Eyelid Rejuvenation (Blepharoplasty)

Both age and heredity can play a role in the shape and proportion of your upper and lower lids. Indications for eyelid surgery include upper eyelid overhang or droops, puffiness or “pillows” under the lower lid. Extra skin may obscure the natural eyelid and cleft between lid and brow creating a hooded appearance. Eyes may turn down and look sad and frown lines may exist between the brows.

You may consider eyelid surgery if any of the following conditions apply:

• Excess skin that hides the natural fold of the upper eyelid
• Loose skin that hangs down from the upper eyelids
• Puffiness in the upper eyelids that creates a tired look
• Excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelids
• Puffy "bags" around the lower eyelids
• Desire for an upper eyelid crease

If you have any of the following medical conditions, eyelid surgery needs to be approached with extra caution:

• Thyroid problems, such as hypothyroidism or Graves' disease
• Lower eyelids that droop significantly and reveal the white beneath the iris
• Eye problems, such as dry eye, a detached retina, or glaucoma
• High blood pressure or other circulatory disorders
• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes

How is eyelid rejuvenation surgery performed?
For upper lid surgery, excess skin and fatty tissue are removed through an incision placed in the natural crease of the eye. . The fold of skin between the eyelash and eyebrow is removed. Scars heal rapidly and are barely visible. The result is an alert, more youthful expression.

A combination of approaches is used for lower lids. If the appearance can be improved simply by removing fatty tissue, an internal incision is made inside the lower eyelid. If both fatty tissue and excess skin are involved, a small incision is made close to the lower lashes and extends into a natural wrinkle line to hide the scar. Fat may be reduced, redistributed or added. In the case of “sad eyes” an additional procedure called Canthoplasty or Cantopexy may be involved. This repositions and reinforces the tendons at the outer corner of the eye to support the lower eyelid. Although this does not require any additional incisions, it is a procedure that leaves little room for error and must be performed by a skilled surgeon.

Upper and lower eyelid surgery can be performed independently or together and can be performed under local or general anesthesia.