Eyelid Surgery

Less complex than other cosmetic surgeries, eyelid surgery should be researched carefully. Eyelid surgery lifts the skin up and away from the eye, making you appear youthful, enhancing your eyes. It can also treat the bags under your eyes, droopiness of the lower eye, and the fine lines under your eyes. As always, the desired effects and your expectations from the surgery is something you have to discuss in detail with your surgeon prior to the operation.

Prior to surgery, your plastic surgeon will also review your medical history. Your vision will be tested. Your tear productivity assessed. Don't forget to bring your glasses or contact lenses with you on evaluation day. Do not neglect to mention any health issues. Patients with hyperthyroidism, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes or other circulatory problems, glaucoma or similar eye afflictions would do best not to have this surgery. Smokers should quit smoking long before the operation.

During the operation, some form of anesthesia or sedation will be applied. Your surgeon will then perform incisions along the upper or lower eyelid, or both, in locations that will heal to leave little or no visible scarring. Excess skin is then removed, as wrinkles are flattened and a new eye area is shaped as required. Incisions are then closed either by delicate removable or absorbable sutures or using adhesives.

After the operation you will either stay in the hospital or clinic, or you'll have to arrange for someone to drive you home and stay the night with you. As always, post op care is crucial for achieving the best result - you may be instructed to apply cold compresses and prescribed ointments. In some cases, the eyes are covered with a loose bandage. Obviously, you won't be able to drive and may be restricted from other activities as well, so make sure you have someone who can help around for those first days after the operation.

Possible complications of eyelid surgery may include temporary double vision or blurred eyesight. Blood clots, infections, scarring and other forms of complications can also occur with some patients. Discuss possible complications with your surgeon in advance.