Navigate: Eyelid Surgery
Cosmetic Procedures

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty can improve the appearance of the upper & lower eyelids, or both.

This procedure has long been referred to as a “mini facelift,” and is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for both men and women because of its dramatic and life changing results.

Any one or combination of the following conditions may indicate that you are a good candidate for eyelid surgery:

  • Excess skin obscuring the natural fold of the upper eyelids
  • Loose skin hanging down from the upper eyelids, perhaps impairing vision
  • A puffy appearance to the upper eyelids, making the eyes look tired
  • Excess skin and fine, “crepe paper type” wrinkles of the lower eyelids
  • Bags and dark circles under the eyes
  • Lower eyelid droopiness

Part of the natural aging process forces the skin around our eyes to stretch and cause wrinkles and saggy or droopy skin. Fatty deposits and aging will cause the upper lids to sag while the tissue under the eye begins to bulge forward, thus becoming discolored. In severe cases, vision can become impacted or partially blocked.

Causes of Droopy Skin

  • Age
  • Sun exposure
  • Alcohol use
  • Smoking
  • Poor nutrition
  • Heredity

 

Pre-Surgery

Dr. Adelson will do a thorough evaluation of your condition and the overall health of your eyes. He will look at all vision related data including: contact lens wear, current medications, tear production and your expectations for the procedure. He will use this information, along with other factors such as your age, your skin type and your ethnic background to make his final recommendations regarding the best approach to surgery and what you can expect.

About the Procedure

Upper eyelid surgery

A small incision using a laser will be made along the natural skin crease of the eyelid. Your doctor will remove the excess skin, tighten the muscle and remove fatty tissue under the eyelid.

Lower eyelid surgery

Your doctor may make a small incision inside the eyelid. This technique is called a transconjunctival blepharoplasty which will allow the removal of fatty deposits while avoiding the need for an external incision or any stitches. If you have excessive skin or muscle folds below the eye, a small incision may also be made below the base of the eyelashes or a laser may be used to remove and tighten any excess skin below the eyelids – again removing the need for any stitches.

Following the procedure, you may experience some very mild bruising and swelling for up to a week after the surgery. Cold compresses and head elevation will help reduce these effects. Dr. Adelson may also recommend antibiotic ointments and/or eye drops to keep the eye well lubricated and clean.

Any discomfort is usually very mild, however your eyes may feel sticky, dry and itchy for a week after the procedure. You will need to ensure proper cleaning around your eyes for the first week or two as well.

Stitches, if needed will be removed within five to ten days post surgery. Any self-absorbing stitches will dissolve on their own. Make-up or glasses can be used to hide temporary bruising after the stitches are removed.

Expectations

Your decision to have eyelid surgery or any cosmetic procedure is a very important one that only you can decide. Our patients have been extremely happy with their appearance after eyelid surgery. You will see immediate results in your appearance but results will continue to improve for up to a year as the healing process progresses.

Eyelid surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure and most insurance companies do not cover this procedure. If your eyelids are encroaching upon your field of vision, your doctor can perform a simple test in the office to determine whether it may be medically necessary to fix your eyelid. We would be happy to contact your insurance carrier to determine if they cover this procedure.

If you are interested in more information on this procedure, give us a call at 248-348-1330.