Is eyelid surgery common?

Eyelid lift or blepharoplasty surgery is the 3rd most common cosmetic procedure in the United States (ASAPS, 2007), with more than 240,000 cosmetic eyelid procedures performed each year.

What is blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is a procedure to improve the appearance of the eyelids, also known as an eyelid lift. This term can refer to the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids, or both. There are several variations of this procedure, which can include removal of loose skin, removal or shifting of extra fat, and adding volume and support to the eyelids

What causes the eyelids to sag?

There are multiple causes of aging of the eyelids. As this skin is the thinnest in the body, it can stretch with age, creating looseness and a tired appearance. Brow and cheek sagging also contribute to the appearance of eyelid aging. Prolonged sun exposure, smoking, and other environmental factors can accelerate these aging changes. There may be hereditary influences on the way in which our eyelids age; particularly with lower eyelid bags. Frequent episodes of swelling or allergy can also play a role.

Who is a candidate for an eyelid lift?

Because the eyelid skin is so thin and elastic, it is commonly the first part of the body to show early signs of aging. Depending on a person’s desires, expectations, and overall health, someone may be ready for an eyelid lift at nearly any age. The most common reasons that someone pursues an eyelid lift is sagging or loose skin, eyelid wrinkles and lines, bulging fat or bags, and hollowness causing shadows and dark circles.

Does eyelid surgery hurt?

No. Local anesthesia is used in all patients, which consists of tiny injections of a numbing fluid. In some cases, mild sedation, either with oral or intravenous medications can be used as a supplement. The procedure is gentle and general anesthesia is not required. In fact, general anesthesia increases the cardiovascular risk of the procedure and is to be avoided for most eyelid surgeries. A skilled surgeon ensures that you are comfortable throughout the entire procedure.

How long will the procedure take?

Depending on the specific procedure and how many eyelids are being treated, the procedure can take between 45 – 90 minutes.

How long do the results last?

Eyelid surgery tends to be very long-lasting. Many people will only undergo one eyelid lift procedure in their lifetime as compared to a neck lift, which may be repeated.

What is the recovery process after eyelid surgery?

There is minimal discomfort after eyelid surgery. Usually, Tylenol is used for any soreness. It is common to have some swelling and/or bruising which may last for 7 – 10 days on average. During the first week after the procedure, it is advisable to avoid strenuous activity, although there are no restrictions on light tasks. If stitches are used, these will most often be removed after 7 days. Contact lens wearers can usually resume contact lens wear after 1 week.

Can I have an eyelid lift if I have already had LASIK (laser vision correction)?

Yes. However, it is recommended to wait at least 6 months after having laser vision correction before undergoing blepharoplasty. This is because laser vision correction can lead to dryness of the surface of the eyes which improves after several months. An eyelid lift should only be done when the surface of the eyes is at its optimal condition. An oculoplastic surgeon will be able to let you know about the best timing for surgery after examining your eyes.

Are there visible scars after an eyelid lift?

The scars are hidden so that they should be nearly invisible after a period of time. On the upper eyelids, the incision is placed on the natural eyelid crease, and this scar fades so that it can not be detected. On the lower eyelids, the incision is hidden behind the eyelid or just under the eyelashes.

Will my insurance pay for an eyelid lift?

In some cases an upper eyelid lift may be covered by insurance if there is loose skin that significantly interferes with vision and daily activities. An oculoplastic surgeon or ophthalmologist can help you determine if your procedure will be covered based on a visual field examination (which measures peripheral vision) and standardized photographs. Lower eyelid lifts are almost never covered by insurance as they are practically always considered cosmetic.

Can eyelid surgery be performed at the same time as other procedures?

Absolutely. Eyelid lifts are commonly done at the same time as Botox injections, facial fillers, brow lifts, facelifts, laser resurfacing, and facial fat transfer, to name a few. In fact, many patients enjoy the benefit of sharing the downtime when having multiple procedures performed simultaneously.

Will an eyelid lift make me look fake, like Joan Rivers or Kenny Rogers for example?

Eyelid surgery, when expertly performed, results in a natural, refreshed appearance. Dr. Kotlus takes each patient’s personality and taste into account when performing cosmetic procedures. In the case of certain celebrities that look unnatural, they may have had “too much” or “overly aggressive” surgery performed. In the case of male cosmetic surgery in particular, a subtle but definite change is preferable to a dramatic one.