Cosmetic Procedures

Eyelid Surgery

They say that the eyes are the windows to the soul. But what if those windows are covered by outdated window treatments—our eyelids? Your eyelids may cause you to look sleepy, vacant or sorrowful even when you feel fine. Eyelid surgery is a way to refurbish the eyes and make them look refreshed, energized and younger.

This cosmetic procedure is one of the most popular for several reasons. First of all, eyelid surgery only requires about a week of down time, while other facial rejuvenating procedures can require upwards of two weeks for recovery. Also, the scars from eyelid surgery are virtually invisible once they heal. The surgery itself only lasts a few hours and often compliments other cosmetic surgery procedures such as a forehead lift or face lift.

Who Needs It

The best candidate for a browlift is someone with furrows and sagging or wrinkles on the forehead or around the eyebrows. For optimal results, a candidate should have some skin elasticity. Generally, the surgery is most effective for those over the age of 35 whose upper eyelids have begun to sag and/or whose lower lids have become puffy. Talk to your doctor if you wish to have lower or upper eyelid surgery or both.

Preparation

When you decide to have eyelid surgery, your surgeon will help formulate a game plan designed specifically for you. You will need to decide if you want surgery on your upper lids, lower lids or both. In some cases, fat will need to be removed, and in other cases, skin will need to be tightened.

For your initial consultation, please bring your most recent eye exam results as well as any glasses or contacts you wear. Your vision will be tested along with your tear production. Your doctor will also assess your overall health and tell you how to prepare for the procedure.

The Surgery

At the Wall Center, your eyelid surgery will be performed in our Ambulatory Surgical Center. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, unless you will be having another procedure at the same time. You will need to have someone drive you home afterwards.

Eyelid surgery is customized to each individual’s needs. The skin in the upper lids may need to be tightened, or fat deposits around the upper and lower lids may need to be removed. If incisions are needed, they will be made along the natural crease lines of the eye, and the fat and skin will be removed. If fat is the only thing to be removed, an incision can be made inside the eyelid, leaving no visible scar. During the procedure, fat and muscle around the lid are separated, and the fat deposits are removed.

Although complete recovery from eyelid surgery can take several weeks, you will only need about a week of down time before returning to your regular activities. During the recovery period, you should keep your head elevated, and apply eye drops to keep the eyes moistened.

Results

Generally, recovery takes about 10 days, although you will see dramatic improvements within the first few days. You will find you have a more awake, energized look. Most people are very pleased with the results, and the revitalized look often remains for years, and sometimes, permanently.