Eye Lifts - Blepharoplasty

Some people have eyelid surgery to correct problems that are a result of aging, while others have inherited traits such as bags under their eyes that cause them to seek treatment at a younger age.

If the upper eyelid condition is accompanied by sagging of the eyebrows, then a forehead (brow) lift may be recommended.

Smoothing of crow's feet may require Botox, chemical peeling, or laser resurfacing procedures. Circles beneath the eyes caused by dark pigmentation may be treated with a bleaching solution or chemical peel.

Alternately, sinking around the bony orbit below the eye can be addressed with fat grafting or a mid face lift.

High blood pressure, thyroid problems or diabetes are some of the conditions that can increase the risks during eyelid surgery. Your plastic surgeon will ask if you have allergies, or if you have been told that you have "dry eye" or any other eye problems.

There are two different approaches to lower lid surgery. One uses an external incision and the other is performed from inside the lower lid. Your age and the extent of the fatty deposits you have will determine which approach is preferred.

The incision is hidden within the natural fold of the upper eyelid for upper eyelid surgery and it is through this incision that excess skin and fat are removed.

Because the incision follows the natural contour of the upper eyelid, it will be well camouflaged when it has healed.

For lower lid surgery the incision is usually hidden below the lower lashes. Through this incision, excess skin, muscle and fat are removed. Fat may also be redistributed to improve puffiness or bulges. Other adjustments such as canthopexy (eyelid tightening) may be done to correct special problems such as muscle laxity.

You and your plastic surgeon may decide that the best approach for removing excess fat is a technique that needs no external incision. This procedure is called trans- conjunctival lower blepharoplasty. While it is a good approach for younger patients, it cannot be used to remove excess skin so a laser may be used in conjunction with this method to tighten the skin under the eyes.

After your surgery, you may have a feeling of dryness or irritation in the eye. This may require treatment. There is also a chance of a temporary reduction in eyelid sensation or impaired eyelid function.

Impaired lid function may be treated with additional surgery.

Mild swelling persists for several weeks in some cases while others see swelling resolve in just seven days. Bruising is gone in most people in seven to ten days and you may use makeup within the first week to hide discoloration.

You may find your eyes are temporarily sensitive to light. You may also experience some excess tearing or dryness. Your plastic surgeon may recommend eye drops to relieve burning or itching. You may want to wear dark sunglasses for a couple of weeks to protect your eyes from the wind and sun.

The incision lines will fade over several months until they become barely visible.