Upper and Lower Eyelid (Blepharoplasty)

Who is a candidate?

Both age and heredity can play a role in the shape and proportion of your upper and lower lids. Indications for eyelid surgery include upper eyelid overhang or droops, puffiness or “pillows” under the lower lid. Extra skin may obscure the natural eyelid and cleft between lid and brow creating a hooded appearance. Eyes may turn down and look sad and frown lines may exist between the brows.

Diabetes and thyroid disease may preclude eyelid surgery. These conditions will require clearance from an ophthalmologist or primary care physician.

How is it done?

For upper lid surgery, excess skin and fatty tissue are removed through an incision placed in the natural crease of the eye. . The fold of skin between the eyelash and eyebrow is removed. Scars heal rapidly and are barely visible. The result is an alert, more youthful expression.

A combination of approaches is used for lower lids. If the appearance can be improved simply by removing fatty tissue, an internal incision is made inside the lower eyelid. If both fatty tissue and excess skin are involved, a small incision is made close to the lower lashes and extends into a natural wrinkle line to hide the scar. Fat may be reduced, redistributed or added. In the case of “sad eyes” an additional procedure called Canthoplasty or Cantopexy may be involved. This repositions and reinforces the tendons at the outer corner of the eye to support the lower eyelid. Although this does not require any additional incisions, it is a procedure that leaves little room for error and must be performed by a skilled surgeon.

Upper and lower eyelid surgery can be performed independently or together and can be performed under local or general anesthesia.

Recuperation

Your lids will be tight at first and then relax. There will be some discomfort at the incision site for one or two days. You may experience blurry vision due to temporary swelling. Sunglasses may help with dry eyes. Elevating your head and using cold compresses the first 24 hours alleviate some discomfort. Special drops and ointments will be prescribed. Stitches are removed 5 to 7 days after surgery and you can expect to return to work and normal activities within 7 days.

While not permanent, eyelid surgery usually lasts 10 to 20 years.

Other Options

Facelift, Browlift, Canthoplasty
• Click here for Facelift
• Click here for Browlift

A word about financing…
Eyelid surgery can be made very affordable through our partners at CareCredit. Visit them at www.carecredit.com Deborah would be happy to answer any of your questions or assist you with the necessary paperwork.

Insurance Notes:
Upper eyelid surgery is sometimes used to repair a medical condition if the pleat of skin is obscuring your sight. Correcting impaired vision may be considered reconstructive. Insurance policies vary widely but if there is a legitimate health issue Dr. Beck and Dr. Brink will act within the stipulations of your coverage if possible. Deborah will help you with any pre-certification if indicated.

Ask Dr. Beck

Q:	*How soon can I wear my contacts?*
A:	Barring any complications, you can usually resume contact lenses within 10 to 14 days. Dry eyes that temporarily accompany this procedure could make wearing them any sooner uncomfortable.

Q:	*Will I have trouble closing my eyes after surgery?*
A:	Eyelid surgery is a common procedure and usually carries low risks. In very rare cases severe asymmetry or a lower lid that pulls down preventing effective closure of the lids can occur. This may require additional surgery to correct. Be sure you carefully evaluate your prospective surgeon to be sure you are in good hands.

Q:	*Will I also need a browlift?*
A:	The perceived shape of the eye is sometimes associated with brow ptosis (droop.) Your complete condition should be addressed at consultation. The surgeon will explain what eyelid surgery alone will or will not accomplish. Patients with true brow descent or who want a higher position of the brow may have to consider a browlift.

Q:	*I have wrinkling, extra skin and puffiness under my eyes. Will surgery treat this?*
A:	Wrinkling can be smoothed with laser resurfacing and botox. Puffiness is addressed with surgical fat removal. Extra skin also indicates surgery to tighten and remove any excess.

Q:	*What determines whether I am a candidate for internal or external incisions?*
A:	In younger patients when all we need is removal of lower lid fat, an internal incision through the lower eyelid can be used. A more comprehensive approach for older patients requires the loose eyelid skin to be removed and tendon be tightened. This type of incision must be external, but is nicely hidden close to the lashes.