined with an endo eyebrow lift to correct drooping eyebrows.

The incision for the upper eyelid is usually made along the eyelid crease while that for the lower eyelid is usually made inside the lower eyelid, avoiding external scars (transconjunctival). Excess skin along the outside of the lower eyelid region is usually “tightened” with a chemical peel or carbon dioxide laser skin resurfacing. The endo eyebrow lift is done with small, “hidden” incisions located behind the hairline.

View Eyelid Lift results photos

Who is a Candidate

• If you have excessive, sagging or wrinkled upper or lower eyelid skin.
• If you have excess upper eyelid skin that interferes with vision.
• If you have lost your natural upper eyelid crease.
• If you have puffy pouches of fat in the upper or lower eyelids that create a tired or aged appearance.

View Eyelid Lift results photos

Intended Result

• A more youthful and rested appearance of the eyes.
• Widening of visual fields if excessive upper lid skin has partially blocked vision.

Procedure Description

• The operation is usually done on an outpatient basis under conscious sedation.
• The “Colorado” needle is usually used for skin incisions to minimize scar and bleeding during the procedure.
• The incisions are made where the natural crease should be in the upper eyelids. Excess fat and skin are removed.
• The incision for the lower eyelids is inside the lower lids, avoiding external incisions and scar (transconjunctival).
• If there is significant “laxity” of the lower eyelid, a canthopexy or tightening procedure may be done at the same time. The incision is along the outer portion of the lid just below the eyelash line.

Recuperation and Healing

• All sutures are usually removed within 7 days.
• Initial discomfort is usually mild and controlled with oral medication.
• Bruising and sensitivity to light usually subside within 1-2 weeks. Swelling usually disappears within 2 weeks.
• Eye makeup may be used following suture removal and healing of the incisions. Old makeup should be discarded as it may promote bacterial growth and postoperative infection.
• Contact lenses can be worn when comfortable and sutures have been removed—usually 7-10 days.

Other Options

• Additional procedures that may enhance the result are: forehead lift (endo eyebrow lift), facelift, carbon dioxide laser resurfacing, chemical peel, and botox.

Note

• The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can only be determined at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are rare.