Definition
Eyelid lift surgery is done to correct sagging or drooping of the upper eyelids (ptosis) and to remove excess skin from the eyelids. The operation is called ptosis correction and blepharoplasty.
Sagging or drooping of the eyelids occurs with increasing age. Some people are born with droopy eyelids or develop a disease that causes them to droop.
Alternative names
Blepharoplasty? Correction of drooping – lifting of eyelids
Description
Blepharoplasty is performed in the surgeon’s office. Or, it is done as an outpatient surgery in a surgery center.
The procedure is as follows:
- You are given medicine to help you relax.
- The surgeon injects numbing medicine (anesthesia) around the eye so you don’t feel pain during the operation. You will be awake during the operation.
- The surgeon makes tiny incisions (incisions) in the natural folds or folds of the eyelids.
- Loose skin and extra fatty tissue are removed. The eyelid muscles are then tightened.
- At the end of the operation, the incisions are closed with stitches.
Why is the process running?
An eyelid lift is needed when drooping eyelids reduce your vision. You may be asked to have your vision checked by your eye doctor before having the surgery.
Some people get an eyelid lift to improve their appearance. This is cosmetic surgery. An eyelid lift can be done on its own or with another surgery, such as a lift or facelift.
Blepharoplasty will not remove wrinkles around the eyes, lift sagging brows or get rid of dark circles under the eyes.
Risks
Risks of anesthesia and surgery in general include:
- Drug reactions
- Bleeding, blood clots, infection
Risks for an eyelid lift may include:
- Eye damage or vision loss (rare)
- Difficulty closing eyes during sleep (rarely permanent)
- Double or blurred vision
- Dry eyes
- Temporary swelling of the eyelids
- Tiny white spots after the stitches are removed
- Slow healing
- Abnormal healing or scarring
- Eyelids may not match
Medical conditions that make blepharoplasty more dangerous are:
After the Process
You can usually go home on the day of surgery. Arrange ahead of time for an adult to drive you home.
Before you leave, your healthcare provider will cover your eyes and eyelids with ointment and a bandage. Your eyelids may feel tight and sore as the numbing medicine wears off. Discomfort is often easily controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Keep your head elevated as much as possible for several days. Place cold packs over the area to reduce swelling and bruising. Wrap the cold pack in a towel before applying. This helps prevent cold injury to the eyes and skin.
Your doctor may recommend an antibiotic or lubricating eye drops to reduce burning or itching.
You should be able to see well after 2 to 3 days. Do not wear contact lenses for at least 2 weeks. Keep activities to a minimum for 3 to 5 days and avoid strenuous activities that raise blood pressure for about 3 weeks. This includes lifting, bending and rigorous sports.
Your doctor will remove the stitches 5 to 7 days after surgery. You will have some bruising, which may last 2 to 4 weeks. You may notice increased tears, greater sensitivity to light and wind, and blurred or double vision in the first few weeks.
Outlook
Scars may remain slightly pink for 6 months or more after surgery. They will fade to a thin, almost invisible white line and hide within the natural crease of the lids. The more alert and youthful appearance usually lasts for years. These effects are permanent for some people.
bibliographical references
Few J, Ellis M. Blepharoplasty. In: Rubin JP, Neligan PC, eds. Plastic Surgery, Volume 2: Cosmetic Surgery. 4th ed.Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018: chapter 9.
Salmon JF. Eyelashes. In: Bowling B, ed. Kanski Clinical Ophthalmology. 9th ed.Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020: chapter 2.
