HomeHealth articleseyelid liftHow to Lift the Eyelid Surgically?

Eyelid Lift - Surgical Management

Verified dataVerified data
0

4 min read

Share

An eyelid lift is done to remove wrinkles and excess skin on the eyes. Read the article to learn more about how the procedure is done and the results obtained.

Written by

Dr. Pallavi. C

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Shikha Gupta

Published At November 9, 2022
Reviewed AtMarch 28, 2024

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?

  • Individuals aged 30 years or older.

  • Individuals with drooping upper eyelids and baggy lower eyelids.

  • Healthy individuals without systemic illnesses such as diabetes, thyroid problems, circulatory problems, and allergies.

  • Increased wrinkles and saggy skin around the eyes.

  • Individuals without any eye diseases such as glaucoma or dry eyes.

  • 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?

  • A plastic surgeon usually performs eyelid lifts.

  • Always select a certified surgeon.

  • 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.

  • By choosing a certified plastic surgeon, the patient is assured of results.

What Are the Pre-operative Preparations?

  • Before performing the surgery, a plastic surgeon and an ophthalmologist evaluate the patient.

  • Patients' overall health and eyes are checked thoroughly to rule out systemic illness or eye diseases.

  • Ophthalmologists evaluate the blind spots in the corner of the eyes to examine the peripheral vision.

  • 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.

  • Habits such as smoking should be avoided one week before and after surgery until complete healing is achieved.

  • Surgeons may take pre-operative photographs to examine the eyes and improve the areas which require treatment.

  • Also, pre-operative photographs help to evaluate the difference in the appearance of the eyes after the surgery.

  • Surgeons will discuss the possible outcomes of the eyelid lift.

How Is the Eyelid Lift Procedure Done?

1. Anesthesia:

  • This procedure is done under local anesthesia, and patients can go home on the same day.

  • The procedure takes one to two hours for both the upper and lower eyelids.

  • The procedure might require more than two hours if other cosmetic procedures involve a facelift, brow lift, and Eyelid lift.

  • In such cases, surgeons will choose general anesthesia over local anesthesia.

2. Procedure:

  • 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.

  • After the incision, the excess fat and skin are removed, and muscle tightening is done to achieve smoother and wrinkle-free skin.

  • If the upper eyelid drooping is close to the pupil, the surgeon performs ptosis to lift the eyelid and remove excess skin.

  • 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.

  • Sometimes the surgeon may prefer using carbon dioxide or erbium laser to remove the fine lines on the skin.

  • 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.

  • After the procedure, the surgeon might apply bandages and ointment to prevent dryness of the eyes.

3. Sutures:

  • After the procedure, incisions are closed with sutures or skin glue.

  • 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:

  • After surgery, patients might experience light sensitivity, blurred vision, watering eyes, and puffiness.

  • However, these are temporary signs and disappear once complete healing is achieved.

  • There are some precautions to be taken by patients after surgery which include

Do’s

  • The patient is advised to take the medications prescribed by the doctor.

  • Apply Ice packs for ten minutes, at least three to four times daily, to reduce the swelling.

  • Ointment or eye drops helps in easing the swelling and aid in healing.

  • Protect the eyes while going in the sun by using protective eyewear.

  • Always keep your head elevated rather than your chest while sleeping.

Don'ts

  • Avoid doing strenuous physical activities for a few weeks.

  • Avoid wearing contact lenses until the doctor advises.

  • Don't rub your eyes.

  • Avoid smoking as it impairs the healing process.

  • Caution should be taken while taking medications such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and other medicines, which may increase the risk of bleeding.

  • Missing the follow-up appointments.

What Are the Complications of Eyelid Lift?

  • Infection.

  • Redness of the eyes.

  • Swelling.

  • Injury to eye muscles.

  • Increased bleeding.

  • Unavoidable scarring.

  • Excessive pain.

  • Dryness and discoloration of the eyes.

  • Temporary loss of vision.

  • Decreased movement of the eyes.

  • Chest pain.

  • Shortness of breath and unusual heart rate.

What Are The Results of Eyelid Lift?

  • Results obtained from eyelid lifts are usually long-lasting.

  • However, there will be discomfort and pain for 10 to 14 days during the healing period.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

How Should Eyelid Surgery Be Managed?

- Following surgery, cold packs are applied to the eyes for 10 minutes, about four to five times throughout the day. 
- Use eye drops or ointments as directed.
- For a few nights, sleep with the head elevated above the chest.
- To lessen swelling, apply cold compresses.
- To protect the skin on the eyelids from the sun and wind, dark shades are recommended.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol, among others) can be used to manage pain if necessary.

2.

What Is the Ideal Eyelid Lift Therapy?

The skin of the eyelid cannot be lifted using non-surgical methods. An upper eye lift, also known as an upper blepharoplasty, which lowers the amount of skin on the top eyelid, is the best and most effective therapy for this issue. The second most frequent plastic surgery procedure is blepharoplasty, which involves removing extra skin from the eyelids.

3.

How Long Does Recovery From Eyelid Surgery Take?

The eyelid appears puffy and bruised for one to three weeks following surgery. The eye's recovered within one to three months. In between 10 and 14 days, most people are prepared to return to work.

4.

What Are the Restrictions Following Upper Eyelid Surgery?

The major restriction of upper eyelid surgery involves preventing coughing, spitting up, and sneezing as much as possible, which may increase your blood pressure and result in surgery site bleeding. During the fourth and sixth weeks following surgery, avoid bending at the waist or lifting anything weighing more than five pounds (2.3 kilograms).

5.

After Blepharoplasty, Should One Massage His Eyelids?

One week after surgery, one should start giving massages to their eyelids. All abnormalities and regions of stiffness will be smoothed out as a result.  It is used with a vibrating massager or lotion to massage their hands. However, avoid rubbing the eyelid, which obstructs the typical healing process in the early stages of recovery.

6.

How to Boost Recovery From a Blepharoplasty?

Tips for a speedy recovery after eyelid surgery involve,
- An ice pack can be used to reduce swelling. Make sure to have comfortable cold packs and enough gauze for recuperation before the procedures.
- Put on sunglasses to shield the eyelids.
- Increase the overall sleeping pattern.
- Avoid physical activity.
- Avoid using tobacco and drinking alcohol.

7.

How Long Does a Lift of the Upper Eyelid Last?

Eyes will continue to age even after a blepharoplasty. But the effects typically last for a very long time. Lower-eyelid surgery is rarely required at least once, but upper-eyelid surgery might last anywhere from five to seven years to a lifetime.

8.

How Frequently Can the Eyelids Get Lifted?

There is no limit to the number of surgeries performed on the upper eyelid, and it is safe to have one after the recent treatment has fully healed. However, Lower-eyelid surgery is rarely required at least once, but upper-eyelid surgery might last anywhere from five to seven years to a lifetime.

9.

How Long Does Upper Blepharoplasty Healing Take?

Upper blepharoplasty takes seven to fourteen days to recover after eyelid surgery. People can enjoy the more youthful-looking eye region after two weeks have passed. Although it usually takes six months post-op to remove any apparent redness.

10.

How Long Does an Eyelid Lift Last?

Eyes will continue to age even after a blepharoplasty. But the effects typically last for a very long time. Lower-eyelid surgery is rarely required at least once, but upper-eyelid surgery might last anywhere from five to seven years to a lifetime.

11.

How Painful Is an Eyelid Lift Procedure?

One of the least painful cosmetic treatments is eyelid surgery. Except for a small amount of discomfort, the first day will recover quickly and immediately notice benefits. Hence, the operation isn't particularly uncomfortable. Moreover, recovery from eye surgery isn’t difficult. Most people are back at work and in their routine within a day or two days of the procedure.

12.

Can Sagging Eyes Be Corrected?

Upper eyelids that are sagging or drooping can be repaired by eyelid lift surgery (blepharoplasty). It is possible to make the eyelids seem better in milder situations. Surgery could be required to fix visual interference in more difficult situations.

13.

How Much Does Lifting an Eyelid Cost?

Surgery to elevate the eyelids can enhance a person's look and eyesight. As there are several eyelid surgery procedures, it's critical to establish your objectives. There are methods to spread out the expense of eyelid lifts, which on average cost Rs. 80,313 and can go up to Rs. 2,00,822 ($1,005 - $2,513) for both upper and lower eyelids.

14.

Can the Skin on the Eyelids Be Tightened Without Surgery?

Various natural solutions may be tried if the eyelids are sagging. This entails using cucumber slices, chamomile tea bags, and a grape-filled diet. 
- Cucumbers help the skin naturally tighten and reduce irritation. Cucumber slices can improve the skin's health, smoothness, and brightness.
- Increasing the regular intake of grapes will maintain the skin's complexion, avoid fine wrinkles, and reduce drooping eyes.
- Because of its inherent anti-inflammatory properties, chamomile is beneficial for saggy eyelids and strengthens your skin. Use chamomile tea bags on the eyes to decrease puffy and sagging eyelids.
Dr. Shikha Gupta
Dr. Shikha Gupta

Ophthalmology (Eye Care)

Tags:

eyelid lift
Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Source Article ArrowMost popular articles

Do you have a question on

eyelid lift

Ask a doctor online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy