WHAT IS EYE LIFT SURGERY (BLEPHAROPLASTY)?

Eyelid surgery, also called eye lift, eyelid lift, or blepharoplasty, is the surgical removal of excess skin, muscle, and fat in the upper or lower eyelids. Many people seek eyelid surgery for cosmetic reasons. Eyelid surgery can reduce sagging and puffiness in the eyelids and create a more rested and rejuvenated appearance.

More than any other facial feature, it’s our eyes that brighten the face and help express a wide range of emotions. People are increasingly turning to eyelid lifts to revitalize the look of tired, aging eyes. This cosmetic surgery can refresh your appearance by reducing under-eye bags, lifting sagging lids, and sculpting your eye contours.

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT THE BAGS UNDER MY EYES?

It’s pretty natural for our lower eyelids to become loose and stretch out due to aging and elastic tissue damage caused by sun exposure. Bags under our eyes are caused by fat around the eyeball that pushes out on our loose lower lids. The eyelids stretch from the pressure of the fat, and a bulge develops. As sunlight or room light shines down from above, a shadow is formed under the bulge. It’s this dark shadow that creates a tired, aged look.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING UPPER EYELID SURGERY?

Dr. Tuggle performs eyelid surgery under intravenous sedation or light general anesthesia. For upper eyelid rejuvenation, we use radiosurgery to make tiny, well-hidden incisions along the natural lines of the upper eyelid. Excess skin and occasionally protruding fat and excess muscle is removed using a special laser that prevents bruising. We close the lid with dissolving sutures to minimize discomfort. The stitches are hidden in the natural crease when the eye is open. You can expect only mild swelling and minimal bruising, thanks to the cutting-edge advantage of laser technology.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING LOWER EYELID SURGERY?

The lower lid blepharoplasty was designed to improve the puffy, protruding skin below the eyes. Dr. Tuggle makes a fine incision inside the lower lid with a laser that completely prevents bleeding, bruising, and swelling. He may also make an incision just below the lower eyelashes to remove loose skin from the lower lid and then close it with dissolving sutures. Noticeable bruising usually only occurs when skin is removed along with the fat. The skin heals exceptionally well in the lower lid, and fortunately, there is rarely a noticeable scar line.

EYELID SURGERY AFTERCARE

After eyelid surgeries, most patients are back to their regular routines within a few days, although complete recovery may take a few weeks. Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort can be a part of the recovery process, but nothing can be alleviated with cold compresses and appropriate medication. Makeup should not be applied to the upper lid or lower lid suture line until two days after suture removal.

To prevent additional swelling, limit strenuous activity for a week after surgery. Feel free to participate in your everyday activities as your bruises subside and feel comfortable with your appearance.

ADDITIONAL TREATMENTS

Sometimes the wrinkles around the eyes are etched into the skin and cannot be removed by a blepharoplasty procedure alone. We tailor eyelid lifts to individual patients’ needs to enhance a firmer, more youthful appearance. Adding some additional skin wrinkle treatments, such as laser resurfacing, chemical peel, or home skincare with tretinoin (Retin A), to your procedure may bring you even closer to the brighter, more energetic look you deserve.

BROW LIFT

We recommend having a brow lift before an eyelid lift to maximize blepharoplasty results if you have low or droopy brows. Removing excess upper eyelid skin in someone with low brows usually causes the brows to appear droopier. You can learn more about brow lifts here.