What is Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery (medical term: blepharoplasty) is a procedure that aims at improving the appearance and function of the eyelids. The term “blepharoplasty” can be used for upper eyelid surgery as well as lower eyelid surgery. It is routine to perform upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty.

For many people, excess skin on the upper eyelids, puffy eyelids, and hooded eyes can be frustrating. Many of our patients note how applying makeup becomes difficult often resulting in smudging. The goal of the eye lift surgery is to restore the upper eyelids shape and contour, giving a more rested, refreshed appearance.

Often, hooded upper eyes occur with puffy under eye bags. Lower eyelid surgery or lower eyelid blepharoplasty can be performed at the same time as upper eyelid blepharoplasty. If you are interested in a lower eyelid blepharoplasty for eye bags, click here. If you want to know more about eye bag surgery involving no external incision as it’s done from inside the eyelid, click here.

Benefits of upper eyelid surgery:

• Improved aesthetic of the eye
• Rejuvenated appearance
• Alert and rested look – no heavy eyelids
• Improved vision in some patients (functional blepharoplasty)

​Eyelid Aging Process

Every blink causes the thinnest stretch of elastic fibers in the skin. Blinking also stretches fibers of the eyelid levator muscle (the muscle that raises the eyelid) as the area’s thinner skin begins to show fine lines; the overall underlying structure also ages—the skin sags and droops as the muscle layers weaken.

In our younger years, youthful volume typically gives the eyelid a full and supple appearance. This volume, created by fat and supporting tissue, depletes over time, resulting in sagginess of the upper eyelid and the appearance of eye bags on the lower eyelid. The prolapsing fat around the eye tends to shift forward as weakened, sagging muscles and supporting tissue weaken.

This shift results in the appearance of “puffy eyes” or eye bags around the orbital (eye) area. Genetic factors can also contribute to the premature appearance of eye bags in some people. Upper eyelid procedures can be done at any age, depending on a combination of hereditary, environmental, and age-related factors.

The upper eyelid skin becomes excessive and hangs over the eyelid crease. The muscle beneath the skin, called the levator muscle, can also be affected, resulting in eyelid ptosis.

Anesthesia and Duration of Procedure

Using local anesthesia with intravenous sedation means less downtime after the procedure compared to an eyelid surgery performed under general anesthesia. In addition, general anesthesia has more attendant risks than local anesthesia, and there is a higher incidence of nausea. So generally speaking, blepharoplasty is certainly a safer option. The incisions heal extremely well and are virtually imperceptible, even when the eyes are closed. On average, eyelid surgery may last about one hours, depending on the extent of treatment.