See AND Be Seen

As a plastic surgeon I share a sense of gratification with my patients when the final results of their procedures are unveiled. One of the more rewarding procedures I perform is an eyelid lift, because it refreshes the patient’s appearance, making the eyes appear more expressive and vibrant.

Droopy upper eyelids and bags under the eyes don’t do much to convey a person’s inner vitality. Occasionally, the skin or even the muscles in the upper lid have weakened, stretched, and sagged to such a degree that the condition interferes with clear vision. Whether eyelid issues result from the effects of aging or from genetic factors, an eyelid lift (also known as a blepharoplasty) can address these concerns.

To get natural-looking results from eyelid surgery, conservative removal of excess skin and re-positioning of the underlying muscle is generally required. Depending on the patient’s appearance and desires, I might suggest work on the upper lids, the lower lids, or both. I remove excess skin and sometimes fat through well-hidden incisions. My goal as a surgeon is to recreate a rested, youthful appearance, perhaps similar to the look you enjoyed in the past. I never change the shape of the eye as this can make patients look different, not better, to friends and family. Even if the intent is only to improve vision with an eyelid lift, there is usually a positive cosmetic change too.

I perform this procedure with the patient under general anesthesia. Because the surgery is performed in a small area, recovery time from eyelid surgery is relatively short. Naturally, you’ll need to take good care of your eyes in the early post-operative period. Eye drops and ointments will be prescribed and no contact lenses may be worn until specific healing goals have been met, which usually occurs two to three weeks after surgery. I will evaluate your progress with healing at post-operative visits over a six-week period. Within three weeks, exercise and all normal activities can resume.

Eyelid surgery can complement other facial rejuvenation surgery, such as a facelift, which focuses on correcting facial aging in the lower half of the face and neck. Addressing the eyes and the face simultaneously creates a balanced result. When you have a harmonious blend of procedures, it is very difficult to discern that any aesthetic surgery has taken place.

I often emphasize that my surgical objective is to achieve a natural appearance. As you and I consult on your goals, we’ll review all the options and design an approach that works best for your needs.

Categorized in: Blepharoplasty