Eyelid Surgery

Blepharoplasty, “Scarless” eye surgery, “Mini” eye lift

Some say that the eyes are “windows to the soul” – but sagging, drooping, and puffy swelling around the eyes can give the false impression of being a tired soul. The bright eyes of a vibrant person can be hidden by the surrounding changes. Though you may try highlighting them with eye shadow or dressing them with designer eyewear or colored contact lenses, often it’s your own natural frame that needs attention.

Eyelid surgery can help restore drooping upper eyelids or the puffy skin under the eyes that can make us look older and more tired than we are. As we age and our skin looses its elasticity or succumbs to external forces (such as sun damage, gravity, air pollutants), sensitive spots such as around the eyes can look prematurely aged.

The good news is that corrective surgery for this common trouble spot may be simpler than you think. If the main problem is puffiness, we may be able to do “scarless” eye surgery where no visible incisions are used to correct the problem. If your primary concern is fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes (which some begin to see as early as in their 20’s or 30’s) a “mini” eye lift may be all that is needed. This quick procedure provides rapid correction with minimal recovery time. There aren’t even any stitches to remove, and the whole procedure can be done comfortably in under an hour with only local anesthetic if desired.

If an eyelift procedure is right for you, we will discuss in detail what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. I customize the surgery to meet the unique needs of the individual, so each patient will have a somewhat different experience. The procedure usually takes between one and two hours. An incision is made along the natural lines of your eyelids. Excess fat causing a baggy or droopy appearance and wrinkling or sagging skin are trimmed. Fine absorbable sutures are used to close the incision.

Your eyelids may be swollen or feel somewhat tight for the first days after the surgery. Pain medication is offered to control any temporary discomfort – but most patients tell me they didn’t need it. Cold compresses during the first days help alleviate any swelling or bruising.

While you can go home shortly after the procedure, it’s best to plan on resting for the first few days. Most people feel ready to return to a regular routine in about 6 or 7 days, though in some cases swelling or bruising can last longer. I urge my patients to avoid strenuous activity during the healing process.

The aim of the procedure is not to make you look different, but to make you look better – like the “real” you. My goal is to have people see you and ask “have you lost weight?” or “did you buy new clothes?” because their perception is that you look healthier, happier and fresher. Your eyes will glow, looking as youthful and vibrant as you remember them!