Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid Surgery - Blepharoplasty

What is a Blepharoplasty?

Upper and lower eyelid surgery is performed to correct the “tired” expression of the eyes. In order to do this for the upper eyelid, the excess skin and bulging fat (from the corner of the eye if needed) are removed. For the lower eyelids, we correct the “bags” which can be a result of any combination of excess skin, muscle and/or fat. During surgery the incisions are made along the natural creases of the upper eyelids and/or directly below the lower eyelashes. The skin is separated from the underlying tissue and the excess fat is then removed or repositioned. The lower eyelid muscle is sometimes tightened resulting in a mid face lift with improvement of the nasolabial folds decreasing the need of filler injections in them. The eyelid skin is then subjected to a very fine plastic closure of the incisions. On some patients the lower eyelid fat may be removed from the inside of the eyelid without external incisions.

Eyelid surgery can create a smoother, natural and more youthful look for your eyes. The procedure routinely takes from one to two and a half hours and is performed under local anesthesia and intravenous sedation as an outpatient.

Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery is to remove excess fat and skin from the upper and lower eyelids. It is performed to correct the “tired” expression or “hooding” of the upper eyelid, and the “bags” from the lower eyelids.

Eyes are the windows to the soul. There is no doubt that our eyes are the focal point of the face. When aging changes occur around the eyes, they can give the face an older appearance. Through blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery ) the youthful appearance of the eyes can be regained. Typically, upper lids will develop skin laxity and hooding. There can be fatty fullness that causes heaviness of the upper eyelids, particularly towards the corner of the eye, near the nose. The upper lid fold can become hidden beneath overhanging skin, thus “hooding”. The most common complaint regarding aging lower eyelids is that skin laxity and fullness or “bags” have formed. These dark circles beneath the eyes can result from skin and soft tissue weakening. The supportive structures of the lower lids develop looseness to the point where fat around the eye bulges forward. No amount of makeup or expensive creams can resolve this, the shadow and “bag” that forms over time can be addressed only through surgery.

Who are the Ideal Candidates?

The best patients are those who are healthy, psychologically stable and well-motivated. Most are 35 or older, but if puffy, baggy or hooded eyelids run in your family, you may decide to have eyelid surgery at a younger age. During your consultation, Dr. Stamatiou will ask you about your general medical history to identify any medical conditions that may increase the risk to blepharoplasty surgery such a thyroid disease, high blood or eye pressure, bleeding disorders or tear production disturbances such a water or dry eyes. Sometimes it is per your Opthomalogist's (eye doctor) recommendation to have the procedure performed to improve peripheral vision that is limited due to the excess skin around the eye.

About the Procedure

During surgery the incisions are made along the natural creases of the upper eyelids and /or directly below the lower eyelashes The skin is separated from the underlying tissue and the closure excess fat is then removed or repositioned. The lower eyelid muscle is sometimes tightened resulting in a mid face lift with improvement oft eh nasolabial folds decreasing the need of filler injections in them.. The eyelid skin is then subjected to a very fine plastic closure of the incisions. On some patient the lower eyelid fat may be removed from the inside of the eyelid without external incisions. The procedure routinely takes from one to two hours and is performed under local anesthesia with IV sedation as an outpatient.

What is Recovery Like?

Patients will be given a eye-mask ice pack and are advised to use for a 48 hr. period to help reduce the swelling and the bruising. Patients will be able to go home immediately after the procedure however should avoid strenuous activities, including heavy lifting and exercise for 10-14 days post surgery. Patients may experience excessive tearing, vision distortions and light sensitivity immediately following the procedure, but they usually subside within the first two to three days. The eyes may also be red and puffy for several days and swelling and bruising are likely to occur, but should disappear after the first week. Stitches are removed after 5 days and most patients can return to work. Camouflage make-up can be used to cover any remaining bruising if necessary.

Do You Have More Questions about Eyelid Surgery?

If you would like to get rid of droopy eyelids that get in the way of your vision or add years to your face, or baggy lower lids that persist no matter how much you rest, eyelid surgery may be a good option for you. Find out more about how eyelid surgery can rejuvenate your eye area and instantly take years off of your appearance. Dr. Stamatiou will be happy to explain the procedure in more detail and how it can be tailored to meet your individual aesthetic concerns. Call Excel Plastic Surgery today to schedule your complimentary consultation.