Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Most surgeons will aim for a slight lagophthalmos on the table, especially when ptosis correction is also undertaken. Topical lubricants with drops and ointment are useful for the first few days to weeks until the lagophthalmos resolves. A common cosmetic procedure in patients age 30 and older, eyelid surgery, also known as an eyelid lift, is used primarily to fight the effects of aging skin. As skin ages, it gradually loses its elasticity, and this, combined with the constant pull from gravity, leads to excessive skin collecting in the upper eyelids, causing drooping of the eyelids. The primary cause of lower-lid aging is loosening of skin and the underlying muscle.
Among the other involutional changes such as ectropion, entropion, and aponeurotic ptosis, the incidence of dermatochalasis is also rising. The upper eyelid can be divided into tarsal and orbital best blepharoplasty surgeon portions at the level of the supratarsal fold . The photo below is of an actual patient who had a medical need for corrective upper Blepharoplasty due to eyelid ptosis impeding his vision.

The upper eyelids sag, creating a hooded look while the lower eyelids sag creating bags beneath the eyes. Overall this results in a tired appearance and in severe cases, this extra skin can even impair your vision. After eyelid surgery, it may take about two to three weeks for your vision to return to normal.
Pre and post-operative instructions, provided by Dr Craig Layt before the surgery, will thoroughly explain the best ways to minimise risk and expedite healing. Blepharoplasty, a plastic surgery procedure focusing on the eyelid, is becoming increasingly popular due to its impact on puffiness or skin folds—which can be a bother for some people. You must know the recovery process and post-operative care guidelines when considering an eyelid surgery. Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery is a procedure to address aged eyelids characterised by excess drooping skin, wrinkles and puffy bags.

This is a safe space for you to ask as many questions as you like, however big or small. Whether it's easing your fears about having surgery or explaining what to expect from your recovery, this is a safe space to ask. If you are interested in eyelid surgery and would like to speak to a specialist, our expert cosmetic surgeons are ready and waiting to help you.
It is important to avoid aspirin, Disprin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as Nurofen, as well as some herbal medications two weeks prior to and after surgery. Our expert physicians and surgeons provide a full range of dermatologic, reconstructive and aesthetic treatments options at Cleveland Clinic. A thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure to tighten loose skin on the face. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles.
Check your insurance plan and speak with your provider about whether or not eyelid surgery is covered. Following the surgery, you may experience puffiness, pain, and swelling in the eye area. The surgeon will then remove or reposition fat deposits, tighten muscles, or remove excess skin. Cosmetic eyelid surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. What are the most common signs of aging around the eyes, and what can be done about it? Kevin J. Cross, MD There are numerous signs of aging skin around the eyes that are best corrected with a procedure such as blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery.

When making a skin crease incision, it is important to remember that the final crease often ends up about 2-mm higher. Lowering a high skin crease is difficult and the results are unpredictable. The lacrimal gland consists of the palpebral lobe and the orbital lobe.
This approach also allows removal of skin and excess fat to open the eye up. The adhesion or crease is created with sutures that extend from the tarsus to the orbicularis muscle and skin. The lateral brow fat compartment can be lifted up during a blepharoplasty. The orbicularis muscle is sutured against the periosteum of the orbital roof which suspends the brow fat up higher to open the lateral eye.

To avoid bleeding, you should not stoop or carry out vigorous activities for at least five days after your surgery. Your surgeon will remove overlapping skin before closing the incision. The incision for the lower lid is made just below the eyelashes, and runs out to the natural ‘laugh line’ area. Blepharoplasty is surgery, and all surgery has the risk of short-term or long-term complications. A full list of potential complications and the response plan of action will be outlined during your consultation. You can even combine it with a Facelift, for ultimate overall results.
He will also intervene where the ligamentous support of the lower eyelid has attenuated with age to provide a tighter and more naturally youthful look to the eyelid and cheek junction. During upper eyelid surgery, muscles and fat under the skin compartments are modified. If you have dry eyes prior to surgery, the surgeon will avoid removing muscle. Also, removing too much fat skeletonizes the eyes and, in an unusual way, may make the person look older. In some instances, the brows may be reshaped or modified if they are contributing to the heaviness and hooding of the lids.

It should be mentioned that eyelid retractions are frequent in endocrine exophthalmos, so eyelid surgery should be avoided if you do not have experience and are not trained to manage this type of patient. During the procedure, you will be administered either a general or a local anesthesia, depending on your needs and the extent of the procedure to be performed. Your doctor will make small incisions in the eyelid region to lift and resculpt your eyelids to create a more youthful look. Once the eyelids have been lifted and the excess skin removed, the incisions are carefully closed with tiny stitches.
As a result, the eyes and often the entire face may have a more tired, drawn and aged appearance. With any assessment of the eyelid region, the position of the brow is important. Sometimes with brow ptosis , the effect on the upper eyelid is dramatic. For some patients, a simple brow elevation will correct the deformity, and no eyelid surgery will be needed.
The surgeon may prescribe the patient an antibiotic cream to apply topically to the affected area, anti-inflammatory medications and the use of a cold compress for 2 or 3 days. Any adult can have the surgery, but most people who have it are in their 30s or older. Your consultant will ensure you are at the right age and stage of your life for blepharoplasty. You can usually see a specialist consultant for your initial consultation within 48 hours of booking your appointment with us.