Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid Lift is the common term for a blepharoplasty; a plastic surgery procedure that improves the excess skin, tissue and fat in the upper eyelid or lower eyelid. Eyelid surgery can not only improve vision for those with ptosis, a drooping eyelid condition, but can also create a more youthful appearance.

Specifically, eyelid surgery can treat:

  • Puffiness in the upper eyelids due to excess fatty tissue
  • Bags under the eyes
  • Drooping of the lower eyelids
  • Excess skin that conceals the natural contour of the upper eyelid
  • Sagging skin on the upper eyelid that can sometimes impair vision

These conditions typically appear as part of the natural aging process or due to heredity. As we age our skin loses elasticity and, despite skin care products, fatty tissue can accumulate causing the eyes to appear puffy.

Best Candidates for the procedure

Eye lift surgery will not correct wrinkles or drooping eyebrows. Sometimes a brow lift may be more appropriate than, or recommended in conjunction with, eyelid surgery. This is because a low positioned brow or crow’s feet can contribute to the aging appearance of the eyes. In addition, a brow lift can also smooth a lined or furrowed forehead. A facelift and neck lift may also be performed at the same time as eyelid surgery.

Good blepharoplasty candidates:

  • Are in good physical shape, moderately fit and close to their ideal body weight
  • Have realistic expectation for their outcome
  • Do not have a life-threatening conditions or illnesses that can impair healing
  • Are Non-Smokers

Most commonly, eyelid surgery is performed on adult men and women who have healthy facial tissue and muscles and have realistic goals for improvement of the upper and/or lower eyelids and surrounding area.

Good Blepharoplasty candidates are:

  • Healthy individuals who do not have any medical conditions that can impair healing or a life-threatening illness
  • Non-smokers
  • Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for improvement through eyelid surgery

Initial Consultation

Dr. Doezie will meet with you to discuss the procedure and answer your questions as well as exam your face. A quote will be given to you before you leave.

The Procedure

During the procedure, incisions are made along the creases of the eye. In the case of a transconjunctival blepharoplasty, which treats the lower eyelid, incisions are made inside the lower rim of the eye’s skin and can extend to the outer corners of the eye. Incision lines are designed to be concealed by the natural structures of your face. Excess fatty tissue and skin are divided from the muscle and removed to eliminate bags and restore firmness. The remaining skin is repositioned over the eye and sewn into place. To further improve the appearance of the skin surrounding the eye, Dr. Doezie may use skin resurfacing techniques. Such techniques may also be used in lieu of excision of minimal excess lower eyelid skin.

Recovery

Once your procedure is finished, lubricating ointment and cold compresses will be applied, and your eyes may be loosely covered with gauze. Occasionally, a suture may be placed on the outside of the lower eyelid to give it support during the healing process, but this does not usually impair vision. Initial healing may include some swelling, bruising, irritation, blurred vision, dry eye symptoms, or discomfort. These are all common conditions that can be controlled with medication, cold compresses and ointment. Irritation at the incision sites is also possible.

Dr. Doezie will instruct you to keep your head elevated at all times until initial swelling has subsided, and to protect your eyes from bright light, sun, and wind by wearing sunglasses. You should be able to return to light, normal activity within a few days or surgery or as soon as you feel ready.

Healing of incisions may take two weeks at which time any suture will be removed, if necessary. You will be ready to return to work and normal activity at this time, and to resume wearing contact lenses. Make up can hide any bruising or redness that remains. Bruising usually persists up to two weeks. Healing will continue as swelling continues to dissipate and incision lines improve. This will take a few additional weeks.

Risks

Dr. Doezie will discuss with you the risks of the surgery which include scarring, stiffness or drooping of the lower eyelids, infection, persistent dry eye symptoms, asymmetry, surface irregularities of the eyelids, round eyelids, and complications of anesthesia. In addition, it is essential that you disclose the following medical conditions to Dr. Doezie if you are considering blepharoplasty surgery:

  • Eye disease such as glaucoma, dry eye, a detached retina or if you are taking any medications for the treatment of such diseases
  • Thyroid disorders such as Grave’s disease and under or over active thyroid
  • High blood pressure, heart disease, or other circulatory disorders or diabetes.

Cost

Blepharoplasty costs in Orange County can vary based on a number of different factors. Dr. Doezie will determine your exact quote at the time of your consultation. Visit our patient resources page for more information.

Visit our photo gallery to see before and after pictures of Dr. Doezie’s blepharoplasty patients.

Learn more about eyelid surgery and schedule a consultation with Dr. Doezie at Mission Plastic Surgery.