Eyelid Surgery
Patients for this procedure span the entire adult age spectrum and seek eyelid surgery to address:
- Wrinkles
- Excess skin
- Laxity in the upper and lower eyelids
- Bags under the eyes
- Dark circles
- Hollowing of the lower eyelid
The benefits of eyelid surgery are immediately apparent to patients. They often receive comments like, “You look well rested,” “You look fresh,” or “You don’t look tired anymore.” Eyelid procedures are quick, safe and effective, and can drastically enhance your appearance while also improving your range of vision.
Upper Eyelid Surgery
As the skin begins to stretch, most patients compensate by lifting their brows. This strains the forehead muscles and can accelerate the development of deep forehead wrinkles. Eventually, overcompensation by the brows is not enough to raise the extra skin, and patients may complain of heavy eyelids or even loss of their upper field of vision.
In female patients, excess skin obscures the eyelids and makes it difficult to apply makeup. Results from upper eyelid surgery include a more vibrant and youthful appearance.
The procedure itself is very quick — approximately 20 minutes per eyelid — and is performed under local anesthetic. The incision is concealed within the eyelid crease and heals very quickly. Eventually, it is unnoticeable even to the trained eye. Recovery usually takes about seven days. Wearing sunglasses can accelerate your return to non-strenuous social activity by a few days.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
A lower eyelid lift can be performed to address wrinkles, excess skin, laxity in the lower eyelids, bags under the eyes, dark circles, and hollowing of the lower eyelid. Recovery time can vary depending on the procedures performed. Below are some additional options for surgical and non-invasive techniques to reduce these concerns.
Skin Pinch and Skin-Flap Only Blepharoplasty
Excision of excess skin is referred to as a “skin pinch.” It is a quick and safe method of removing excess lower eyelid skin. The incision is concealed in the crease below the eyelashes. A similar but slightly more extensive variation is a skin-flap only blepharoplasty.
Subciliary Blepharoplasty
This is a more sophisticated procedure that involves the removal of excess skin and of the protruding fat that causes bags under the eyes. It is performed through an incision in the crease below the eyelashes. Protruding fat also produces most dark circles under the eyes, which are also improved with this procedure. They are due to a shadow cast by light falling on the fat bulge, which acts like a shelf (skin pigmentation is a less common cause of dark circles under the eyes).
Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty
This involves the removal of excess fat through an internal eyelid incision. Although it may sound startling, it is one of the safest methods. Dr. Khoury anesthetizes the area without the patient feeling it. Occasionally, there is some excess skin left after the removal of fat, which can be eliminated with a skin pinch. Recovery from this procedure is similar to upper eyelid surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eyelid Surgery
Am I the right candidate for eyelid surgery?
A candidate for eyelid surgery is someone who wishes to improve the appearance of their aging eyes. While this surgery can be performed at any age, most patients are over 30. You may be a good candidate for eyelid surgery if you:
- Have realistic expectations of your results
- Do not smoke
- Are in generally good health
- Have no pre-existing eye conditions
How should I prepare for eyelid surgery?
Before undergoing eyelid surgery, you should plan to have a responsible adult drive you home. Rest is an important part of your recovery. Please plan to take adequate time off of work and your daily obligations. It is also important to avoid smoking and anti-inflammatory medication that can thin the blood several weeks before and after your operation. You should speak with your surgeon regarding which medications may affect your surgery and healing process.
Are the results of eyelid surgery permanent?
While some patients may need to have a repeated procedure as they continue to age, most patients only require this procedure once. Eyelid surgery will not stop the natural aging process, this procedure helps turn back the time but aging will still continue.
Will I have visible scarring after eyelid surgery?
Since incisions need to be made, eyelid surgery will result in some scarring. However, since the incisions are often made in the creases, close to the lower lash line, or inside the lower lid (transconjunctival approach), the scars are easy to conceal. Scarring will fade over time and can be covered with makeup.
Can eyelid surgery be combined with other procedures?
Many patients undergoing eyelid surgery may wish to improve other areas of their face to maintain a balance between the features. Dr. Khoury offers facelift surgery and other facial procedures to help with signs of aging.