What to Consider Before Choosing Eyelid Lift Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Eyelid lift surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a surgery to tighten excess skin around the eye and remove fat to refresh the eyes for a more youthful, lively look. The procedure is done mainly for cosmetic reasons. Many surgical procedures target the area around the eyes and face, but blepharoplasty offers several unique benefits that could suit your face.

Benefits of eyelid lift surgery

An eyelid lift can be performed on both the upper and lower eyelids. During eyelid lift surgery, an incision is made in the natural crease of the eye, through which excess fat and skin can be removed. When healed, the incision is camouflaged in the natural contour of your eyelid.

On the lower eyelid, the incision is made either behind the eyelid to remove excess fat without causing any scarring or just below the eyelashes, to conceal the incision while removing excess skin.

There are several reasons to perform blepharoplasty. It’s a low-risk procedure that improves the look of the eyes and may even improve the field of vision. What benefits does it offer that other cosmetic procedures do not? Here are some reasons people consider eyelid lift surgery and what it best targets.

Signs of aging

The skin around the eyes is thin and sensitive. It’s often the first place we begin showing signs of age as skin elasticity fades and collagen levels deplete. Aging happens to everyone, but some of us are genetically predisposed to sagging skin around the eyes, leading to eyelids drooping, sometimes over the eye, which can age us beyond our years.

An upper eyelid lift can remove the excess skin drooping over the eye, tightening appearance, and leaving a person looking fresher, brighter, and younger.

Tired eyes

People who feel they appear “tired” all the time can benefit from blepharoplasty as well. Heavy, drooping eyelids can narrow the eyes, and heavy lower eyelids can drag the eye downwards, resulting in a weary, run-down appearance. An upper, lower, or combination of both blepharoplasty types can tighten the appearance of the eyes, making them appear more well-rested and refreshed. 

Puffy eyes and under-eye bags

Excess fat deposits can lead to puffy eyelids or bags underneath the eyes, which can also lead to a tired, worn-down appearance. Blepharoplasty can remove those excess fat deposits, reducing puffiness in the eyes to smooth and refresh the appearance of the eyes.

Eyelid lifts also result in minimal scarring, as the incisions are concealed in the eyelid’s natural contours. The surgery typically only results in a small scar that may extend a few millimeters from the outer corner of the eye, and many people don’t even notice it.

Caring for yourself after eyelid surgery

The first week

Following an eyelid lift, be sure to have someone available and pre-arranged to drive you home. You can expect to be sensitive to light, so bring sunglasses for the trip home. On the first day after surgery, you’ll likely experience sensitivity to light and blurry vision, but don’t worry. That will fade within the first twenty-four hours.

For the first three to four days, rest is essential. Arrange some time off work to get quiet, peaceful rest and avoid any heavy lifting or exercise.

During this period, let your health-care provider know if you’re experiencing any nausea or cold symptoms. Don’t drive until you’re finished with any pain medication and your eyes are no longer blurry—anywhere from five to ten days following the surgery. Your stitches will be removed at a follow-up appointment two to seven days after surgery.

Three weeks following

In the weeks following your surgery, you can expect your eyes to look bruised and swollen in the morning. The swelling will improve over the day as you sit up and move around. For the first two weeks (or as advised by your doctor), sleep propped up on two to three pillows to reduce swelling at the surgery site. 

Your cheeks and jaw may also have some swelling, but this will fade over the first two weeks. The surgery lines will fade over the following months until they’re barely visible.

Is eyelid lift surgery for you?

An eyelid lift surgery is a flexible, low-risk surgery with impressive results that can be combined with other surgeries to refresh the whole face or target multiple areas of concern. Unlike many surgeries, blepharoplasty has long-lasting results, improving the appearance of aging or tired eyes for years to come. Many patients don’t feel the need to return to repeat the surgery. 

Eyelid lifts can improve appearance and field of vision and make you look younger, leading to a happier, more confident you. If you’re considering eyelid surgery in the Toronto or Newmarket areas, learn more about blepharoplasty from Dr. Richard Rival, or book a consultation today.