Eyelid surgery is one the most popular cosmetic procedures performed today. Dr. Hart and Dr. Connors offer blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) for our patients who desire a rejuvenated facial appearance. During this procedure, excess skin and tissue are removed from the upper eyelids to create a result that makes the eyes look more open and alert. In addition, if the lower eyelids are being addressed, this surgery eliminates the bags, contours, and wrinkles under the eyes. During your consultation, one of our surgeons will assess the eyes and determine if an upper, lower, or combination surgery is needed to attain the results the patient desires.
- Recovery Time: Two to four weeks
- Procedure Recovery Location: Outpatient
How Is An Eyelid Lift Performed?
Upper Eyelid Surgery
During upper eyelid surgery, an incision is made within the natural fold of the lid and extended outward. The incision will go out as wide as possible so that additional skin folds on the outside of the upper eye can also be addressed. Once the incision is made, excess skin, tissue, and (in some cases) a small portion of the orbicularis occuli muscle are removed. The incision is closed and the scar remains almost completely hidden because of where it resides in the natural crease.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
During lower eyelid surgery, an incision is made either along the bottom of the lash line or inside the eye. This can allow the surgeon to remove excess fat and tissue. In patients who have puffy lower eyelids but good skin tone, an approach known as a transconjunctival blepharoplasty can be performed. This technique puts the incision inside the lower eyelid rather than outside. Patients who have dark circles under their eyes will sometimes have a deficiency of fat in these areas. Facial fat transfer can be used to help fill these soft-tissue deficiencies and can improve the appearance of these circles.
What Should I Expect During And Following Eyelid Surgery?
A lower eyelid surgery is often performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure in an accredited surgical facility. An upper lid blepharoplasty can generally be performed under oral sedation without the requirement for general anesthesia but in combination with a lower blepharoplasty or other procedures can be done under general anesthesia. It generally takes up to two hours for both the upper and lower eyelids to be addressed.
Following surgery, the area around the eyes will likely be bruised and swollen. Patients should apply ice packs, keep their heads elevated, and apply medicated eye ointment for a few days. Patients comment on the fact that friends and family tell them they look great, but often cannot put a finger on what is different. These subtle-yet-dramatic results typically restore a softer, more youthful appearance.
“Let me start by saying, 5 stars is not enough for this team of professionals. I can't say enough about Dr. Connors and his staff. Dr. Connors has to be the most caring doctor I have ever met. I am telling you now... I will NEVER go anywhere else. He did my eyelid surgery in November, and I never once felt ANY pain or discomfort. When I say he loves what he does, it has to be true. From the consult to surgery to post op he was so informative, he told me the truth, and talked me through the surgery while in progress. It was such a wonderful experience."
Eyelid Surgery FAQs
Will I Have Visible Scars?
After surgery, scarring will generally not be visible because of where the incisions are placed. In the upper eyelid, the incision follows the natural crease of the eye. The lower eyelid incision will run just under the eyelashes or inside the eyelid. As such, scarring should be inconspicuous.
Will Eyelid Surgery Eliminate Crow's Feet?
Eyelid surgery can reduce puffy bags and excess skin and may help contribute to some minimization of crow’s feet. However, to truly treat crow’s feet, one will need a different approach. BOTOX® Cosmetic injections and procedures such as a brow lift are generally better options to help eliminate crow’s feet.
Will I Experience Irritation After Eyelid Surgery?
Some patients will experience dryness and minimal irritation following surgery. If these occur, we can recommend ointments and eye drops to assist during the healing phase. Patients should protect their eyes against wind and sun irritation for the first several months by wearing dark sunglasses.
Will My Vision Improve Following Eyelid Surgery?
If anything, eyelid surgery actually helps improve the vision for many patients. Not only can it restore a fresh, younger look from a cosmetic standpoint, it can eliminate the excess skin that may have been impairing vision. It is important to select a skilled surgeon who has expertise with eyelid surgery. We take great care during this surgery so that the eyes themselves are left untouched and unharmed.
