What is an eyelid lift?
Eyelid lift (Blepharoplasty) is a surgical procedure carried out to enhance the shape of the upper and lower eyelids under general anesthesia. The surgery removes the excess or sagging skin of the upper eyelids and the fatty bags under the eyes and reduces the wrinkles and fine lines around the lower eyelids.
An eyelid lift is not limited to enhancing the eyelid appearance, but it ensures healthy-looking skin and better vision.
Who is a good candidate for an eyelid lift?
The best candidate for eyelid lift should be:
Over 35 years old suffer from droopy eyelids.
Enjoy good health and have no dangerous diseases, such as thyroid disorders, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes.
Have no eye conditions, such as glaucoma and dry eye.
Suffer from puffy under eyes.
Have sagging skin and wrinkles around the eyes.
Suffer from sagging upper eyelids which causes visual problems.
Want a youthful and smoother eyelid skin appearance.
Pre-operative instructions for an eyelid lift
Before deciding to carry out the eyelid lift, you should follow a set of necessary recommendations to decrease the risk of any possible complications and ensure good results.
Stop taking medicines, such as aspirin, ibuprofen combinations, anti-inflammatory, or Vitamin E, for 2 weeks before the operation. These drugs cause bleeding during the surgery.
You should avoid smoking for at least two weeks before the surgery. Nicotine products affect the results of your surgery badly.
Stop drinking alcohol or coffee for a week before the operation to avoid any risk of complications.
Don't eat or drink the night before the surgery.
You should avoid wearing eye makeup on the day of the operation.
How eyelid lift is done?
Although eyelid lift varies from patient to patient depending on the eyelid condition of each patient, it goes through the same following stages:
Typically, general anesthesia is administered to the patient, making sure that he will feel no pain during the operation.
An incision is made along the natural crease of the upper eyelid. While an incision is made below the lower lash line of the lower eyelid. The incisions are made strategically within the natural creases of the eyelids. So no scars will be visible.
Then, the excess skin and fatty bags are removed, and the eyelid tissues are tightened, giving a firmer and more youthful appearance.
Finally, the eyelid incisions are closed with dissolved sutures.
Post-operative instructions for an eyelid lift
You can ensure the best results by following the following instructions:
You might need to apply an ice pack to your eyelids during the first 24 hours after the operation.
Try to sleep with your head elevated 45 degrees for a week to reduce the swelling.
Avoid normal activities for 2 weeks after the surgery.
Keep avoiding aspirin and any blood-thinner product which might lead to bleeding after the operation.
Take a brief walk every day which helps you reduce swelling and decrease the risk of blood clots.
Take your medicines, including pain medications and antibiotics prescribed by your doctor.
Avoid strenuous activity for 6 weeks after the operation.
Continue to stop smoking for five weeks after the operation, as it causes serious healing issues.
Avoid direct sunlight to the incision to reduce the visibility of scars.
Eyelid lift side effects
Eyelid lift surgery is associated with some side effects such as:
Infection
Bleeding
Irritated eyes
Scars
closing your eyes difficulty
Skin discoloration
temporarily unclear vision
General anesthesia risks
