Eyelid Surgery

Over time, the skin along our eyelids can begin to weaken and sag, making us look older than we are. Many people fruitlessly try to combat the natural effects of aging with skin care products and eventually turn to plastic surgery to achieve the youthful look they desire. Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure that addresses the upper and lower eyelids to create a more rejuvenated facial appearance.

What Can Be Corrected With an Eyelid Lift?

Sagging Eyelids

The skin surrounding our eyes begins to lose elasticity as a normal part of the aging process. When this happens, gravity takes hold and causes the excess tissue in the upper and lower eyelids to droop. This development can create a tired, worn-out appearance. While many people are concerned with this condition for aesthetic reasons, excess upper eyelid tissue can also cause significant impairment to your vision; luckily, an eyelid lift can reverse eyelid laxity by surgically removing any excess tissue and leaving behind a natural, invigorated appearance.

Puffiness and Bags Around the Eyes

Sometimes, the supporting fat tissue around the eyes can become displaced and cause your eyelids to appear swollen or puffy. The supporting muscles can also weaken, leading to bags in the lower eyelids that purport a fatigued expression. An eyelid lift can target these areas of puffiness by removing or redistributing fat deposits and smoothing out the eyelid area to make you look as young as you feel.

Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Loose and sagging skin can also lead to folds along the upper and lower eyelids. In addition to possibly impairing vision, these fine lines and wrinkles add years to a person’s appearance by disrupting the natural contour of the eyelid. By excising any excess skin tissue near the eye and pulling the remaining skin taut, the area surrounding the eyes can once again appear sprightly, shaving decades off of your appearance.

What Are My Eyelid Surgery Options?

Upper Eyelid Surgery

This surgery is typically performed when a patient is experiencing drooping skin above the eyes that results in an aged appearance and possibly even impaired vision. During this procedure, an incision is placed along the natural folds of each eyelid, which will be used to remove excess fat and skin. The tissue that is left is tightened, and the incisions are closed.

Traditional Lower Eyelid Surgery

Depending on the severity of the symptoms in the lower eyelid, traditional lower eyelid surgery can be designed to be very simple or complex to best address fine lines, wrinkles, or skin folds in the area. During this procedure, incisions are made just below the lower lash line, through which excess skin and/or fat can be removed and redistributed to create a more youthful appearance.

Transconjunctival Lower Eyelid Surgery

This method of eyelid surgery focuses on removing or repositioning pockets of fat in the lower eyelid to create a smoother appearance. The incisions are made on the inside of the lower eyelid, preventing any visible scarring. It is important to note that, in this technique, no skin will be removed from the eyelid; it is only used to smooth out puffiness caused by excess fat.

Recovery

You can expect some swelling, redness, and bruising near the eyelids following your procedure, but these symptoms should resolve after a few weeks. Be sure to follow all of Dr. Ip’s post-operative instructions, including taking any prescribed pain or antibiotic medications, to ensure a successful and speedy recovery.

Results

The final results of your procedure will become apparent around six weeks after surgery. These results will be long lasting; however, it is important to keep in mind that this procedure cannot prevent future aging from occurring. Using sunscreen regularly will help extend your results.

Scars

Scarring will depend on the technique used during your eyelid surgery. In the cases of upper eyelid surgery and traditional lower eyelid surgery, the incisions are made along the natural folds around the eye, helping to hide the scarring. In transconjunctival lower eyelid surgery, the incisions are made inside the lower eyelid, which results in no visible scarring.

Cost

The cost of your eyelid surgery will vary depending on certain factors, such as surgical fees, anesthesia fees, and the techniques used during your procedure. Dr. Ip will provide you with an accurate cost estimate during your consultation.

What Dr. Ip's Patients are Saying

I had a wonderful experience with Dr. Ip. He immediately makes you feel comfortable and at ease because he is such a warm and kind person. He is very patient and takes his time explaining everything and answering any questions or concerns you may have. He is very thorough with everything he explains which really impressed me. His office is clean and his staff is very professional and friendly. Dr. Ip did eyelid surgery on me and the results are even better than I expected. Even though I was a little nervous on surgery day, he quickly made me feel calm and confident in my decision, and the surgery was a very pleasant experience. Dr. Ip is truly professional and a very skillful surgeon, and I will be recommending him to all my friends and family in search of cosmetic procedures.

Thank you Dr. Ip!

Jeanette G. | Mission Viejo, CA

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Eyelid Surgery Faq

Am I a good candidate for eyelid surgery?

Ideal candidates for eyelid surgery must be in good health, have realistic expectations, and be able to refrain from smoking a few weeks before and after your surgery.
What kind of anesthesia will be used during my eyelid surgery?

You have two choices for anesthesia for this procedure: intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Dr. Ip will discuss these options with you during your consultation.
Can I combine my eyelid surgery with other facial procedures?

Eyelid surgery is frequently performed alongside facelift surgery and brow lift surgery to enhance a patient’s overall facial appearance.
Are there any risks or side effects involved with eyelid surgery?
As with most surgical procedures, there is a slight risk that complications may occur after your eyelid surgery. These might include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Sensitivity to light
- Poor wound healing