5 Things You Should Know about an Eyelid Lift

Your eyes say a lot about you before you even say a word. So what do they say when your upper eyelids have loose or sagging skin that causes drooping or bags and excess skin under the eyes on the lower eyelid? If your eyes make you look tired, sad or older, you may be considering an eyelid lift (blepharoplasty). Before you go under the knife, here are five things you should know about eyelid lift:

1. There are two different types of eyelid lift procedures to improve the contour of the eyes.An upper blepharoplasty removes fat deposits and excess skin from the upper eyelid. Sometimes the skin can droop and affect the field of vision. A lower blepharoplasty focuses on the fat pads (or bags) and skin on the lower lid and can minimize puffiness, dark circles and wrinkles. Depending on your concerns and your goals, you may have one or both surgeries.

2. Aging isn’t the only reason why you may have hooded lids. Genetics and lifestyle can contribute to the appearance of eyelids, including hooded lids, dark circles and bags under the eyes. Some people deal with droopy eyelids their entire life, while others can resolve some of their eyelid concerns by improving their drinking, smoking and sleeping habits.

3. Two types of anesthesia may be used during the procedure.Local anesthetic will be used to numb your eyelids, but either oral or IV sedation may be used to help you relax during surgery.

4. Surgical incision lines are designed so scars will be easily hidden.A small incision will be made within the natural crease of the upper eyelid, while an incision will be made at the lower lash line for lower eyelid surgery. Sutures, dissolvable sutures or glue are minimally visible during recovery.

5. You should be able to get back to work and light activities the day after surgery.Movement encourages circulation, which aids in the healing process. But be sure to refrain from heavy lifting and strenuous activity for at least two to three weeks.

If you are thinking about an eyelid lift in your future, contact Longwood Eye & LASIK Center today by calling (800) 676-5050 to set a personal consultation at one of our several locations.