Blepharoplasty or eyelid lift can be customized to treat the upper eyelid, lower eyelid or both, by removing excess fatty tissue and skin. An experienced facial plastic surgeon makes a well-concealed incision in the creases of the upper eyelid then removes the excess skin and lax muscle, as well as loose fatty deposits at the corner of the eyes that cause the eyelids to droop. Very fine sutures are used to close the incisions which would come off on their own (dissolve) in about a week.
The lower eyelid lift or lower blepharoplasty can be performed using two different techniques. One technique is called transconjunctival approach which the incisions are internal without any external incisions. Only excess fat is removed using this technique. This technique is mainly performed on individuals in their early 40’s. The other technique is called subcilliary approach for individuals with excess skin and fatty tissue in which the incisions are made right below the eyelashes. Then excess fat deposits and skin are removed and incisions are closed with very fine sutures so that it remains nearly undetectable
In the majority of cases the surgery is performed in an outpatient basis or in office setting after administering oral sedation and local anesthesia. Patients can expect temporary swelling and bruising after the procedure. This would gradually heal and disappear in a week with help of icing and keeping head elevated. Avoiding blood thinners like Aspirin and Motrin as well some herbal vitamins will help to reduce bruising. Arnica Montana can help reduce bruising and swelling if it is taken days prior to the procedure. Most important of all, risks and complications can be minimized if the surgery is performed by a well-qualified and experienced facial plastic surgeon.
Eyelid lift or blepharoplasty for droopy eyelids can be performed alone or combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures like facelift or fat grafting. This procedure is gaining rapid popularity among both men and women of all ages specially baby boomers. It is best to get your procedure sooner than later as the condition resulting from natural aging process would worsen the condition over time.
