One of the first things we see when communicating and connecting with people are their eyes. So, it’s no wonder that many people want to protect their appearance. With age, our skin and tissues lose elasticity resulting in droopy skin and bulging fat in the upper and lower eyelid. An eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, can help to improve these issues, and restore a more youthful appearance of the eyes and face.

An upper or lower eyelid surgery can address several issues, such as:
· Drooping or excessive skin
· Wrinkles
· Puffiness or bags under the eyes
· A desire for a more youthful eye appearance or better expressions

About the procedure

Depending on the patient’s individual treatment plan, this procedure can be performed in the office under local anesthesia or in the operating room with the patient asleep.

Upper eyelid procedure
An incision is made in the natural crease of the upper eyelid. With this incision, excess eyelid skin is removed, and possibly some underlying fat, depending on the patient’s pre-operative exam. This helps restore a more youthful appearance to the upper eyelid by accentuating its natural curves and shape. By using the natural crease of your eyelid, this incision is very well concealed.

Lower eyelid procedure
Lower eyelid surgery can vary depending on the degree of aging. Two common complaints include lower lid skin excess and bulging fat, which can give patients a “tired” or “puffy” appearance. In the operating room, an incision is made either within your eyelid or at the lower lash line. Several surgical options are possible depending on the patient’s exam, including fat removal/repositioning, tissue tightening, and removal of excess skin.

Recovery

Eyelid incisions are closed with sutures which are typically removed 5-7 days after surgery.. A lubricating ointment will be applied to your incisions and eyes for the first week after surgery. Recovery time is about minimizing swelling and bruising. This is variable based on the surgery performed, but typically patients feel comfortable going out into public at 1 week and attending social events at 2 weeks. Contact lenses and makeup can usually be restarted at two weeks after surgery. Sun protection of your incisions is recommend starting two weeks after surgery.

Learn more and book a consultation today.