As years go by, many individuals can lose much of the beauty or the functionality of their eyes due to eyelids that become puffy, droopy, or develop too much skin. Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can correct this issue.
What does eyelid surgery do?
One of the most obvious signs of aging is when the eyelids become so puffy or droopy that the wideness of the eyes is almost hidden. Not only does this diminish one of the most important facial features—the eyes—it also can make our “resting face” appear angry, sad, or tired.
The excess eyelid skin can sometimes even impair the ability to see properly. Eyelid surgery has the ability to open up sagging eyelids, remove excess fat, and rejuvenate the eyes, bringing a new radiance to the entire face.
Key benefits of eyelid surgery
- Corrects drooping skin on the upper eyelids
- Removes excess eyelid puffiness
- Improves under-eye bags
- Smooths the fine lines around the eyes
- Creates a less obstructed field of view
- Provides an overall more youthful, rested, friendly appearance
Eyelid surgery details
Eyelid surgery is performed under local anesthesia with mild sedation, or general anesthesia. The procedure takes one to two hours. Some patients choose to have surgery on both their upper and lower eyelids at the same time, and this often achieves the most dramatic results.
For upper eyelid surgery, the incisions are gently made in the natural creases of the eyelids to minimize the appearance of scarring. Dr. Craft will use these incisions to either remove or re-adjust fatty deposits, remove excess skin, and tighten the muscles. The incisions are then carefully closed with sutures.
For lower eyelid surgery, the incisions are made below the eyelash line, or within the lower eyelids. No excess skin is removed with the lower eyelids, but fat may be transferred to increase volume.
Recovery
Patients return home a few hours after their eyelid surgery. During recovery, you can expect to have one or some of the following: blurred vision, redness, swelling, dry eyes, bruising, and mild discomfort. Your eyes may also feel tired. These side effects are all common, and all temporary.
You will need to take a week off of work and regular activities, and the one-week mark is also typically when the sutures are removed. If you wear contacts, you can begin using them again two weeks post-op. You will be given detailed home care instructions to help you recovery go as smoothly as possible, and Dr. Craft may prescribe or recommend medications to help, including eye drops and eye ointment.
Results
Final results from your eyelid surgery will become apparent in about six weeks after your surgery, as the swelling fades. You will see that you have an overall rejuvenated appearance—you’ll look like yourself, but much more alert and youthful. And if you underwent eyelid surgery for your vision, you will be pleased to discover that your eyelids don’t get in the way anymore.
Why choose CraftMD?
Eyelid surgery is a delicate procedure that requires the gentleness and expertise of a skilled surgeon. Dr. Randall O. Craft at CraftMD has the credentials, the experience, and the artistry to carry out safe eyelid surgeries with satisfying, beautiful results. As a double board-certified, Harvard-trained surgeon, Dr. Craft provides patient-centric, compassionate care with an emphasis on safety. To schedule a consultation, please call or contact us online.
