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Tired of looking tired? Enhance the appearance of your eyes with eyelid rejuvenation surgery.

The tissues surrounding the eyes are very delicate, and they often are the first to show signs of aging, like excess tissue, wrinkles, and under-eye bags.
Sagging skin can make you look tired and older than your age, and enough excess skin can actually lead to vision impairment if it obstructs your field of sight. In severe cases, ptosis treatment, which is an upper eyelid surgery, is usually recommended.

Eyelid surgery, also known as an eyelid lift or blepharoplasty, can help rejuvenate the eye area and reduce the appearance of these common signs of aging. The procedure involves trimming away excess skin and can include upper and lower eyelid surgery, or on each section individually.

The same procedure can be used for under-eye bags surgery to reduce the appearance of under-eye hollows and bags. Eyelid lift is customized to suit your needs and goals, and this treatment is often combined with non-surgical options to provide more extensive rejuvenation.

Dr. Chad Wu provides expert eyelid lift in Toronto, utilizing the latest techniques to provide natural-looking results with minimal scarring.

ADVANTAGES OF EYELID SURGERY

  • Reduction of bags, puffiness, fat and sagging
  • Smoothing wrinkles around the eyelids
  • Tightening the eyelid skin and muscles
  • Improved self-confidence in one’s image
  • A more youthful, well-rested appearance
  • Can be combined with a facelift or fat transfer
  • Well-hidden scars

If you have excess upper or lower eyelid skin, bags or puffiness, drooping skin, or conditions that make you look tired or upset, cosmetic eyelid surgery may be a procedure worth considering. With Dr. Chad Wu, you can explore your options for eyelid rejuvenation.

Solutions

Blepharoplasty can rejuvenate the eyelids and help you attain a more youthful, rested, and energetic appearance.

Dr. Wu provides tailored corrective and cosmetic eyelid surgery in Toronto. During your first consultation, you will be examined and all your specific concerns discussed in detail before a surgical procedure is recommended.

The recommended solution will depend on:

  • General condition of your eyelids
  • Amount of sun damage
  • Thickness and elasticity of your skin
  • Degree of wrinkling

Upper Eyelid Surgery

For droopy upper eyelids treatment, extra soft tissue, including skin, muscle and fat, are removed through incisions that are hidden in the natural crease of the upper eyelid. This ensures near-invisible scars and a natural finish.

To help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, the incision is usually extended beyond the lateral edge of the eye. Upper blepharoplasty is a low-risk outpatient procedure. It takes about 45-60 minutes to finish and is performed under sedation.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

Incisions for lower eyelid rejuvenation are made just below the lash line or inside the eyelid (transconjunctival incision) depending on the individual characteristics of the patient. Excess skin, muscle, and fat are removed as necessary.

All strenuous activity must be avoided for a week after lower eyelid or under-eye bag surgery. Wearing contact lenses will also be restricted for one week.

The Procedure

PRE-OPERATION PREP

TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE PROCEDURE

  • Alert your surgeon to any eye conditions.
  • Avoid taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications.
  • Tell your surgeon about any medications you are taking.
  • Notify your doctor about your allergies.
  • Inform your surgeon if you smoke.

THE DAY OF THE OPERATION

  • Do not apply makeup on your eyelids.
  • Wear easy-to-remove clothing.
  • Do not wear any jewelry.
  • Wash your hair before the operation if you will also be having a facelift.

SURGICAL PROCEDURE

Blepharoplasty is a safe procedure with minimal pain and quick recovery. The surgery is usually performed under sedation and can take between one and two hours depending on whether you are doing upper and lower eyelid surgery at the same time or not. Your surgeon will choose a surgical technique tailored to the amount of fat to be removed, the position of your eyebrows and excess skin.

BLEPHAROPLASTY RECOVERY

Eyelid surgery is an outpatient procedure, which means you will be going home after the surgery at the clinic. Plan for someone to give you a lift back home. Your surgeon will also prescribe ophthalmic drops to relieve any irritation. You can also apply a cold compress to your eyelids to reduce swelling.

Stitches will be removed after a 1-2 weeks. However, your eyelids will take 4 to 6 months to heal completely. During this time, make sure you wear sunglasses to protect your eyes against wind, sun and bright lights.

RESTRICTIONS

To ensure a smooth recovery from eyelid surgery, you will need to follow the precautions below for a few weeks until your doctor clears you.

  • No intense physical activity
  • Do not tilt your head backwards or lower it below your heart
  • Do not sleep on a flat surface – always keep your head elevated
  • No tobacco
  • No alcohol
  • Stay out of the sun

RARE COMPLICATIONS

  • Incomplete closure of eyelids
  • Small cysts on the incision lines
  • External bleeding
  • Recurring inflammatory nodule on the scar
  • Incision not fully closed
  • Infection

VERY RARE COMPLICATIONS

  • Ectropion (lower eyelid turns outward)
  • Atonia (weakness) of lower eyelids
  • Entropion (eyelid turns inward)
  • Enophthalmia (decreased fat around the eyes)
  • Chronic inflammation
  • Watery eyes
  • Pigmentation of the eyelids and telangiectasia (dilation of small vessels)
  • Partial recurrence of deformation
  • Dry eyes
  • Asymmetry
  • Diplopia (double vision)
  • Blindness or major visual problem
  • Loss of eyelashes (temporary)

Before & After

Frequently Asked Questions

HOW IS THIS PROCEDURE DONE?

An eyelid lift is performed by first making an elliptical incision in the upper lid. After excess skin, muscle and fat bags are removed, the incision is stitched (sutured) closed. If necessary, an incision is also made in the lower lid, beneath the eyelashes to remove excess skin and fat.

Book a consultation with Dr. Chad Wu to know more about eyelid rejuvenation surgery and whether it’s the right step for you.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY EYELID LIFT?

Your surgeon will give you detailed instructions on what to do before your eyelid lift. Precautions generally include avoiding alcohol and smoking, stopping certain medications like aspirin, herbal supplements or diet pills at least two weeks prior to the procedure. You will also need to be on a complete fast for at least 6 hours before the surgery.

All this and more will be covered during your preoperative visit with your surgeon. Don’t forget to share your entire medical history, including daily medications you take, allergies and previous surgeries. 

To ensure a smooth and safe experience, be transparent with your surgeon about any health developments. If you have a cold, sore throat or an allergic reaction on the day or week of the surgery, inform your doctor so necessary action can be taken.

HOW LONG DOES THE PROCEDURE TAKE?

If both upper and lower eyelids are done together an eyelid lift takes approximately 2 hours. It generally takes 45 minutes to an hour if the procedure is performed only on the upper eyelids.

AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR BLEPHAROPLASTY?

Ideal candidates are generally in good health, do not smoke, and have realistic expectations about the results of surgery. A consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon is necessary to evaluate eye health, medical history, and aesthetic goals before recommending treatment.

You may be a good candidate for blepharoplasty if you have:

  • Sagging or drooping upper eyelids
  • Puffy eyelids or under-eye bags
  • Loose skin or bulging fat beneath the eyes

Eyelid surgery is commonly performed on adults experiencing age-related eyelid changes, but it can also help individuals with hereditary under-eye bags or excess eyelid skin. 

WHERE ARE EYELID SURGERY INCISIONS MADE AND WILL SCARS BE VISIBLE?

Blepharoplasty incisions are strategically placed along natural creases and in some cases within the lower eyelid to make scars as discreet as possible. Most incision lines fade significantly over time and are near-invisible. 

For upper eyelid surgery, the incision is usually made in the natural crease of the eyelid, which helps hide the scar when the eyes are open. 

For lower eyelid surgery, incisions may be placed just below the lash line or inside the lower eyelid (transconjunctival approach). When the incision is inside the eyelid, there is no visible external scar. 

Book a consultation with Dr. Chad Wu for expert eyelid lift in Toronto.

CAN EYELID SURGERY ADDRESS UNDER-EYE BAGS AND PUFFINESS?

Yes. Lower eyelid surgery is commonly performed to reduce under-eye bags and puffiness. These concerns usually occur when fat accumulates or shifts beneath the eyes as the eyelid muscles weaken with age. Blepharoplasty can remove or reposition this fat and tighten the surrounding tissue, creating a smoother, more refreshed appearance. 

However, eyelid surgery may not correct every concern around the eyes. For example, it does not treat crow’s feet or pigmentation-related dark circles, which may require other cosmetic treatments. 

A consultation with Dr. Wu can determine whether eyelid surgery alone, or a combination of procedures will best address under-eye concerns.

WHAT FORM OF ANESTHESIA IS USED?

Blepharoplasty or eyelid lift is a relatively painless procedure. In most cases a combination of local anesthesia and IV sedation is used.

CAN I RETURN HOME THE SAME DAY?

Yes. An eyelid lift is done on an outpatient basis. You will need to arrange for someone to drop you off, pick you up, take you home and stay with you overnight. You will not be able to drive home by yourself.

HOW LONG BEFORE I CAN RETURN TO NORMAL ACTIVITY?

Most people return to work and regular functions in less than a week. However, make sure you get the all-clear from your doctor before resuming any strenuous activities. You will also need to protect your eyes from sunlight for a few months after the procedure.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN UPPER AND LOWER EYELID SURGERY?

Upper eyelid surgery focuses on removing excess skin and sometimes fat from the upper eyelids. This can improve drooping or “hooded” eyelids. Lower eyelid surgery targets the area beneath the eyes. The procedure usually involves removing or repositioning fat and tightening skin to reduce under-eye bags, puffiness, and hollowing.

Some patients benefit from having both procedures performed together, depending on their anatomy and goals. Your plastic surgeon will evaluate your eyelids, skin elasticity, and facial structure to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

WHAT IS RECOVERY LIKE AFTER EYELID SURGERY?

You can go home the same day of your eyelid surgery and start your recovery journey. It can take 10 to 14 days for bruising and swelling to improve noticeably, however, most patients are able to resume normal activities a few days after the procedure. Complete healing and final results can take a few months.

In the first few days after surgery, it’s common to experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort around the eyes. Cold compresses, lubricating ointments, and prescribed medications can help manage these symptoms. Your surgeon will provide detailed aftercare instructions, including how to care for the eyes, manage swelling, and schedule follow-up visits.

Ready for Eyelid Rejuvenation?

Choosing eyelid surgery is a personal decision, and the best way to understand your options is through a one-on-one consultation with an experienced specialist.

As a quadruple board-certified plastic surgeon in Toronto, Dr. Chad Wu brings advanced training, surgical precision, and a patient-first approach to every procedure. During your consultation, you’ll receive a comprehensive evaluation of your eyelids, facial anatomy, and aesthetic goals to determine whether blepharoplasty is right for you.

You’ll also have the opportunity to:

  • Discuss your concerns about droopy eyelids treatment, under-eye bags, or puffiness
  • Learn whether upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or both would best achieve your goals
  • Review before-and-after results and expected outcomes
  • Ask questions about recovery, safety, and long-term results

Dr. Chad Wu prioritizes natural-looking results that enhance your appearance while preserving your unique facial expression.

Take the next step toward brighter, more youthful-looking eyes.

Book Your Personalized Eyelid Surgery Consultation Today

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