Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty)

An eyelid lift or Blepharoplasty is a procedure that removes excess skin on the upper and/or lower eyelid. This excess skin causes the eye to appear tired and aged. In severe cases this extra skin can even impede vision. The blepharoplasty procedure also removes some of the fatty tissue underneath the eyelid that causes a tired and baggy appearance. The eyelid lift procedure will give your eyes a rested and more youthful look.

Can the eyelid lift be performed along with another procedure?

Yes. Eyelid lifts can be performed alone or in conjunction with other facial procedures such as face-lifts or brow-lifts. A patient may also wish to have both the upper and lower eyelids restored at the same time and others will prefer to only have one or the other.

Where are the incisions for an eyelid lift?

For the upper eyelid lift, the incision is hidden along a natural crease on the upper eyelid. The incision used for the lower eyelid is 1 mm below the lash line and is also well hidden within a natural crease. Healing varies for every person, but the incisions in eyelid surgery tend to heal extremely well. If a patient does not have skin laxity in the lower lid but instead only has bulging fat, a transconjunctival blepharoplasty can be offered. In this procedure, the incision is hidden on the inside of the eyelid.

What should I expect during the recovery period?

Eyelid lifts are performed as an outpatient surgery and you will be able to go home the same day. For the first couple of days mild swelling and bruising can be expected. This gradually improves over the first week and most patients can go back to work in seven to ten days. Any residue bruising can be covered up with make-up at this time. You may be sensitive to sunlight, wind and other irritants for several weeks. You should wear glasses and a special sun block made for the eyelids when you go out. You may have a dry or itchy sensation for the first couple of weeks. Dr Polecritti will teach you how to clean your eyes during this period and will provide you with drops if your eyes become dry. Contacts should not be worn for two weeks and after that they might feel uncomfortable for a while. The sutures will be removed between three and seven days after the surgery. Strenuous activity should be avoided after the procedure for several weeks in order to limit swelling.

Will insurance pay for an eyelid lift?

In most cases, an eyelid lift is considered a cosmetic procedure and insurance will not pay for it. If the skin on the upper eyelid is so saggy that it impedes vision, insurance might consider the procedure medically necessary and therefore pay for it. In cases that might qualify for insurance coverage, an eye and visual field exam will be necessary. Dr Polecritti will assist you in completing the adequate assessment.

Your new look

Healing is a gradual process. Your incision scars may remain slightly pink for several weeks to months. Eventually they will fade to a nearly invisible thin white line. Once healed, your eyes will appear rested and relaxed giving your entire face a healthy, more youthful look.

If you’re struggling with functional or cosmetic eyelid problems, blepharoplasty is a type of procedure to consider. It may be used to restore impaired vision from drooping eyelids and even reverse the signs of aging around the eyes.

In blepharoplasty, your surgeon will remove excess tissue from the upper or lower eyelids. The exact procedure will depend on your unique eye shape and treatment goals.

To alter the upper eyelids, your surgeon will make an incision along the upper eyelid crease. They’ll remove skin, muscle, and/or fat as needed, then close the incision. To adjust the lower eyelids, your surgeon will make an incision just below the lower lash line or on the inside of the lower lid. They’ll then remove or reposition skin, muscle, and/or fat and close the incision.

Why Is Blepharoplasty Performed?

When we age, our eyelids gradually lose elasticity, causing them to loosen and stretch. Fat may then accumulate around the eyelids, creating a sagging or drooping appearance. Blepharoplasty is often performed as a solution for these signs of aging around the eyes.

Additionally, some people naturally have excess skin on their upper or lower eyelids. Through blepharoplasty, excess eyelid skin and under eye bags in people of all ages can be removed to make the eyes appear more open and alert.

When the skin around the eyes sags, it may inhibit your field of vision (especially your peripheral vision), so blepharoplasty may also be performed as a solution to impaired vision from loose or drooping eyelids.

Recovering from Blepharoplasty

As you recover from blepharoplasty, it’s important to protect the delicate eye area. Be sure not to rub or scratch your eyes, clean them gently as advised, and wear dark sunglasses when you go outside. In the first few days after the procedure, sleep with your head elevated. For one week after treatment, you’ll need to avoid vigorous physical activity, including swimming.

Your doctor may recommend applying an ice pack to the treatment area for short intervals during the week after the procedure. Also, you may be advised to use prescription creams and eyedrops to help speed up the recovery process.

After your eyes have healed from blepharoplasty, you’ll notice that your eyes appear lifted, rested, and more youthful. Contact us today to learn more about blepharoplasty and how it may work for you.