Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty)

Excess upper eyelid skin hanging down over the eyelashes may interfere with vision. The droopiness of the eyelids leads to reflex forehead wrinkling, headache from forehead muscle contraction, and eye fatigue. A simple 30-minute operation by an oculoplastic surgeon remedies the problem by removing the excess skin. Though this surgery is more popular as a cosmetic eyelid surgery, it is frequently performed when excess eyelid skin interferes with vision. The result is a more youthful, rested appearance of the eyes, softening of wrinkle lines, and widening of visual fields for partially blocked vision.



Age:
Eyelid lift surgery is usually performed in patients aged 50 and above, although it can be done as early as the 20s or 30s for inherited traits.

Surgical Technique:
In the upper eyelid, Blepharoplasty involves removal of upper eyelid skin and fat through an incision hidden within the crease of the eyelid. In the lower eyelid, minimal amount of excess and wrinkled skin can usually be treated with a chemical peel or laser skin resurfacing. Large amounts of extra lower eyelid skin may require an incision just below the eyelashes to remove the skin for effective treatment.

Surgical Time and Recovery:
Eyelid Surgery is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia and takes about 45 minutes for the upper or lower eyelids, or an hour and a half for both together. Discomfort is minimal. Stitches are removed in 5-7 days. Most patients are back to light work within a week. Minimal bruising may persist for 1-2 weeks.

Note:
Excess eyelid skin may be a sign of drooping eyebrows, in which case a browlift is the preferred treatment. In addition, many patients with concerns of lower eyelid bags actually have a sunken appearance and would benefit from Fat transfer to fill in the lower eyelid area, rather than fat removal.

Insurance:
Health insurance will sometimes cover the costs of upper eyelid surgery if excess skin obstructs your vision. In this case, a visual field exam documenting this condition, photographs, and authorization from your insurance company will be required before the procedure.

Other Procedures:
Other commonly performed reconstructive procedures include correction of Entropion, Ectropion, Eyelid Drooping, Eyelid and Skin cancer reconstruction, Facial Spasms, Facial Paralysis, Watering Eyes, Thyroid Eye Disease, Orbital Surgery, and Trauma and Maxillofacial Surgery