Eyelid Surgery - Bringing the Twinkle in your Eye Back

Eyelid surgery is a surgical procedure that aims to correct drooping eyelids while minimizing wrinkles and bags under the eyes. Also referred to as blepharoplasty, surgical correction of defects around the eyelids can make your eyes seem wider and more alert, adding a vibrancy that subtly enhances your personality.

Why Opt for Eyelid Surgery
Blepharoplasty involves the surgical removal of baggy tissue and excess fat deposits around the eyes. Loose and sagging skin on eyelids often folds down creating droopy lids that are further aggravated by age. Blepharoptosis or ptosis refers to the condition where folded skin and fat on the upper lids conceals the tarsal margin of the eye when it is open, sometimes obstructing the field of vision. While ptosis is sometimes attributed to congenital defects where the muscles around the eyes are poorly developed causing a sag, more commonly drooping increases with age or possible trauma, and can sometimes be the result of nerve palsy or muscle laxity.

Drooping lids that cause significant vision difficulties can lead to irregular head positioning placing significant pressure on the neck. Severe cases of ptosis may cause the eyelashes to turn inwards causing irritation to the eyes and potentially damaging the corneal surface. Surgical trimming of these overhanging skin folds is often the only solution to making the eyelids more functional while ensuring that the line of vision is clear, thereby minimizing eye strain. Blepharoplasty is also performed as a cosmetic procedure to perk up sagging eyelids for aesthetical reasons.

What Blepharoplasty Involves
Eyelid surgery is typically an outpatient procedure rarely needing any post-operative hospital care. Blepharoplasty is performed under local anesthesia which is administered directly onto the eye itself as well as the upper eyelids to eliminate any sensation in the region. Since you will likely be conscious throughout the procedure, you could ask your plastic surgeon for additional medication to help ease any anxiety.

Once the surgical area has been prepared and is numb, a short incision is made near the crease around the eyes. The most important step to surgically removing excess skin above the lids is to identify the muscle layer that actually causes the eyelids to rise. Termed the ‘levator palpebrae superioris’, this muscle is shortened to help correct the droop. Additional incisions may be necessary if several folds obscure the lids, and any excess fatty tissue or bags are also removed. Dissolvable sutures are then used on incision area so that they are absorbed without problems. In the absence of the loose sagging skin the muscles are naturally tightened when the sutures are in place.

Since eyelid surgery is a considered a minor procedure, patients are immediately discharged and prognosis is expected to be without event. Post-operative care involves application of topical antibiotics and a protective bandage and any soreness or bruising around the eyes can be managed with pain medication.

Blepharoplasty performed by a skilled plastic surgeon can effectively minimize droopy lids while significantly improving peripheral vision. Eyelid surgery, whether opted for as a cosmetic or medical procedure, can serve as a virtual mini-makeover giving the eyes an alert and vivid feel while aesthetically enhancing the facial features for a more appealing look.