Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess skin or fat from the eyelids or, in some cases, a growth. The skin loses elasticity as it ages, In some people this causes the upper eyelids to sag and form deep creases. Bags may appear on the lower lids. This loss of natural elasticity allows the fat around the eyes to protrude, so increasing the look of bagginess.

West Boca Eye center | EYELID SURGERY

Eyelid surgery, sometimes referred to as eyelid reduction, reshapes the eyelids. Not only does this improve appearance, but can also restore the field of vision if the eyelids have drooped to an extent where they intrude upon the natural line of sight.

The procedure can be carried out on the upper lids, lower lids, or both, and can be performed for both functional and cosmetic reasons. The medical name for an eyelid reduction is a blepharoplasty. Other eyelid surgical procedures include pinguecula and pterygium removal, both of which are carried out under local anesthetic to remove a growth that extends from the corner of the eye towards or onto the cornea.

How Do I Know If I Need Eyelid Surgery?

There are many reasons to have eyelid surgery. While a growth that interferes with vision is an obvious one, a blepharoplasty might be performed to reduce the signs of aging, improve looks, or, in the case of excessively drooping eyelids, to increase the range of peripheral vision.

You might consider the procedure if you have:

Baggy or droopy upper eyelids
Bags beneath the eyes
Excess skin on the lower lids
The folds on your upper lids sag into your field of vision
Excessive puffiness and wrinkles below the eyes

Some people develop bags beneath the eyes during young adulthood—even before any signs of skin aging. In some cases, a surgeon might recommend an eyebrow lift in conjunction with (or instead of) eyelid surgery.

What Happens During Blepharoplasty Surgery?

Blepharoplasty is performed under local or general anesthetic. If you’re having both upper and lower lids reduced then the former will usually be treated first. Cuts are made across the crease of the upper lids, excess skin, fat, and muscle are removed, and the incision is closed.

For the lower lids, cuts are made just below the lashes and extend out beyond the corners of the eyes. Again, excess skin and muscle are removed. Fat is either removed or redistributed.

For upper eyelids that droop excessively (ptosis), you may have a further procedure carried out in conjunction with the blepharoplasty. This is done to provide extra support to the eyebrow muscle.

Most eyelid reduction procedures are carried out using a local anesthetic to numb the eyes, along with an intravenous sedative to help you relax. After the operation, you’ll spend a little time recovering, before going home the same day.

How Can a Blepharoplasty Eyelid Surgery Help with this Condition?

Sagging, drooping eyelids, or excessive bags are usually part of the natural aging process. Skin loses elasticity as we age, the eyelids stretch, and the muscles that support the structure of the eye become weaker. It can lead to the accumulation of loose skin and folds in the upper lids and the formation of creases below the eye.

This, combined with a natural weakening of the muscles, means the fat within the eye socket can protrude. Together, these can lead to a prematurely aged appearance.

In addition, drooping eyelids can sag to the point of reducing peripheral vision, even to the extent of the upper lids hanging down over the eyelashes.

By removing the excess skin, fat, and perhaps muscle, the skin around the eyes is left firmer, younger-looking, and refreshed. Any obstruction of vision is removed, puffiness is reduced (especially that often experienced during the first few hours after waking), and the eyes appear more alert. Eyelid surgery is long-lasting, with the effects on the upper lids commonly lasting from 5-7 years, and the lower lid results being pretty much permanent.