Plastic Surgery Center of Hampton Roads

Eyelid Lift

Patients frequently complain that excess baggy skin in the eyelid area and puffy fat deposits below the eye area give them a very aged and tired look. An eyelid lift gives a patient a fresher, well rested appearance and eliminates the excess baggy skin.

Who is a Candidate for Eyelid Lift?

You may be a candidate for eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) if you have excessive, sagging, or wrinkled upper or lower eyelid skin. Eyelid lift can also be helpful if you have excess upper eyelid skin that interferes with vision or if you have lost your natural upper eyelid crease. Eyelid lift may also be indicated if you have puffy pouches of fat in the upper or lower lids that create a tired or aged appearance.

The eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) procedure is intended to produce a more youthful and rested appearance of the eyes. The procedure may also widen your visual fields if excessive upper lid skin has partially blocked vision.

About Eyelid Lift Surgery

Blepharoplasty is done on an outpatient basis under sedation and local or general anesthesia. The incisions are made where the natural crease should be in the upper lids and below the lash line in the lower lids. Excess fat and skin are removed. If only excess fat is present in the lower lids, it may be removed through an incision inside the lower lids with no external incision or scar (transconjunctival blepharoplasty).

All sutures are usually removed within 4 to 6 days. Initial mild discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication. Bruising and sensitivity to light last at least a week or two. Swelling progressively disappears in 1 to 2 weeks. Eye makeup can be used after sutures are removed. Contact lenses can be worn when comfortable -- usually within 7 to 10 days.

See Eyelid Lift Before and After Photos

Additional Procedures

Additional procedures that may enhance the result of an eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) are Brow Lift, Face Lift, or Laser Skin Resurfacing.

Payment for Plastic Surgery

If eyelid lift surgery is being done to improve the field of vision, insurance may cover upper lid surgery. Otherwise, these procedures are considered cosmetic, and the patient is responsible for payment. Our patient counselors can help you with your financial arrangements, including financing.

Risks

The specific risks and the suitability of eyelid lift for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are rare.

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