Tired of people asking if you’re tired? Want to enhance the appearance of your eyes?

There is no area of the face that is more likely to show the signs of aging than the eyes. The natural aging process leads to changes in the skin surrounding the eyes, often resulting in excess tissues, wrinkles, and under-eye bags.

The tissues surrounding the eyes are very delicate and they often are the first to show signs of aging. 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.

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. Dr. Chad Wu utilizes the latest techniques, which are designed to provide natural-looking results as well as minimal scarring. Eyelid Lift surgery trims away the excess skin on both the upper eyelids and lower eyelids or on each section individually. Additionally, this procedure can be used 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.

ADVANTAGES OF EYELID SURGERY

  • Reduction of bags, puffiness, fat and sagging
  • Smoothing wrinkles around the eyelids
  • Tightening the eyelid skin and muscles
  • Improvement in vision
  • Improvement in facial expression
  • 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.

Solutions

Your eyelid surgery will be tailored to your individual needs and concerns. This depends on the general condition of your eyelids, including the amount of sun damage, the thickness and elasticity of your skin, degree of wrinkling, underlying bone structure and other factors.

Dr. Wu will trim this extra tissue from the top of the eyelids using well-hidden incisions. Strategically placed incisions are made that result in scars that are virtually invisible.

If the lower eyelids are addressed, there are several techniques available. One of the most popular is the transconjunctival approach, which is also known as a “scar-less” Eyelid Lift. In some cases, the fat pad in the lower lid area may be reduced to minimize under-eye bags, or the fatty tissue may be adjusted to create a smoother, younger-looking effect.

When performed by acknowledged eyelid expert, blepharoplasty can give you the wide-eyed, luminous look that you desire. It can turn back the clock 10 years and help you attain a more youthful, rested, and energetic appearance.

Upper Eyelid Surgery

Incisions are hidden in the natural crease of the upper eyelid. Through this approach, excess skin, muscle, and fat is removed and the scar is virtually invisible. The incision will be extended beyond the lateral edge of the eye to address wrinkles in this area. Surgery for the upper eyelids is typically done in the office under local anesthetic.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

Incisions for lower eyelid rejuvenation are made just below the lash line or inside the eyelid depending on the individual characteristics of the patient. Excess skin, muscle, and fat are removed as necessary. You must avoid strenuous activity for the week following surgery. Wearing contact lenses will be restricted for one week.

The Procedure

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.
  • Remember to tell your doctor about your allergies.
  • Inform your surgeon if you smoke.

THE DAY OF THE OPERATION

  • Do not put make-up on your eyelids.
  • Wear easy-to-remove clothing.
  • Do not wear jewelry.
  • Wash your hair before the operation if you will also be having a face lift.

Blepharoplasty usually causes little pain. The surgery is therefore usually performed under local, mixed or general anesthesia. The procedure lasts from one to two hours. Your surgeon will choose a surgical technique adapted to the amount of fat to be removed, the position of your eyebrows and the state of the muscles around the eyes.

Your stay at the clinic will last less than 24 hours. Plan for someone to give you a lift back home. Once at home, plan a few days of total rest in a sitting position. 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 few days. However, your eyelids will take from four to six months to heal completely. During this time, you will want to wear sunglasses to protect against wind, sun and bright lights.

  • No intense physical activity
  • Do not lower your head
  • Sleep on a flat surface
  • No tobacco
  • No alcohol
  • Stay out of the sun

OCCASIONAL COMPLICATIONS

  • Incomplete closure of eyelids
  • Small cysts on the incision lines
  • External bleeding

RARE COMPLICATIONS

  • Recurring inflammatory nodule on the scar
  • Incision not fully closed
  • Infection

EXTREMELY RARE COMPLICATIONS

  • Diplopia (double vision)
  • Glaucoma
  • Blindness or major visual problem
  • Loss of eyelashes (temporary)
  • Difficulty in raising the upper eyelid

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

FAQ

HOW IS THIS PROCEDURE DONE?

Eyelid lift is performed by making an elliptical incision in the upper lid first. Excess skin, muscle and fat bags will be removed and the skin will be stitched (sutured). If necessary, an incision that extends slightly beyond the outside corner of the eye will be made in the lower lid, beneath the eyelashes. Excessive skin and fat will be removed, sagging muscles will be tightened and the incision stitched (sutured). Often the lower lid bags can be removed without any visible incision or scar.

Some women have hereditary or acquired darkening of the lower eyelid skin in addition to bags and wrinkles. The eyelid lift may not improve this darkening, but most people can be helped by a chemical peel of the lower lids some weeks after the procedure. A peel is rarely done at the same time as an eyelid lift. Consult with Dr. Wu to determine if additional procedures will enhance your eyes.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY EYELID LIFT?

During your initial preoperative visit with your surgeon, be prepared to give a complete medical history including all your medications, allergies and previous surgeries. You will undergo a thorough physical examination and blood tests. If you are at or over age 40, an electrocardiogram will be required. Photographs are important aids in planning and performing your eyelid lift. They become a permanent part of your patient record and are taken before and several months after your procedure.

During your consultation, you will be given specific directions to help you prepare for your procedure. Instructions generally include cautions about taking certain medication and drinking alcohol, the shaving process and use of antibacterial soap. You must stop smoking, taking aspirin or taking diet pills at least two weeks prior to the procedure.

You must not eat or drink anything eight hours before your eyelid lift. If you take daily medication, ask your surgeon if it is safe to take before your procedure. If you have any sores on your body, or if you have a cold, sore throat or allergic condition, inform your cosmetic surgeon so you may be examined prior to your procedure.

HOW LONG DOES THE PROCEDURE TAKE?

If both upper and lower eyelids are done together an eyelid lift takes approximately one hour. Less time is required if the procedure is performed only on the lower or only on the upper eyelids.

WHAT FORM OF ANESTHESIA IS USED?

Majority of cases are performed while under sedation.

CAN I RETURN HOME THE SAME DAY?

Yes. An eyelid lift is done on an outpatient basis. Be sure to arrange for someone to drop you off, pick you up, take you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours. You will not be able to drive yourself.

HOW LONG BEFORE I CAN RETURN TO NORMAL ACTIVITY?

Most people return to work and regular functions in less than a week.