What is upper and lower eyelid lift?
They say your eyes are the windows to your soul, but they are also the first place to show signs of aging. With time, the upper and lower eyelids may droop, causing excess creasing, bulging, and wrinkles. An eyelid lift can diminish lines and wrinkles, and smooth the eye for a more youthful, radiant appearance.
An eyelid lift, also referred to as blepharoplasty, removes extra skin, fat, and tissue to give the eye a more refreshed look. Our surgeons will examine your eyes and decide whether you’d benefit from an upper or lower lift or a combination of both. Blepharoplasty can also improve vision, as sagging eyelids can often cause visual discomfort.
Eyelift lifts require special skills, as the skin around the eyes is very delicate. Our board-certified plastic surgeons will use their surgical artistry to give you visible improvements and beautiful, natural results. Let us help you look as good on the outside as you feel on the inside
What are the benefits?
After an upper and lower eyelid lift at Optum Plastic Surgery, you can expect:
- A reduction in fine lines and wrinkles
- Smoother, more “awake” eyes
- A rejuvenated appearance
- Beautiful, natural results
Who is the ideal candidate?
Patients seeking eyelid surgery often experience excess skin around the eyes and a permanently “tired” appearance. The ideal candidate is in good health, with no serious medical problems, is of stable weight, and is a non-smoker. It is also important to approach surgery with realistic expectations.
What can I expect from recovery?
Immediately after eyelid surgery, you will likely experience swelling and bruising of the eyelids. Eyes may be dry or itchy, but your surgeon will prescribe eye drops to ease discomfort, along with pain medication.
Sutures are typically removed within 5-7 days after surgery, at which time you may return to daily activity. The swelling will continue to go down as you heal, with full results often seen after four to six weeks. Once healed, scars will be well hidden in the eyelid crease and lash line.
What options and techniques are available?
Upper and lower eyelid lifts address different concerns but may be done together to give the eyes a fully refreshed and renewed look.
Your surgeon will discuss both upper and lower options and decide which procedure best suits your needs and meets your aesthetic goals.
Upper Eyelid
Upper eyelid lifts address the upper eyelids, which can sag and look droopy, causing discomfort. Excess skin, tissue, and fat are removed, smoothing out the eyelid and giving you a more “awake” look.
Lower Eyelid
Lower eyelid lifts address the under-eye area, including eye “bags,” a hollowed appearance, or excess sagging of the skin. Fat deposits creating a bulging effect can be removed, and skin can be tightened, resulting in younger, brighter eyes.
Frequently asked questions
What are the steps of an eyelid lift?
An upper eyelid lift is performed through an incision placed within the natural crease of your eyelid skin that is only visible with your eyes closed. Excess skin and fat is typically removed. A lower eyelid lift is performed through either incisions placed behind the eyelid or on the front of the eyelid just beneath the eyelashes. Excess fat from around the eye is typically removed, as is excess skin. In some cases fat may be added to restore youthful cheek / eyelid volume.
What are the risks of upper and lower eyelid surgery?
Beyond the general risks of cosmetic surgery that include bleeding, infection, asymmetry and poor scaring, specific risks of an eyelid lift include prolonged healing, swelling of the tissues surrounding the eye, rolling out (or in) of the eyelid and drooping of the eyelid causing prolonged tearing or eye irritation.
What results can I expect after an upper and lower eyelid lift?
In the case of an upper eyelid lift, a rejuvenated, less tired appearance to the upper eyelid with improved “brightness” of the eyes. In the case of a lower eyelid lift, a well-rested appearance with decreased bulging of lower eyelid “bags” and a restoration of the smooth transition from the lower eyelid to the cheek, typically seen in youth.
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