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Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty,
is utilized to give a more refreshed and youthful look to the
eyes. As we age we develop extra skin in both the upper and
lower eyelids. This is often associated with areas of bulging
fat pads that can occur in both eyelids but are mostly noted in
the lower eyelids. In addition a brow lift and / or cheek lift may be used in
combination to give a rejuvenation to the  upper
one-half of the
face. In eyelid surgery the goal is to remove the excess skin,
tighten the appearance of the eyelids, as well as to remove or
to alter the bulging fat pads. Sometimes the fat pads of the
lower eyelid are redraped over the cheek to help treat the
depression that occurs there as the cheek tissues descend with
age. In addition some patients will request a more exotic look
to their eyes. This can be achieved by slightly elevating the
outer angle.
Routine upper and lower eyelid
surgery is performed as an outpatient. Most patients will be up
and about the following day. Although one may feel like working
at home in as little as two days after the surgery, they will
usually wait at least five to seven days to return to work or
other public places. The sutures are removed at three to four
days and makeup can be applied one day following that. Most of
the associated swelling will resolve within two weeks.
Interestingly, eyelid surgery results usually last longer than
other facial rejuvenate procedures; and for this reason, these
procedures are rarely repeated.
What can
eyelid surgery do for me?
Blepharoplasty
is ideal for the correction of:
- Loose, sagging and/or folded upper eyelids that may limit
vision
- Puffy fat deposits in the upper eyelids
- Under-eye bags
- Sagging lower eyelids that may show the white of the eyes
below the iris
- Excess skin in the lower eyelids
- Fine wrinkles in the lower eyelids
What
won't blepharoplasty correct?
Blepharoplasty
cannot raise the eyebrows or reduce the appearance of deep
wrinkles, crow’s feet or dark circles under the eyes. However,
eyelid lifts can be combined with other procedures such as brow
lifts, BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments and laser procedures to
achieve these results.
Am
I a good candidate for an eyelid lift?
The
best candidates for blepharoplasty:
- Are generally healthy
-
Do not smoke
- Have realistic expectations
- Do not have any serious eye conditions
Dr.
Person will talk to you about whether you are a good candidate
for eyelid surgery.
How
is a blepharoplasty performed?
Eyelid
surgery is usually performed in an office, usually with local
anesthesia and IV sedation. The procedure can take less than 45
minutes.
Incisions
are made along the eyelids in inconspicuous places: in the
natural creases of the upper lids for upper eyelid
blepharoplasty and just below the lash line on the lower lids
for lower eyelid blepharoplasty. If no skin needs to be removed,
the surgeon will likely perform a transconjunctival
blepharoplasty, where the incision is made inside the lower
eyelid and there are no visible scars.
In
all cases, the surgeon then removes excess skin from the eyelids
using a scalpel, laser or radiofrequency (RF) tool. Fat may be
removed as well. He then closes the incisions with fine
sutures, tissue glue or surgical tape.
What
is recovery from eyelid surgery like?
Bruising,
swelling and a sense of tightness in the eyelids are common
after eyelid surgery. These should subside within 2-4 weeks.
Most patients resume activities in 3-5 days, when non-absorbable
stitches are removed, and return to work in about 10 days. By
one to two months after surgery, you should see the true results
of your eyelid lift: a more awake and cheerful look around the
eyes, and greater self-confidence.
Contact
lenses may not be worn for two weeks. Eyes can be sensitive to
light and wind and may be slightly irritated for a short while;
your surgeon may prescribe eye drops and cool compresses to ease
any discomfort.
What
are the risks of eyelid surgery?
Complications
from blepharoplasty are uncommon, but can include infection,
reaction to anesthesia, dry eyes, double or blurred vision for a
few days, temporary swelling of the eyelids, tiny whiteheads,
and difficulty closing eyes when going to sleep. Uneven healing
and scarring, and ectropion (pulling down of the lower lids) are
very rare and may require surgical correction. Patients with
thyroid problems, dry eye, high blood pressure, diabetes,
detached retina, glaucoma or other health problems should
consult with an ophthalmologist about eligibility.
To view our photo gallery
of before and after examples, please click
here.
For more information on
Eyelid Surgery, please click here
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Craig Mark Person, M.D., F.A.C.S. |
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8401 Connecticut
Avenue
Suite 203
Chevy Chase, MD 20815 |
7501 Greenway
Center Drive
Suite 220
Greenbelt, MD 20770 |
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Phone:
(301) 982-0202
Fax: (301) 345-9290
Email: Drcraigperson@aol.com
Member
of The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Inc.
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