Eyelid Surgery

Ptosis is drooping of the upper eyelid. The lid may droop slightly or it may cover the pupil (the dark center of the eye). One or both eyelids may be affected.
Ptosis that is present at birth is called congenital ptosis. If the ptosis in one eyelid is severe, the child’s vision may not develop properly. This may lead to amblyopia (also called lazy eye, a condition in which the brain uses images only from the “good” eye). Ptosis that develops later is called adult or acquired ptosis.

A pingueculum is a growth on the conjunctiva (the thin mucus membrane that coats the outside of the eyeball). The growth looks like a thickened area of tissue and is often cream-colored. It may contain yellow fibers and clear crystals. Usually it grows from the corner of your eye and stops before reaching the cornea (the clear, outer layer of your eye that covers the iris and pupil).

Double eyelid surgery is carried out to create a definition to the eyelids. Some people are born with what’s known as a “single eyelid”, where there is no natural crease in the upper lid. Others naturally have a double eyelid, with a crease that gives the impression of having two parts to the lid (above and below the crease).

A simple cosmetic procedure to create a double eyelid is becoming increasingly popular, especially in oriental society or those of mixed oriental descent. In fact, it’s become such a widely requested procedure that many refer to it as an Oriental or Asian blepharoplasty. It’s important to note that this is not performed to alter the shape of the eye or to make it appear more westernized. Instead, the aim is to create a skin crease that enhances the natural shape and curvature of the eye, define the eyelashes, and allow the person to more easily apply eye makeup.

Other reasons for having double eyelid surgery is if a single eyelid intrudes upon the field of vision, you wish your eyes to appear larger, or you have one single and one double eyelid and want them both to look the same.

As with any form of cosmetic surgery, defining why you want it is as important as the procedure itself. When it comes to functional reasons, such as a drooping eyelid reducing your field of vision, your eye doctor will advise as to the types and level of intervention necessary to improve your line of sight.

For cases of congenital ptosis (where a child is born with a drooping eyelid), surgery is generally the only option to correct this. Again, the eye surgeon will provide advice regarding if and when this should be carried out. In most cases, a blepharoplasty carried out early on will give the best outcome for normal vision development.

When eyelid surgery is performed for cosmetic reasons, your chosen cosmetic eyelid surgeon will need to determine your reasons for wanting the procedure. As a medical professional, they have a duty of care to ensure that you’ve fully considered the options available to you, understand the risks, and have managed your expectations before going ahead.

Eyelid surgery is a procedure carried out to remove excess fat and skin from the eyelids. The aim is to reduce hooded or drooping eyelids, bags, and create a more youthful, alert appearance. The medical name is blepharoplasty and is a form of cosmetic surgery. An eyelid surgery surgeon may also be an ophthalmologist (a specialist eye doctor).

While eyelid surgery is often carried for cosmetic reasons, functional reasons also exist. In some cases, drooping or sagging eyelids can interfere with vision, prevent your eyes from opening properly, or pull down your lower lids. It’s common to have the procedure carried out on both the upper and lower lids at the same time.

Eyelid surgery is generally carried out under a local anesthetic as an outpatient procedure. This entails injections to numb the eyes and surrounding area, and you’ll likely be given some intravenous sedation to ensure you’re relaxed. Because of this, you won’t feel anything—indeed, the sedation will probably mean that you’re barely aware of what’s going on.

Post-procedure you may experience some pain or discomfort. This can generally be controlled with an over-the-counter painkiller (Tylenol, etc.) or your eye doctor will advise on appropriate analgesia. Some swelling and bruising are to be expected—similar to having black eyes. This can be reduced by applying cold compresses for a few days. Any sutures that are inserted will probably be self-dissolving, so there’s no need for these to be removed.

Eyelid surgery that removes drooping lids and bags is officially called a blepharoplasty. You may also hear it referred to as an “eyelift”.

Blepharoplasty is the medical term for surgery to the eyelids—also referred to as an eye lift. It can be carried out by a cosmetic surgeon or an eye surgeon/ophthalmologist. It’s done for both functional and aesthetic reasons. Whatever the reason, you should satisfy yourself as to the expertise of the clinical professional you select to carry out such eyelid surgery. Boca Raton-based residents and those who live in South Florida can take advantage of the globally-renowned West Boca Eye Center, headed by Brent Bellotte MD., a clinician considered to be one of the leading ophthalmologists and eye surgeons in the US and the world.

Eyelid surgery, as with any other form of cosmetic or functional procedure, varies in cost depending on the patient’s exact needs, the location it’s carried out, and the expertise of the clinician. 

According to statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost is $3282. However, this doesn’t take into account aspects like operating room facilities, anesthesia, a surgeon’s fee, medical tests, prescriptions, and other related expenses.

It’s worth noting that when searching for an eyelid surgery surgeon, while inputting “blepharoplasty surgery near me” will bring up your local options, you may want to extend your search to find the ultimate clinician, rather than selecting them based solely on location. Rather than seeking eyelid surgery near me, it’s far preferable to select a professional with an extensive track record, a high level of experience, and a facility that’s set up to deal with every eventuality. That way you can relax that your operation is in safe hands and that the results will be as expected.

Full recovery from eyelid surgery can take from 4-6 months. However, the initial swelling and bruising will disappear after a few weeks. An average timeline for eyelid surgery recovery is as follows: 

• First 24 hours: Return home the same day as the procedure. You’ll be advised not to drive or use machinery for at least 24 hours.
• Days 2-5: You’ll experience some bruising and swelling. There may be mild pain and discomfort. This can be controlled with over-the-counter pain relief (your eye surgeon will tell you which ones to avoid) and the application of cold compresses. If necessary, you’ll return to have any sutures removed after a few days (although many surgeons use those that self-dissolve). It’s common to have watery eyes as the swelling prevents the tear ducts from draining as normal. This can last a few weeks.
• Days 6-14: The bruising and swelling will gradually subside.
• Week 2 onwards: It’s not uncommon for the skin around the eyes to feel tight. The scars will remain pink for a few months—eventually, they will fade and be virtually invisible.

Protect this delicate skin with dark glasses when outside for the next few months. After 4-6 months the final results will be wholly visible and long-lasting. Upper eyelid surgery typically lasts for up to 7 years. Lower eyelid surgery is virtually permanent.