Eyelids

Who considers an Eyelid Lift?

The natural process of aging affects the delicate skin and muscles around the eyes. Sun exposure, smoking, weight fluctuations, and genetics also affect how the eyes look (and skin around the eyes). Healthy men and women consider blepharoplasty if they see their eyes as:

• Tired
• Angry
• Sad
• Appearing older than they feel
• Drooping bags
• Sagging lower eyelids
• Significant skin of the upper eyelids which can be so severe that it impairs vision.

Those who smoke, have poorly controlled high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes are NOT good candidates for this procedure. Others who may not be a good candidate for this surgery are those with diseases of the eye (glaucoma or detached retina).

What is an Eyelid Lift?

Blepharoplasty, also known as an eyelid lift, is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat of the upper or lower eyelids. Dr. Kennedy strives to provide a more youthful, rested appearance to the eye area. 

• Creating a refreshed, youthful appearance to the eyes
• Improving vision if significant skin
• Helping provide the self-confidence that you look as good as you feel

Eyelid surgery can be performed alone or in conjunction with other procedures to obtain the beautiful results you desire without changing the natural expression or shape of your face.

How is the procedure performed?

• Surgery is generally performed in our nationally accredited surgical suite. Surgery may be performed at a local surgery center depending on individual health status.
• Local numbing medicine is normally used, although some patients prefer general anesthesia.
• An incision in the upper eyelid crease or just under the lower eyelashes allows excess fat (puffiness) to be removed.
• Skin is carefully re-draped and excess skin is removed.
• Key sutures are placed to enhance a more youthful appearance around the eyes.
• The surgery takes 1 to 2 hours and patients return home the same day.
• Botox®, semi-permanent fillers, laser resurfacing, Forehead lift, face-lift can be performed at the same time as eyelid surgery and may enhance results.

What is normal recovery?

Sutures are removed in less than a week and most patients are back to work in 7 to 10 days. Patients use ice packs and maintain head elevation during the early post-operative period. Any minor discomfort is controlled with prescription medications or Tylenol. More vigorous activity is resumed in 4 to 5 weeks.

What are the expected results?

A more natural, rested, alert, and youthful contour to the eyes is the usual result. An improvement in vision can also be seen in certain circumstances. To prolong the results of your procedure it is important to maintain excellent skin care and avoid the sun when outside. To help maintain the long-term results of your surgery some non-surgical treatments are available. 

What are non-surgical treatments that compliment my procedure?

Many patients add minimally invasive treatments, post-procedure, to enhance the results of their eyelid lift. 

• Botox
• Semi-permanent fillers
• MLP Laser resurfacing

Are there potential complications?

Eyelid lift is a common surgery but no surgery is without potential risks. The majority of these are minor.  Smoking increases your risk for numerous complications and may lead to your surgery being canceled. General risks of any surgical procedure can be found on our information page by clicking HERE.

Complications specific to an eyelid tuck may include:

• Unrecognized blood or fluid can lead to temporary or permanent vision change or loss IF NOT RECOGNIZED OR TREATED PROMPTLY
• Turning out of the lower eyelids. 

Issues which will be discussed at your consultation & pre-operative appointment that may affect your outcome, but which are not complications, they are results of your anatomy and aging.

• If you are uneven prior to surgery and you may be afterwards as well.
• Aging will continue.
• Eyebrows contribute to the upper eyelid appearance. If they are not addressed, they will continue.
• Dry eyes prior to surgery - they will continue to be dry.
• Tearing after surgery is generally related to swelling and will resolve.

Additional FAQs

Will I need to have them redone?

After eyelid surgery, some people will go 15-20 years before they feel they have extra skin again, while others may see skin much sooner. This is sometimes due to the location of your eyebrows, where you are in relation to menopause, or what your goals are. Be sure to discuss this with Dr. Kennedy at your consultation.

Will eyelid surgery affect my glasses prescription?

Immediately after surgery, you may feel that your near prescription is slightly blurry. This is generally due to swelling. Do not change prescription within 4-8 weeks after surgery as it will generally drift back to baseline.

What procedures might compliment my results?

Sometimes Dr. Kennedy will discuss addressing your eyebrow position at the time of eyelid surgery. Fillers and Botox® can also improve the appearance around the eyes. Physician-grade SkinMedica skincare or laser resurfacing will prolong the results as well.