Eyelid Surgery: A Complete Guide to this Cosmetic Procedure

Also referred to as Blepharoplasty or eye lift, eyelid surgery has become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures nowadays. The procedure is designed to reduce any bagginess from lower eyelids and get rids of excess skin from upper eyelids. In most cases, eyelid surgery is performed for cosmetic reasons, but in older people it is also performed for improving sight because sagging and drooping upper eyelids can often get in the way of their vision. It should be noted that an eye lift is not designed to eliminate crow’s feet, dark circles under the eyes or any other facial wrinkles. 

Eyelid surgery is typically performed in conjunction with other procedures, such as filler injections, laser resurfacing or forehead lifts. 

The Aging Process

Your skin gradually loses its elasticity as it ages. This lack of elasticity, combined with the constant pull of gravity, will cause excessive skin to accumulate on the lower and upper eyelids. Extra folds of skin on the upper eyelids hangs over the eyelashes and can affect your vision. As for the lower eyelid, excess skin can lead to bulges and wrinkles. The fat cushioning the eyeball from the skull can also cause bulges in the lower and upper eyelids. The thin membrane holding the fat in place weakens as you age, thus causing the fat to come forward into the lids.

Who Qualifies for Eyelid Surgery?

The ideal candidates for eyelid surgery are people who are in excellent health and also have realistic expectations. Most people are usually 35 or older when they opt for eyelid surgery. However, if the problem of droopy or baggy eyelids runs in the family, you can get the surgery done a lot sooner. 

Eyelid surgery is very effective in enhancing your appearance and can give your confidence a boost. But, it should be noted that it will alter your facial structure neither will it give you an ideal look. Before you opt for eyelid surgery, it is best to consider your goals and discuss them with your surgeon.

Are the Results Permanent?

It is very rare for lower eyelid surgery to be repeated whereas upper eyelid surgery can last for a good five to seven years. Your eyes will continue to age, even after the procedure. If your lids start sagging again, a better option may be to opt for a forehead lift rather than an eyelid surgery again. 

What to Expect from the Procedure?

Eyelid surgery is usually performed in an outpatient setting. Numbing medication is injected into your eyelids and intravenous medication is given to help patients relax. If you have surgery on both upper and lower eyelids, the surgeon will start with the former. They cut along the fold of the eyelid, remove some excess muscle, skin and fat and close the cut. For the lower eyelid, a cut is made just inside the lower lid or below the lashes. Excess muscle, fat and sagging skin are removed and cut is closed. 

Once the surgery is over, patients are monitored for any complications and you can go home to recuperate. Some temporary side effects include double vision, watering eyes, blurred vision due to the ointment applies to the eyes, light sensitivity, numb and puffy eyelids, discomfort or pain and swelling and bruising. 

What Happens After?

Later on, patients are asked to apply ice packs on their eyes for 10 minutes every hour. Eyelids have to be cleaned and prescribed ointments or eye-drops are to be used. Strenuous activities, smoking and rubbing the eyes need to be avoided. You can get the stitches removed after a few days, if needed.