Eyelid Lift

The appearance of someone's eyes and eyelids often affects our overall impression of their personality. If the skin of the eyelids is puffy or excessively loose or baggy, the impression conveyed may be one of tiredness, rather than a bright, energetic nature. Aging eyes can give the appearance of anger or fatigue.

Sometimes, loose skin on the upper eyelids may droop almost onto the eyelashes and become a significant annoyance. Bulging or baggy upper or lower eyelids may result from excess skin, as well as from excessive fat deposits within the eye socket.

Blepharoplasty (eyelid lift or eyelid surgery) can correct sagging eyelids and soften excess folds and pouches beneath the eyes by surgically removing excess skin and fat on the upper and lower eyelids.

Be aware that an eyelid lift will not remove crow's feet or other wrinkles, and it cannot eliminate dark circles under your eyes or lift sagging eyebrows. However, an eyelid lift can be performed in conjunction with other surgical procedures, such as facelift or a brow lift, to achieve the desired results.

After consulting with Dr. Pollard, if you decide to proceed with surgery she will discuss the surgical techniques and the type of anesthesia best suited for your individual needs.

Dr. Pollard invites you to call 610-667-3303 to schedule your in-office consultation, or click here to request additional information. Dr. Pollard's highly trained staff will be happy to answer any questions or address any concerns.

FAQs

Why should I get my eyes done?

Many people elect to undergo blepharoplasty before or instead of full-face restoration. Because the eyelids tend to age ten years sooner than the forehead and neck, there is little reason to wait.

What will the recovery be like?

Blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure, and does not require a hospital stay. There is minimal discomfort following surgery; however, you may experience some swelling and bruising, which can last from seven to 14 days.

During your recovery:

Avoid wearing eye makeup for a few days after the stitches have been removed
Avoid wearing contact lenses for at least two weeks following surgery -- they may feel uncomfortable
Avoid driving until your vision has returned to normal and your eyes have stopped watering
Avoid strenuous activity for at least four weeks following surgery

How should I prepare for the surgery?

Maintain good health, quit smoking and avoid excessive exposure to sunlight and tanning beds. Stop taking all aspirin-containing medications, Vitamin E, and all herbs at least 14 days before surgery. Be sure to disclose all medications that you have been taking with Dr. Pollard and the anesthesiologist.

How long before I can return to work?

Everyone heals at a different rate, but most people return to work within a week to ten days.

When will I see results?

You will see results immediately, but do not try to evaluate the success of your surgery during your early recovery. Imbalances between the two sides of your face are common at first, due to swelling and variable rates of recovery. Full healing of any incision on the body can take from six to nine months or more.

Do people of color have a higher risk of keloids and unsightly scarring?

Although unsightly scarring and keloids rarely develop after blepharoplasty, Dr. Pollard does have expertise in managing the full range of surgical issues faced by people of color.

Will this surgery remove my dark circles, remove crow’s feet, or lift my sagging eyebrows?

A blepharoplasty will not address any of these issues; however, at the time of your consultation, Dr Pollard may recommend an additional procedure to raise the eyebrows. Certain creams can decrease the appearance of dark circles, and crow’s feet can be treated with Botox. Dr. Pollard’s aesthetician can suggest appropriate treatment both before and after your surgery.

What about possible complications?

Complications (unexpected problems that can occur during or after surgery) will not affect most people who undergo eyelid surgery. The primary complications associated with any operation include: bleeding during or soon after the procedure; infection; or an unexpected reaction to the anesthesia.

At the time of your consultation, be sure to give Dr. Pollard your complete medical history so she can assess your risks and discuss them with you.

For more information about eyelid lifts, visit the ASAPS website.

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EYELID LIFT (Blepharoplasty)