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Eyelid Tightening Procedures

Eyelid tightening is part of a delicate surgical procedure known as blepharoplasty. This procedure, which may be strictly cosmetic or therapeutic, reshapes upper and/or lower eyelids. It may also be used to correct drooping eyelids. It is frequently used in conjunction with additional plastic surgery procedures that remove fine lines, wrinkles and crow's feet around the eyes to enhance your appearance.

  1. Pre-surgery

    • Prior to undergoing blepharoplasty, you should be examined by a qualified ophthalmologist. If you have certain diseases or conditions of the eye such as glaucoma, you may not be a candidate for blepharoplasty. Your plastic surgeon should then discuss alternatives to surgery with you.

    Anesthesia

    • Eyelid tightening procedures are typically performed as outpatient surgery. The procedure may be done utilizing local anesthetic in conjunction with sedation or it may be performed in an operating room under a general anesthetic. The procedure typically lasts from one to two hours.

    The Procedure

    • The procedure involves an incision made following the natural crease of the upper eyelid or along the line just below the eyelashes on the lower eyelid. The plastic surgeon will remove the fatty tissue from the skin then trim away any excess muscle and skin to eliminate sagging. The incision is sutured to close the wound.

    Recovery

    • Eyelid surgery requires close monitoring in order to insure a satisfactory recovery. Cold compresses and lubricating ointments may be applied to ease the pain and treat the bruising that typically follows this type of surgery. Different procedures will require different levels of follow-up care. Patients should carefully consult with their surgeon to ensure all questions regarding their post-surgical care are answered. Full recovery typically takes from three to six weeks.

    Complications

    • A moderate amount of pain typically accompanies the recovery period. Pain medication may be prescribed to help manage your discomfort. Avoid television watching for several days following eyelid tightening surgery and wear dark eyeglasses anytime you are exposed to the sun. Swelling, bruising, irritated or dry eyes and pain at the incision site are common results of this type of surgery.

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