What is eyelid surgery?
Table of Contents
Introduction
Cosmetic eyelid surgery, technically called blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both. Specifically, eyelid surgery can treat:
- Loose or sagging skin that creates folds or hides the natural contour of the upper eyelid
- Excess skin that hangs down from the upper eyelid, sometimes impairing vision
- Excess fatty deposits that appear as puffiness in the upper eyelids
- Bags under the eyes
- Droopiness of the lower eyelids, showing white below the iris
- Excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelid
These conditions typically appear as part of the natural aging process, or due to heredity. Where they are the result of heredity, individuals as young as their 20s and 30s may achieve a marked improvement in the appearance of their eyes through eyelid surgery. Eyelid surgery removes excess skin, eliminates bags and restores firmness to the area surrounding the eye, making you look more rested and alert.
Most commonly, eyelid surgery is performed on adult men and women who have healthy facial tissue and muscles and have realistic goals for improvement of the upper and/or lower eyelids and surrounding area. Good candidates are:
- Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
- Non-smokers
- Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for improvement through eyelid surgery
In addition, the following medical conditions are essential to disclose if you are considering eyelid surgery:
- Eye disease such as glaucoma, dry eye or a detached retina
- Thyroid disorders such as Graves' disease and under or over-active thyroid
- Cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure or other circulatory disorders or diabetes
Where to begin
A consultation with Dr. Haas is the first step to learn how eyelid surgery can improve the appearance of your eyelids and the surrounding region. A consultation is designed to fully educate you about eyelid surgery in a non-pressured environment, and will include:
- A discussion of your goals and an evaluation of your individual case
- The options available for eyelid surgery
- The likely outcomes of surgery and the potential risks and complications
- The course of treatment recommended
Dr. Haas and our experienced staff will answer your questions.
Evaluation
Overall health and personal outlook can greatly impact the outcome of cosmetic eyelid surgery. These will be carefully evaluated during the consultation. The success of your procedure, safely and overall satisfaction requires that you:
- Honestly share your expectations
- Fully disclose health history, current medications, the use of vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs
- Commit to precisely following all of Dr. Haas' instructions
Safety
By making the decision to consult with Dr. Haas and following all the instructions given, you are taking an important step in helping to assure your safety.
Dr. Haas is certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery®. This certification designates surgeons who are specifically trained in plastic surgery of the face and entire body.
Your eyelid surgery
Like any cosmetic procedure, eyelid surgery requires an individualized approach. Dr. Haas will evaluate your anatomy, the condition you wish to have corrected, what is causing the condition and your realistic goals for improvement. Eyelid surgery can offer dramatic improvement in the upper and lower eyelids and surrounding regions. This degree of correction of drooping eyelids, puffiness or bags can only be achieved surgically, by repositioning muscle, redistributing fat that has settled into contours and when necessary, by removing excess skin.
Skin resurfacing techniques may be recommended to further improve the tone and surface appearance of skin surrounding the eye, and in some cases as a substitute for excision of minimal excess lower eyelid skin. Where a low-positioned brow or crows' feet at the outer corner of the eyes contribute to the aging appearance of the eyes, a brow lift may be more appropriate or recommended in conjunction with eyelid surgery. In addition, a brow lift can also smooth a lined or furrowed forehead.
A midface lift, one that corrects sagging in the cheek region and pronounced nasolabial folds (creases from the nose to the outer corner of the mouth) may be performed through the same incisions as blepharoplasty. A facelift and neck lift may also be performed at the same time as eyelid surgery.
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Droopy conditions of the upper eyelid can be corrected through eyelid surgery. An incision within the natural crease of the upper eyelid allows repositioning of fat deposits, tightening of muscles and tissue, and/or removal of excess skin to create a firmer upper eyelid contour. |
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Conditions of the lower eyelid may be corrected using a transconjunctival incision, one hidden inside the lower eyelid. Through this incision, fat is redistributed or some fat may be removed, and sagging muscles are tightened. An incision just below the lower lash line is an alternate technique allowing for correction of the lower eyelid conditions and removal of excess skin in the lower lid. |
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The incision lines from eyelid surgery are well concealed within the natural structures of the eyelid region. Results appear gradually as swelling and bruising subside to reveal a smooth, better-defined eyelid and surrounding region, and an alert and rejuvenated appearance. |
Preparing for surgery
Dr. Haas and our experienced staff will carefully explain the eyelid surgery procedure recommended for your specific case. Prior to surgery, you will be given specific instructions that may include:
- Pre-surgical considerations, diagnostic testing and medications
- Day of surgery instruction and medications
- Specific information related to the use of anesthesia
In addition, you will be asked to sign consent forms to assure us that you fully understand the procedure and potential risks and complications. Risks associated with eyelid surgery include poor healing or infection at the incision site, temporarily blurred or impaired vision and dry eye. Difficulty closing your eyes is also possible and usually temporary. Ectropion, a pulling down of the lower eyelid may occur in a small number of cases and is often temporary. These risks and others, as well as the risks associated with anesthesia will be discussed prior to your consent.
It is important that you address all your questions directly with Dr. Haas. It is natural to feel some anxiety, excitement for the anticipated outcome or preoperative stress. Please feel free to share your questions or concerns with us.
What to expect
Eyelid surgery may be performed in our JCAHO-accredited office-based, surgical facility, an ambulatory surgical facility or a hospital. The decision for anesthesia will be based on the requirements of your specific procedure and considerations of patient and surgeon preference. Dr. Haas and the assisting staff will fully attend to your comfort and safety.
Following surgery
Once your procedure is completed, lubricating ointment and cold compresses may be applied, and in some cases your eyes may be loosely covered with gauze. Before being released, you and an accompanying family member, friend or caregiver will be given specific instructions that may include:
- How to care for the surgical site
- Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection
- Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in overall health
- When to follow-up with our office
Progress and healing
Initial healing may include some swelling, bruising, irritation or dry eye and discomfort that can be controlled with medication, cold compresses and ointment. Irritation at the incision sites is also possible. These are all common conditions.
You should keep your head elevated at all times until initial swelling has subsided and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from bright light, sun and wind. Follow all of Dr. Haas' instructions carefully; this is essential to the success of your outcome. A return to light, normal activity is possible as soon as you feel ready, usually within a few days of surgery.
Healing of incisions may take five to ten days, at which time any sutures will be removed, if necessary. You will be ready to return to work and normal activity at this time and to resume wearing contact lenses. Cosmetics can camouflage any bruising or redness that remains. Healing will continue for several weeks as swelling continues to dissipate and incision lines improve. Diligent sun protection and consistent use of darkly tinted sunglasses is essential.
Results and outlook
Final results appear gradually over time, generally within several weeks. It may take up to a year for incision lines to fully refine. While eyelid surgery can be expected to correct certain conditions permanently, you will continue to age naturally. Lifelong sun protection including the use of sunscreen and sunglasses will help to maintain your results.
The benefits of your surgery should reveal a smooth, firm contour of the upper and/or lower eyelids. What matters more is that the appearance of your eyes matches the way you feel inside – youthful, vital and alert.
