Plastic Surgery 411 - Eyelid Lift Procedure
The first signs of aging start to appear around the eyes. The aging around the eyes is not just evidenced by wrinkles and fine lines but also by excess fat and skin that may cause the eyelids to droop which can in some cases cause vision problems. All this sagging can cause you to look like a very old and tired individual. A plastic surgery eyelid life can improve one's appearance and have you looking more rejuvenated and less tired and old.
Plastic Surgery Eye Lift Popularity
Thousands of eyelid lifts also known as blepharoplasty are performed each year making this one of the top five plastic surgery procedures performed in women and it is the second most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in men.
The benefits are immense while at the same time, the risks are relatively low. While aging is inevitable, there is no crime in having a few procedures performed here and there to improve your appearance a little.
The blepharoplasty procedure includes an upper eye lift surgery to remove the excess fat and skin that causes the upper eyelids to droop over the lashes. The blepharoplasty also includes a lower eye lift surgery to remove excess bags, fat and skin that may have caused the lower eyelids to drift downward and in some cases pull away from the eyeball.
If the lower eyelid pulls away from the eyeball, it will require a canthopexy in addition to a blepharoplasty to tighten the belt of the eyelid. This additional procedure enables the lower eyelid muscles to be placed back in their original position before the aging process started. The pull down of the lower eyelid can lead to blindness, infection as well as dry out the eyeball. So this definitely needs to be corrected.
Plastic Surgery Eye Lift Consultation
The surgeon will examine various aspects of the lower and upper eyelids. He or she will evaluate the excess fat and skin, position of the eyelid, elasticity of the skin, etc. Photographs will be taken during this consultation which will allow the surgeon to perform various digital simulations.
A complete examination of the eye by an ophthanologist (doctor who specializes in eyes) will also be performed prior to the blepharoplasty. Your teardrop production will be examined as well as the quality to determine dry eye issues if any, prior to the procedure.
Eye Lift Surgery Procedure
During the pre-op, the surgeon will mark the excess fat and skin on the eyelids. The distance between the eyelashes to the new crease will also be measured. The eyelid surgery will usually be performed under local anesthesia.
The eyelids are then numbed and steel contact lenses applied in order to protect the eyes during the eye lift procedure.
An incision is then made in the upper eyelid crease and the skin that was marked is then removed. The membrane that keeps the fat in place that surrounds the eyeball is then penetrated in order to remove some of the excess fat (not all since you do not want to look gaunt). After some of this fat is removed, the fat behind the muscle of the eyelid is also removed if it is present in some patients.
Lower Eyelid Surgery Techniques
After the upper eye lift surgery procedure is completed, the lower eye lift is the next step and there are many techniques used including;
Eye Lift Surgery Recovery
You will be monitored in the recovery room for up to two hours. Your vision will be checked frequently during this time. You will also be monitored for any complications such as bleeding and blindness as they could arise during this time. The head will be kept above the heart to reduce these complications arising.
After being sent home, ice packs will be administered to reduce swelling and bruising. The head should be kept elevated when sleeping during the three weeks after surgery to prevent bleeding which will complicate recovery. Do not rest on your eyelids during this time either.
There may be oozing during the twenty four hour period after the surgery. Your surgeon will examine you a day or two after the surgery with the lids being cleaned during this time.
The swelling and bruising should significantly go down after ten days but you may have to wait for a full two weeks after surgery before showing your face in public. You may be able to use makeup to hide some of the bruising during this time also.
Eye Lift Surgery Risks
Eye lift surgery cost is about $3,000 on average but may be as much as $8,000 depending on the extent of the eyelid lift procedure to be performed which varies from one patient to the next. Additional fees for the operation room as well as the fee for the anesthesiologist may increase the final fee charged for the procedure.
Plastic Surgery Eye Lift Popularity
Thousands of eyelid lifts also known as blepharoplasty are performed each year making this one of the top five plastic surgery procedures performed in women and it is the second most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in men.
The benefits are immense while at the same time, the risks are relatively low. While aging is inevitable, there is no crime in having a few procedures performed here and there to improve your appearance a little.
The blepharoplasty procedure includes an upper eye lift surgery to remove the excess fat and skin that causes the upper eyelids to droop over the lashes. The blepharoplasty also includes a lower eye lift surgery to remove excess bags, fat and skin that may have caused the lower eyelids to drift downward and in some cases pull away from the eyeball.
If the lower eyelid pulls away from the eyeball, it will require a canthopexy in addition to a blepharoplasty to tighten the belt of the eyelid. This additional procedure enables the lower eyelid muscles to be placed back in their original position before the aging process started. The pull down of the lower eyelid can lead to blindness, infection as well as dry out the eyeball. So this definitely needs to be corrected.
Plastic Surgery Eye Lift Consultation
The surgeon will examine various aspects of the lower and upper eyelids. He or she will evaluate the excess fat and skin, position of the eyelid, elasticity of the skin, etc. Photographs will be taken during this consultation which will allow the surgeon to perform various digital simulations.
A complete examination of the eye by an ophthanologist (doctor who specializes in eyes) will also be performed prior to the blepharoplasty. Your teardrop production will be examined as well as the quality to determine dry eye issues if any, prior to the procedure.
Eye Lift Surgery Procedure
During the pre-op, the surgeon will mark the excess fat and skin on the eyelids. The distance between the eyelashes to the new crease will also be measured. The eyelid surgery will usually be performed under local anesthesia.
The eyelids are then numbed and steel contact lenses applied in order to protect the eyes during the eye lift procedure.
An incision is then made in the upper eyelid crease and the skin that was marked is then removed. The membrane that keeps the fat in place that surrounds the eyeball is then penetrated in order to remove some of the excess fat (not all since you do not want to look gaunt). After some of this fat is removed, the fat behind the muscle of the eyelid is also removed if it is present in some patients.
Lower Eyelid Surgery Techniques
After the upper eye lift surgery procedure is completed, the lower eye lift is the next step and there are many techniques used including;
- Traditional blepharoplasty which involves an incision being made in the skin just below the lower eyelashes. Once this skin is lifted, the membrane which holds the lower fat pads is penetrated and some of the excess fat in this area is removed.
- Laser eyelid surgery may also be used but many surgeons think that using a laser increases the risks related to this procedure and slows the procedure down. Lasers can also increase healing time because they cause a type of heat injury. The laser could also perforate the eyeball causing major issues.
Eye Lift Surgery Recovery
You will be monitored in the recovery room for up to two hours. Your vision will be checked frequently during this time. You will also be monitored for any complications such as bleeding and blindness as they could arise during this time. The head will be kept above the heart to reduce these complications arising.
After being sent home, ice packs will be administered to reduce swelling and bruising. The head should be kept elevated when sleeping during the three weeks after surgery to prevent bleeding which will complicate recovery. Do not rest on your eyelids during this time either.
There may be oozing during the twenty four hour period after the surgery. Your surgeon will examine you a day or two after the surgery with the lids being cleaned during this time.
The swelling and bruising should significantly go down after ten days but you may have to wait for a full two weeks after surgery before showing your face in public. You may be able to use makeup to hide some of the bruising during this time also.
Eye Lift Surgery Risks
- Bleeding and infection
- Risk of blindness
- Dry eye after the surgery may be experienced unless you already have this issue
- Injury to the muscles that move the eyeball may occur although this is rare
- Pull down of the eyelid may occur
- Too much or too little fat or skin may occur with too much removed leaving you looking gaunt while too little may require a second procedure
- During healing, small cysts may develop but these can be removed easily in a doctor's office
Eye lift surgery cost is about $3,000 on average but may be as much as $8,000 depending on the extent of the eyelid lift procedure to be performed which varies from one patient to the next. Additional fees for the operation room as well as the fee for the anesthesiologist may increase the final fee charged for the procedure.
