- Do you have puffiness around your eyes that just won't disappear—even when you've had a good night's sleep?
- Have you developed “hooding” in your upper eyelids that makes you look sleepy—and may even interfere with your vision?
Many women and men are turning to cosmetic eyelid surgery to minimize the effects of aging and look more rested and refreshed.
Eyelid surgery is performed on people of all ages who want to improve their self-image. Most women and men have eyelid surgery to minimize the effects of aging. However, many people in their 20s or 30s may also benefit from the procedure.
What is cosmetic eyelid surgery?
Cosmetic eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a procedure to remove fat—and usually excess skin and muscle—from the upper and lower eyelids. Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper or lower eyelids, or both. This procedure can be done alone or in conjunction with a facelift
What can eyelid surgery do?
- Correct drooping upper eyelids
- Get rid of puffy “bags” under the eyes
- Add an eyelid crease to Asian eyes
Want can't eyelid surgery do?
- Remove crow's feet or other wrinkles
- Eliminate dark circles under the eyes
- Lift sagging eyebrows
- Erase evidence of racial or ethnic heritage
Is upper eyelid surgery for you?
You may be a good candidate for upper eyelid surgery if you have:
- Excess skin that hides the natural fold of the upper eyelids
- Loose skin that hangs down from the upper eyelids
- Puffiness in the upper eyelids that creates a tired look
Is lower eyelid surgery for you?
You may be a good candidate for lower eyelid surgery if you have:
- Excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelids
- Puffy “bags” under the eyes
Who may not be a good candidate for eyelid surgery?
Eyelid surgery needs to be approached with extra caution if
you have:
- Thyroid problems, such as hypothyroidism or Graves' disease
- Lower eyelids that droop significantly and reveal the white beneath the iris (the eye's colored portion)
- Eye problems, such as “dry eye,” a detached retina or glaucoma
- High blood pressure or other circulatory disorders
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
How is cosmetic eyelid surgery performed?
The specific method used for your eyelid surgery will be determined by your features and Dr. Parungao's preferences.
For upper eyelid surgery, Dr. Parungao typically begins the incision within the natural crease of the eye's inside corner and extends slightly beyond the outside corner into the crow's feet or laugh lines. Through this incision, Dr. Parungao removes excess skin and fatty tissue. The incision line follows the natural contour of the upper eyelid, and is camouflaged when healed.
For lower eyelid surgery, the incision is usually concealed just below the lower lashes. Through this incision, Dr. Parungao removes excess skin, muscle and fat, and may also make special adjustments. For example, he may redistribute the fat beneath the eye to eliminate puffiness or bulges. In some cases, Dr. Parungao may also tighten the underlying muscle.
Dr. Parungao may decide that the best approach for removing fat from the lower eyelid is with a transconjunctival blepharoplasty. In this procedure, he places the incision inside the lower eyelid. This technique requires no external incision, but it cannot be used to remove excess skin. Laser resurfacing or chemical peel is sometimes used in conjunction with this procedure to minimize fine wrinkles near the eyes.
How fast is the healing process?
Although everyone heals at a different rate, you can expect that your recovery will follow this general time line:
Within the first week
- Bruising around the eyes will reach its peak and then begin
to fade.
- Healing may be accompanied by mildly blurred vision, excess tearing or dryness, light sensitivity or itching.
- You can begin to use makeup to conceal any discoloration.
- Stitches will dissolve or be removed.
- You may resume most of your normal (non-strenuous) activities.
After several weeks
- Most of the swelling will subside and you'll begin to see the
final result.
- Any vision-related symptoms will disappear.
- You may resume vigorous exercise, including bending and lifting.
- You may resume wearing contact lenses.
What results can you expect from eyelid surgery?
If you're like most people who have eyelid surgery, you'll be very pleased with your refreshed and alert appearance. You may find that you feel more confident in business and social situations. Friends and colleagues may tell you that you appear happier or more rested, without realizing that you had eye surgery.
Most traces of surgery will disappear after several weeks. However, the skin around your eyes must be treated with extra care for several months. When you go out during the day, you should wear sun block on your eyelids and darkly tinted sunglasses to protect your eyes from wind and sun irritation.
The results of cosmetic eyelid surgery are long-lasting. However, keep in mind that your face will continue to age. Dr. Parungao can advise you about the best way to maintain your results.
Eyelid surgery FAQ
| Q. | Can eyelid surgery take away the dark circles under
my eyes? |
|---|
| A. |
No. Dark circles are caused by thin skin under the eyes that allows onlookers to see the network of blood vessels underneath. This gives the lower eyelids a bluish hue. No surgery, laser or beauty cream can get rid of those dark circles. Vitamin K, however, has been reported to help. |
| Q. | Is eyelid surgery covered by insurance? |
|---|
| A. |
Sometimes. If sagging upper eyelids are obstructing your vision, insurance may cover eyelid surgery. Without documentation that your vision is being obstructed, blepharoplasty is considered a cosmetic procedure. |
| Q. | Is fat always removed from the lower eyelids? |
|---|
| A. |
Not always. It depends on each patient's case. Sometimes, only loose skin is removed. |
| Q. | How are fat injections used in the lower eyelid area? |
|---|
| A. |
In cases where a patient forms a “tear trough” (a groove between the lower eyelid and the cheek fat), Dr. Parungao can inject fat into the trough to soften the junction between the lower eyelid and the cheek. |
| Q. | Can an eyelid lift be done under local anesthesia? |
|---|
| A. |
Yes. During your consultation, Dr. Parungao will explain your anesthesia choices. |
Newsletters related to surgery of the eyelids or blepharoplasty
Patient: Carmen, age 59
