Eyelid Lifts (Blepharoplasty)

Understanding Eyelid Lifts (Blepharoplasty)

An eyelid lift, or blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to return the eyelids to their normal, more youthful appearance. The skin around the eyelids is thin and in constant motion, making it one of the first places to show signs of aging. Over time, this can lead to wrinkles, droopiness, and sagging. Eyelids can also begin to bag or become puffy due to the aging process, hereditary reasons in younger people, or as a result of chronic eye fatigue. A blepharoplasty corrects these issues by removing excess tissue and restoring a smoother, more refreshed look.

Who is a Good Candidate for an Eyelid Lift?

Determining candidacy involves considering a patient's age, goals, and overall health.

• Age Range: The procedure is commonly performed on people aged 35-75 to address signs of aging. However, it can also be suitable for individuals in their 20s or older who have a genetic predisposition to eyelid puffiness or bagging. For children born with congenital eyelid defects, it is often necessary to perform corrective surgery before they reach the age of 6.
• Health and Pre-Surgery Evaluation: A pre-operative examination is necessary to determine the best surgical method. Patients with certain underlying health conditions, such as cardiovascular illnesses, diabetes, or high eye pressure, can still have the procedure but will require specific permission from their primary doctor.

The Surgical Procedure

Surgical Method The surgeon makes precise incisions designed to be hidden within the natural structures of the eye area.

• For the upper eyelid, the incision is made along its natural fold line.
• For the lower eyelid, the incision is made just below the eyelashes.

Through these incisions, looseness in the tissue is addressed. The surgeon repairs connective and muscle tissues while removing excess fat and skin. Once the reshaping is complete, the incisions are closed with special stitches in a way that leaves no visible marking. A light dressing is then placed over the stitches. Anesthesia and Duration Blepharoplasty is a relatively quick procedure, lasting between 1 to 3 hours. It is performed under either local or general anesthetic. If both the upper and lower eyelids are being operated on in the same session, the surgeon will typically address the upper eyelids first, followed by the lower ones. The procedure is not painful. After the anesthetic wears off, the eyelids may feel tight, which is a normal sensation. This discomfort can be easily managed with painkillers recommended by your doctor. Patients are typically discharged to go home the same day.

Recovery and Aftercare

The recovery process is staged, with most normal activities resuming within a week.

Immediate Post-Op (First 24 Hours)

• It is critical not to rub your eyes.
• Avoid any activity that significantly tires your eyes for the first two days.

The First Week

• Days 2-3: You will be able to read and watch TV comfortably.
• Days 3-7: The stitches are removed by your surgeon.
• Days 4-5: The initial dressing is removed. You can typically shower or bathe at this point.
• Day 5: You can usually resume driving. It is recommended to apply a prescribed eye ointment after driving.

Once the stitches are removed, the swelling and bruising around the eyelids will begin to disappear gradually, and your eyes will start to look and feel better.

Returning to Normal Life

• In general, you can return to your normal daily life within one week.
• Avoid wearing eye makeup for one week to lower the risk of infection.
• If you normally wear contact lenses, you can typically resume using them one week after the operation.
• It is important to wear sunglasses when outdoors to protect your healing eyes from direct sunlight.