Eyelid Surgery

What is Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery?

More people every year choose cosmetic surgery to help address their aging concerns. It used to be mostly people over 50 requesting these procedures but now over 30% of our patients are between the ages of 35 and 50.

As we age, the tone and shape of the skin around our eyes and eyebrows becomes loose. This results in excess, puffy, wrinkled skin that creates a tired and older look. Eyelid surgery can correct the sagging lids, remove fatty pouches from around the eyes, and create a more restful appearance. An eyelid lift can be performed alone or with other procedures such as with eyebrow surgery or facelift procedures.

What is the Procedure?

An eyelid lift is performed as an outpatient procedure under local or twilight anesthesia. For the upper lids an incision is made in the natural eyelid crease. Excess skin is removed and fatty deposits are sculpted to enhance the eyelid contour. Tiny sutures are placed and are removed in 7 days. Lower eyelid surgery can now be performed through an incision on the inside of the eyelid which requires no stitches and leaves no visible scar.

Not all the winkles on the lower eyelids can be safely removed at the time of surgery. It is not uncommon to supplement lower eyelid surgery with other procedures such lasers or chemical peels to safely address these remaining age related changes.

After surgery

There is minimal discomfort after the surgery. Any pain can be managed by oral pain medication. With upper eyelid surgery bruising and swelling is often minimal and most patients can return to non-strenuous activities the next day. Depending on the extent of the lower eyelid procedure some patients may have bruising or swelling for up to 14 days.

Results

You should excpect a more natural youthful look to your eyes resulting in a more restful appearance.

Our eyelids play an important role in the health of our eyes. Choosing a surgeon trained in the art of aesthetics and in the normal form and function of your eyes and eyelids will enable you to achieve these goals safely. Surgeons who have been awarded membership to the American Society of Ophthalmic and Plastic Surgery are specifically trained in this art.