What is involved in eyelid lift surgery?
Eyelid lift surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, improves the appearance of the eyelids by removing excess skin and fat and addressing sagging under the eyes. This can help reduce puffiness, drooping, and wrinkles around the eyes, making patients look more youthful and alert.
The procedure involves:
1. Making a surgical plan: During a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon, the surgeon will examine your eyelids, discuss your goals, and determine the appropriate surgical approach for you.
2. Administering anesthesia: Eyelid lift surgery is usually performed using local anesthesia with sedation, which numbs the area around the eyes while keeping you comfortable. In some cases, general anesthesia may be used.
3. Creating incisions: The surgeon will make incisions in the upper eyelid crease and/or lower lash line. The exact placement of the incisions depends on the surgical technique used.
4. Removing excess tissue: Through the incisions, the surgeon removes excess skin and fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids. They may also tighten the muscles and underlying tissues to improve the overall appearance of the eyes.
5. Closing the incisions: The surgeon will carefully close the incisions using fine sutures or surgical glue.
6. Applying dressings and eye protection: Sterile dressings and/or ice packs may be applied to reduce swelling and protect the eyes. You may also wear protective glasses or sunglasses to further protect the eyes during the healing process.
The procedure usually takes one to two hours to complete, depending on the extent of the surgery. You can typically return home the same day as your surgery, but you may need someone to drive you.
It's important to follow your surgeon's instructions carefully during the recovery period, which typically lasts for several weeks. This may involve avoiding strenuous activities, wearing protective eyewear, using antibiotic eye drops, and keeping your head elevated.
The final results of eyelid lift surgery can be seen after several months, once any swelling and bruising have fully resolved.