Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty)

About Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty)

Blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery or eyelid lift, is a popular facial plastic surgery aimed at rejuvenating the eyes by addressing issues such as excess skin and fat. The procedure targets sagging, puffy, or tired-looking eyes, with the upper eyelid often addressing excess skin, while the lower eyelid focuses on excess fat causing bags. It is performed as an outpatient procedure under sedation or general anesthesia. Factors like aging, sun damage, smoking, stretching, and obesity can contribute to the droopy appearance of eyelids. Contrary to the misconception that the eyelid itself droops, it is primarily the excess hanging skin that gives this impression. The thinness of eyelid skin makes it prone to early signs of aging. Upper eyelid skin may droop, and lower eyelids may exhibit bulging due to weakening fat pockets. Blepharoplasty can be performed on its own or in combination with a facelift, BOTOX®, or fillers like Juvederm® to achieve comprehensive facial rejuvenation. The procedure is popular among both men and women, offering a more youthful and refreshed appearance. Given the eyes' significance in defining overall facial aesthetics, blepharoplasty has become the second most popular facial plastic surgery after rhinoplasty. If unhappy with the eyes' appearance, individuals may consider blepharoplasty for a safe procedure with minimal downtime, enhancing their look and boosting confidence.

Candidates for Eyelid Lift

The best candidates for blepharoplasty are individuals who are in good overall health and who do not smoke and do not have any serious eye conditions. If you have loose, sagging upper eyelid skin or puffy bags under your eyes, this procedure can help reduce these unwanted effects and leave the eyes looking young and refreshed. It is important for patients to have realistic expectations before undergoing surgery in order to be satisfied with their results. While this procedure can enhance your appearance and may improve self-confidence as a result, it cannot alter your entire appearance or change the structure of your face. Other signs of the aging face, such as smile lines (“crow’s feet) are not improved with this procedure.

Blepharoplasty Procedure

The blepharoplasty procedure is performed under local anesthesia, although for the lower eyelids, Dr Pritha Rakshit often uses general anesthesia. Patients may choose to have this procedure performed on either their upper or their lower eyelids, or both. Depending on these choices, the procedure can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours. If the upper eyelid is being treated, a lazy-S excision of skin is made along the natural crease of the eyelid fold called the supratarsal fold and the droopy skin from above is removed. Once the excision is made, Dr Pritha Rakshit may also remove small fat deposits located near the nose. The result leaves the upper eyes looking younger and refreshed. For the lower eyelid, an incision is made just below the lash line extending a tad out into a smile line, and through this incision excess fat (the puffy bulge) is removed as well as a small amount of excess skin. Whereas the upper lid is usually an excess skin problem, the lower lid is usually an excess fat problem. After the procedure is performed, the incisions are closed with sutures, some of which dissolve. Ice compresses are applied as one is brought to the recovery room.

Blepharoplasty Recovery

After the blepharoplasty procedure, Dr Pritha Rakshit recommends applying lubricating drops during the day and lubricating ointment for bedtime, as well as aggressive cold ice compresses to aid the healing process. In distinction to many other procedures, ice compresses are very important after a blepharoplasty in order to minimize the four main side effects: swelling, bruising, oozing and pain. Patients can usually return to work within several days, but should avoid exercise and strenuous activities for at least two weeks. Makeup or lightly tinted glasses often help camouflage signs of surgery allowing patients to return to work sooner. Most swelling and other side effects usually subside within two weeks after surgery. Rakshit will give you specific instructions on how to care for your eyes after surgery.

Eyelid Lift Results

Results of a blepharoplasty procedure are visible as swelling and bruising subside and will continue to improve for up to a year after surgery. This procedure is designed to produce long-lasting results, although the aging process continues. While surgery cannot prevent your eyes from aging, most patients are more than satisfied with their results and do not seek repeat procedures for many, many years. The scars from the blepharoplasty procedure are usually well concealed and will fade almost completely with time until they are virtually unnoticeable. The incision is hidden in the crease of the eyelid in an upper blepharoplasty, and just below the lashes in a lower blepharoplasty.

Risks of Blepharoplasty

As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks associated with this procedure. Although rare, these risks include bleeding, infection, dry eyes, skin discoloration, sagging lower eyelid (ectropian) and an inability to fully close the eyes (very rare). Many of these risks can be minimized by choosing an experienced surgeon and following proper care instructions after surgery. You can discuss these risks; along with any other concerns you may have with Dr. Rakshit, to reduce anxiety and worries about your surgery.