Rejuvenate Your Appearance with Eyelid Surgery

If someone said the word “blepharoplasty,” you may not know what they were talking about. This is another term for eyelid surgery or eyelid lift, and it was one of the top five surgical procedures performed in 2012, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (that’s up 4% from 2011). In fact, 204,000 procedures were performed in the United States to improve the appearance of the upper and/or lower eyelids to make people look more alert and rested. 

Eyelid surgery removes and/or tightens excess fatty deposits and sagging skin in the upper or lower eyelids. It can also reduce the appearance of bags under the eyes. If people are constantly commenting that you look tired or unhappy, eyelid surgery might freshen your appearance. 

Eyelid Surgery Process

During the eyelid surgery process, a surgeon will make incisions in the creases of the upper lids and/or below the lashes of the lower lids (depending on where the eyes need to be corrected). Fatty tissue and excess skin is removed, underlying muscles are tightened and the incisions are closed with sutures or surgical glue. When healed, most incisions are hardly noticeable since they are made in the natural creases of your eyes. 

Candidates for Eyelid Surgery

Good candidates for cosmetic eyelid surgery are those who:

• Have healthy facial tissue and muscles
• Are generally healthy 
• Do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
• Do not smoke or drink excessive amounts of alcohol
• Have realistic goals for the results of their surgery
• Do not have serious eye conditions or eye diseases

Eyelid Surgery Recovery

Most patients should allow their eyes to heal for 1-2 weeks after eyelid surgery. Swelling, bruising, dry eyes, light sensitivity, tearing and irritation are common, but typically temporary. After 2 weeks most people look great and are able to resume normal activities (of course, this varies from patient to patient).  

Possible Risks of Eyelid Surgery

There are always risks with any type of surgery. However, the benefits often outweigh the risks, especially when performed by an experienced cosmetic surgeon with a good track record of success. Some risks include: 

• Scarring
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Impaired vision (often temporary)
• Dry eyes
• Turning of the eyelid outward (ectropion)
• Pain 

If you’re sick and tired of looking tired, your eyelids may be to blame. Contact Dr. Perman to schedule your consultation in Bethesda so we can determine if you are a good candidate for eyelid surgery.