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Eyelid Surgery

Introduction

Sagging upper eyelids and bags under the eyes are the two most common reasons for surgical rejuvenation of the eyelids, which is called blepharoplasty. It can be done only to the upper or lower lids, but generally both are done together. This procedure does not change the shape of your eye, and will not remove “crow’s feet” or dark circles under the eyes. It is often combined with either a forehead lift or endoscopic brow lift in order to obtain the best result, and is also often performed with a face lift. The procedure may be combined with canthoplasty to restore a more youthful shape to the eyes for patients whose lower lids are drooping at the outer corners. Canthoplasty tightens the ligament and/or muscle that supports the outer corner of the eyelid to correct the drooping outer lower lid.

Dr. Soto will discuss the most appropriate solution with you at your consultation.


Ideal Candidates

Ideal candidates for eyelid rejuvenation are healthy men and women who desire an improved appearance to their eyes. It is performed on younger patients who have a genetic disposition to saggy upper lids or puffy lower lids (“bags” under the eyes). It is also effective in patients who find that drooping upper lids interfere with their vision. Though not generally covered by health insurance, it is sometimes paid by the insurance company if you have significant vision problems due to drooping upper eyelids.


How It's Done

Blepharoplasty is performed under either sedation with local anesthesia, or general anesthesia in our accredited office surgery suite, and takes about 90 minutes. The upper and lower eyelids are reshaped by removing fat, extra skin and tightening lax muscles to recontour the eyes for a more youthful appearance. Incisions in the upper lid are made in the crease of the lid. Lower lid incisions may be made inside the lower eyelid, producing no visible scar, or just below the lash line. If a canthopexy is also recommended, it is carried out by tightening the lower canthal tendon with a permanent internal suture. It is performed through a small incision in the outer corner of the eyelids. Extra skin and fat are removed from the area and tiny sutures are used to close the incision.


Recovery

You will have some bruising and swelling of the eye area for about a week, and your vision may be slightly impaired for a few days due to the swelling. Dr. Soto will prescribe pain medications if appropriate. You will want to have ice packs available to bring down the swelling and to ease any discomfort. We suggest that you refrain from driving until the initial swelling has gone down.

Sutures generally remain in place for 3-6 days. Those which are not absorbed are removed at your post operative office visit. Because of the placement of sutures, the scars are generally not visible. The full results of a blepharoplasty are visible in 2-3 weeks. Like other surgical procedures, we advise that you refrain from strenuous activity for 3-4 weeks to avoid any chance of injury to the eye area.