Introduction
As the skin ages, there is a loss of elasticity, resulting in wrinkles around the upper and lower part of the eyes. The sagginess of the skin causes drooping upper eyelids and baggy lower eyelids due to excessive fat deposition. Eyelid lift cosmetic procedure helps reduce the hooding of eyelids.
What Is Eyelid Lift?
Eyelid Lift is also called blepharoplasty. It improves the appearance of the eyes by reducing wrinkles and smoothening the skin around them. It helps restore the eyelid's natural contour, decreases puffiness, and releases fat deposits that impair vision. It is a cosmetic surgery to make the eyes look younger and improve functional problems.
Who Is A Potential Candidate for Eyelid Lift?
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Individuals aged 30 years or older.
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Individuals with drooping upper eyelids and baggy lower eyelids.
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Healthy individuals without systemic illnesses such as diabetes, thyroid problems, circulatory problems, and allergies.
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Increased wrinkles and saggy skin around the eyes.
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Individuals without any eye diseases such as glaucoma or dry eyes.
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Individuals with realistic expectations will not change the look of their eyes but improve their appearance.
How to Choose A Plastic Surgeon for an Eyelid Lift?
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A plastic surgeon usually performs eyelid lifts.
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Always select a certified surgeon.
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Make sure the surgeon is a certified member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and has at least six years of surgical and three years of plastic surgery experience.
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By choosing a certified plastic surgeon, the patient is assured of results.
What Are the Pre-operative Preparations?
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Before performing the surgery, a plastic surgeon and an ophthalmologist evaluate the patient.
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Patients' overall health and eyes are checked thoroughly to rule out systemic illness or eye diseases.
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Ophthalmologists evaluate the blind spots in the corner of the eyes to examine the peripheral vision.
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Patients are advised to stop certain medications such as blood thinners like Aspirin, Clopidogrel, and anti-inflammatory drugs before the surgery to prevent excess bleeding.
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Habits such as smoking should be avoided one week before and after surgery until complete healing is achieved.
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Surgeons may take pre-operative photographs to examine the eyes and improve the areas which require treatment.
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Also, pre-operative photographs help to evaluate the difference in the appearance of the eyes after the surgery.
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Surgeons will discuss the possible outcomes of the eyelid lift.
How Is the Eyelid Lift Procedure Done?
1. Anesthesia:
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This procedure is done under local anesthesia, and patients can go home on the same day.
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The procedure takes one to two hours for both the upper and lower eyelids.
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The procedure might require more than two hours if other cosmetic procedures involve a facelift, brow lift, and Eyelid lift.
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In such cases, surgeons will choose general anesthesia over local anesthesia.
2. Procedure:
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In this procedure, an incision is made in the upper eyelid crease so that scars are hidden in the eyelid's natural contours and are not prominent.
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After the incision, the excess fat and skin are removed, and muscle tightening is done to achieve smoother and wrinkle-free skin.
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If the upper eyelid drooping is close to the pupil, the surgeon performs ptosis to lift the eyelid and remove excess skin.
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In the case of the lower eyelid, the incision is made just below the lash line, and excess fat and skin are repositioned to remove the baggy eyes.
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Sometimes the surgeon may prefer using carbon dioxide or erbium laser to remove the fine lines on the skin.
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A transconjunctival incision is another method in which an incision on the inner side of the lower eyelid releases the excess fat; however, in this procedure, no skin is removed.
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After the procedure, the surgeon might apply bandages and ointment to prevent dryness of the eyes.
3. Sutures:
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After the procedure, incisions are closed with sutures or skin glue.
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Usually, resorbable sutures are placed, but sometimes surgeons will place sutures that need to be removed after one week.
Post-operative Care by a Patient:
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After surgery, patients might experience light sensitivity, blurred vision, watering eyes, and puffiness.
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However, these are temporary signs and disappear once complete healing is achieved.
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There are some precautions to be taken by patients after surgery which include
Do’s
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The patient is advised to take the medications prescribed by the doctor.
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Apply Ice packs for ten minutes, at least three to four times daily, to reduce the swelling.
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Ointment or eye drops helps in easing the swelling and aid in healing.
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Protect the eyes while going in the sun by using protective eyewear.
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Always keep your head elevated rather than your chest while sleeping.
Don'ts
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Avoid doing strenuous physical activities for a few weeks.
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Avoid wearing contact lenses until the doctor advises.
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Don't rub your eyes.
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Avoid smoking as it impairs the healing process.
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Caution should be taken while taking medications such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and other medicines, which may increase the risk of bleeding.
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Missing the follow-up appointments.
What Are the Complications of Eyelid Lift?
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Infection.
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Redness of the eyes.
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Swelling.
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Injury to eye muscles.
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Increased bleeding.
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Unavoidable scarring.
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Excessive pain.
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Dryness and discoloration of the eyes.
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Temporary loss of vision.
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Decreased movement of the eyes.
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Chest pain.
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Shortness of breath and unusual heart rate.
What Are The Results of Eyelid Lift?
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Results obtained from eyelid lifts are usually long-lasting.
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However, there will be discomfort and pain for 10 to 14 days during the healing period.
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Even though the eyelid lift is a permanent procedure, the results will last five to seven years. Eventually, a second surgery will be required as the skin ages.
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Proper sun protection and following post-operative instructions are essential for long-lasting results.
Conclusion:
An eyelid lift is a complex surgical procedure that sometimes requires a combination of therapies such as brow lift, facelift apart from fat repositioning, and excision to achieve a transformed look.