Eyelid Surgery

Blepharoplasty is the surgical correction of defects or deformities of the upper and lower eyelids. Of all the cosmetic facial plastic surgical procedures that one may elect to have, eyelid surgery may have the most effective rejuvenating results. Having tired, heavy, or angry eyes prompts many patients to consider plastic surgery. As discussed below when evaluating the upper eyelid it is important to assess the contribution of heaviness from full face and brow

Am I a Good Candidate for this procedure?

Any one or combination of the following conditions may indicate that you are a good candidate for eyelid surgery:

Excess skin obscuring the natural fold of the upper eyelids

Loose skin hanging down from the upper eyelids, perhaps impairing vision

A puffy appearance to the upper eyelids, making the eyes look tired

Excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelids

Bags and dark circles under the eyes, often with a depression along the bony border of the lower eyelids

Droopiness of the lower eyelids, showing white below the iris (colored portion of the eye)

Considering Eyelid Surgery

You can trust us to appropriately assess if both brow and eyelid surgery or a single procedure will give you the refreshed upper lid appearance you desire. Determining the cause of lower eyelid “bags” can be complex and having a board certified plastic surgeon identify your needs to that the can be corrected safely is of utmost importance. Factors such as allergies, diet, sleep, and hormones can play a role in the lower lid appearance. Fullness of the lower eyelid can be from fat that surrounds the eye herniating forward, loss of support from tissue in the cheek, excess skin or a combination of all of these. In certain cases it is important to not only to remove fat but also address the cheek by a midface lift and or fat grafting.

Eyelid surgery can usually correct these problems, though other treatments may also need to be considered. For example, if the upper eyelid condition is accompanied by sagging of the eyebrows, then a forehead lift may be recommended.

How Will My Plastic Surgeon Evaluate Me?

You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your medical history including previous surgeries, past and present medical conditions and current medications. Your plastic surgeon will want to know if you have allergies, especially if they affect your eyes.

One of several surgical techniques may be suggested to improve the appearance of your eyelids. The particular technique that your plastic surgeon recommends will depend on many factors such as the amount of excess fat and skin in the eyelid areas, the position of your eyebrows, and the condition of the muscles around your eyelids.

How is My Plastic Surgeon Able to Improve the Appearance of My Upper Eyelids?

For upper eyelid surgery, generally an incision is hidden within the natural fold of the upper eyelid and extends slightly beyond the outside corner into the laugh lines or other existing creases. Through this incision, excess skin and fatty tissue are removed. Because the incision follows the natural contour of the upper eyelid, it will be well camouflaged when healed.

What is Done to Improve the Appearance of My Lower Eyelids?

For lower eyelid surgery, often an incision is hidden just below the lower lashes. Through this incision, excess skin, muscle and fat are removed, or fat may be redistributed to eliminate puffiness or bulges.

The Results

Eyelid surgery has the effect of making you look more rested, refreshed, and alert. Since the healing process is gradual, you should expect to wait at least several weeks to get an accurate picture of the results. Incisions will fade over a number of months until they become barely visible.