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. Blepharoplasty is done on an outpatient basis
under sedation and local or general anesthesia. 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 1-2
weeks. Eye makeup can be used after sutures are removed.
If eyelid lift surgery is being done to improve the field
of vision, insurance may cover upper lid surgery. Otherwise,
blepharoplasty procedures are considered cosmetic, and the patient is
responsible for payment. 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.
