Eyelid Surgery

To correct sagging and excess skin in the upper eyelids, an incision is made in the natural crease, the excess skin which was carefully marked before surgery, is then removed. We look for excess fat pockets in the upper eyelids which contribute to the a heavy feeling before surgery and also remove these small fat pockets. Upon closure of the incision, a lift and tightening of the remaining eyelid skin is performed.

Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery – the Lower Eyelids.

In the lower eyelids, patients may experience a puffy appearance making you look old and tired. Fine and crinkly skin may also develop from sun exposure over the lower eyelid skin and cheeks. Bags and dark circles under the eyes can increase the aged and tired appearance. Even more advanced signs of aging include droopiness of the lower eyelids in which the white of the eye shows excessively.

Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery: What are the steps in the lower eyelids?

This plastic surgery operation has two major steps. In the first part, these excess fat pockets are treated.  Before surgery the three fat pockets are carefully marked. During the operation, these are identified and removed using a gentle surgical technique.

To correct aging in the lower eyelids, a lower eyelid lift operation is carried out. Importantly, the lower eyelid suffer from bulging fat that is normally found inside the orbit. As the fat around the eye bulges forward, bags or dark circles under the eyes are seen. The lower eyelids have a tendency to develop fine crinkly skin, especially when there is excess skin. This excessive skin can also contribute to the formation of dark circles under the eyes. The second part of the lower eyelid lift allows for the accurate removal of the excessive skin in this area.

Preparation and markings for eyelid lift.

Before surgery, the location of the incision is carefully marked and an estimate of the excess skin is performed. After the fat pockets are removed, an estimate of excess skin is carried out again and is usually far more accurate. We prefer the pinch technique which is simple and effective. The estimated excess skin is removed using a gentle surgical technique. As the incision is closed, a lift and tightening effect is created.

When to perform eyelid surgery?

Younger patients with bags under the eyes and little or no excess skin, have the fat is removed using only incisions on the under surface of the eyelids and without skin incisions. A small amount of skin tightening can be created with laser or chemical resurfacing, if needed.

Where should eyelid lift be performed?

Cosmetic eyelid surgery is carried out in a certified plastic surgery center. Patients usually go home to recover, but may choose to stay overnight for greater comfort. Swelling and bruising occur normally after eyelid lift. Any minor bruising can be covered with makeup. Minimal pain is encountered by most patients. Recovery from cosmetic eyelid surgery usually takes about 2 weeks. Patients can return to work about 10 to 14 days after surgery.