About Eyelid Lift Surgery

What is an Eyelid Lift Surgery?

In the direction of the body-beautiful, eyelid lift is a minor cosmetic surgery. An eyelid lift is one of the more popular plastic surgeries as there is no other surgery (except for a forehead lift) that instantly shaves years off of your appearance. In fact the eyelid lift and forehead lift are often done in conjunction to give a person a more refreshed, youthful and alert appearance.

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An eyelid lift replaces the tired, puffy eyed appearance with a younger, brighter and more energetic look.

An eyelid lift, also known as a blepharoplasty, is usually done on the upper eyelids, but it can also be performed on the lower eyelids as well. The main intention of the operation is to remove the pouches above the eyes that conceal the eyelid crease and give one a tired or droopy appearance.

It can also be used to lift the lower lids however keep in mind that this operation does not remove bags from beneath the eyes or crow’s feet. It also does not lift the eyebrows. Only a forehead lift can lift the eyebrows and this is why the two operations (the forehead lift and eyelid lift) are often done at the same time.

Although eyelid lift surgery is commonly perceived as a cosmetic procedure, it may be covered under insurance if the drooping flesh above the eyes interferes with your vision. An eyelid lift is also sometimes employed to add an upper eyelid crease to Asian eyes. However the procedure does not eliminate other characteristics, such as the almond shape of the eye.

Blepharoplasty can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won’t necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.

Are You an Ideal Candidate?

The best candidates for eyelid surgery are men and women who are physically healthy, psychologically stable, and realistic in their expectations. Most are 35 or older, but if droopy, baggy eyelids run in your family, you may decide to have eyelid surgery at a younger age. An eyelid lift is a relatively easy operation but there are many people who may not be eligible for it for health reasons.

People who have thyroid problems, hypothyroidism or Grave’s disease may not do well with this operation as their eyeballs may protrude or recess given the level of hormones in their body. Plastic surgeons also do not recommend this operation to individuals who suffer from dry eye syndrome.

If there is a history of glaucoma or a detached retina in your family you may also be steered away from having this operation as it can trigger these conditions.

Like other procedures eyelid lift is for those women who are psychologically stable and physically healthy. They should have the affordability to undergo surgery, because cost of eyelid plastic surgery is also a matter of concern. Though performed on persons above 35, it can be done at earlier ages if you have heavy upper eyelids.

If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease or an autoimmune disorder you may also be asked to not consider eyelid surgery. This is because these health conditions pose risks for individuals going under general anesthesia. Such individuals also have a higher risk of bruising, bleeding or postoperative infection.

A vision test and a test that assesses your eyes to make sure they make plenty of tears is part of the initial preparation for surgery. An Eyelid lift is usually performed under local anesthesia in a hospital or in the doctor’s office. A local anesthetic is administered to numb the area around your eyes and you may also be given oral or intravenous sedatives. You might also be given general anesthesia so you can sleep through the operation.

Eyelid Lift – Procedure

Eyelid cosmetic surgery usually takes one to three hours to complete. Typically the surgeon will make incisions that follow the crease of your upper or lower eyelids. He will then separate the skin from the underlying tissues, remove excess fat and suture the skin back up again. Recently, endoscopic eyelid lift surgery is popular.

After surgery your doctor will advise you to keep your head elevated for several days, and to use cold compresses to reduce swelling and bruising. Any stitches are removed one to two days after surgery.

For a few weeks afterwards experience excessive tearing, sensitivity to light and crusting eyelids. You might also blurred or double vision, swelling and an asymmetrical look to the eyelids. Whiteheads or pimples oozing pus may also break out in the area of the stitches.

You may also not be able to close your eyes completely when you sleep. Most of these side effects disappear within days or weeks and are rarely permanent conditions.

To deal with the sensitivity to light you might want to wear sunglasses for a few months after the eyelid lift. This will also prevent any scars around the eyes from developing a pigment that is darker than your natural skin tone. Scars that heal normally over the eyes appear like thin white lines.

The good news about eyelid surgery is that it is a permanent surgery. The youthful effects of an eyelid lift last for years and can help diminish that strained, sleepy or angry appearance that is caused by bags of fat over the eyes.