Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty)

OVERVIEW:

Our eyelids are one of the first areas to shown signs of aging. In youth, the eyelid skin is elastic and smooth. As we age, the skin starts to thin over time. In the upper eyelids, these effects may cause drooping, sagging, or a more ‘tired’ appearance to your eyelids. Excess skin hanging over your eyelids can also obstruct your vision. In addition, the loose skin may cause fat around the eyelids to bulge forward creating a ‘puffy’ appearance to your eyes.

An eyelid lift, or blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and/or fat on your upper or lower eyelids. This procedure creates a more youthful appearance without changing the shape of the eye. If any excess skin obstructs your vision, blepharoplasty may also improve your field of vision.

Blepharoplasty can be used to treat the following conditions:

• Excess skin on the eyelids (dermatochalasis)
• Puffy bags around the eyelids

During your consultation, Dr. Munroe will discuss the goals of your surgery with you. Dr. Munroe will assess the excess skin around your eyelids, the amount of fat causing any puffiness, and the position of your eyebrows. She will take careful measurements of your eyelids to ensure that enough skin remains behind after your surgery. This is important to maintain the function of your eyelids after surgery in order to allow them to open and close normally.

During The Procedure

Blepharoplasty can be done in the office or in an ambulatory surgery center with sedation. This procedure typically takes 1 – 2 hours to perform.

Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Excess skin and sometimes fat are first removed from the upper eyelid through an incision hidden in the natural eyelid crease. In some cases, fat tissues are only repositioned instead of excised. Once done, excess skin will also be trimmed and the incision will be closed with fine sutures.

Lower Lid Blepharoplasty

Fat in the lower lid is removed or repositioned through an incision hidden on the inside of your lower eyelid or below the eyelash line.

Follow Up Care

For the first few days, there will be swelling, bruising and discoloration around the surgical area. The incision will be slightly pink for a few months, but will ultimately fade and become barely visible.

It is advised that the head is elevated for the first few days. An oral antibiotic pill and antibiotic ointment will be prescribed to prevent infection. You will use ice packs on your eyes for the first 2 days after surgery to minimize swelling. Strenuous activities will be restricted for a few weeks.

The majority of bruising and swelling will resolve within the first two weeks after surgery. You will continue to see improvement over the next several months.