Eyelifts, also called blepharoplasty, are performed on men and women as young as 30 or 40. They are used to improve the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both. The procedure can restore firmness around the eye area, resulting in a rested, more alert appearance.

An eyelift can correct:

• Loose or sagging skin that creates folds or hides the natural contour of the upper eyelid
• Excess skin that hangs down from the upper eyelid, sometimes impairing vision
• Excess fatty deposits that appear as puffiness in the upper eyelids
• Bags under the eyes
• Droopiness of the lower eyelids, showing white below the iris
• Excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelid

An eyelift is best performed on adult men and women who believe their eyes look tired or sad and are detracting from their appearances.

Good candidates include people who:

• Have healthy facial tissue and muscles
• Are healthy and do not have a life-threatening illness or medical condition that impairs healing
• Don’t smoke
• Have a positive outlook but realistic goals for their appearance improvement

It is essential to disclose any of these conditions:

• Eye diseases such as glaucoma, dry eyes or a detached retina
• Thyroid disorders such as Grave's disease and an under- or over-active thyroid
• Cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure or other circulatory disorder, or diabetes

First, you will:

• Discuss your goals and evaluate your current signs of aging
• Learn about the procedure
• Learn the likely outcomes and potential risks of the procedure
• Get a course of treatment recommended by Dr. Swier
• Ask questions and get answers to help you understand the process

Be sure to:

• Openly share your expectations
• Disclose your complete health history, current medications, and use of vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs
• Commit to precisely follow all of Dr. Swier’s instructions

Upper eyelid
An incision within the natural crease of the upper eyelid allows removal of fat deposits and/or excess skin to create a firmer upper eyelid contour.

Lower eyelid
Using a transconjunctival incision—hidden inside the lower eyelid—fat is redistributed or some fat may be removed. An incision just below the lower lash line is an alternate technique used to excise excess skin.

You will:

• Be given diagnostic testing slips
• Be given medication prescriptions
• Be given day-of-surgery instructions and medications
• Be given specific information related to the use of anesthesia
• Be asked to sign consent papers
• Learn the risks associated with surgery

• Your procedure may be performed in a hospital, outpatient surgery center or office-based surgical suite.
• Medications will be administered to keep your comfortable
• A lubricating ointment and cold compresses will be applied, and in some cases your eyes will be covered with gauze
• You will experience minimal discomfort but you may receive medications to control any pain you may feel
• You will learn how to care for the surgical site
• You’ll be asked to keep your head elevated at all times until swelling has subsided
• You’ll learn when you may return to light activity
• You’ll receive a follow-up appointment with Dr. Swier

The first day:

• Rest quietly and keep your head elevated
• You may experience swelling, bruising, irritation or dry eye, and discomfort, which can be controlled using cold compresses and medication
• You will be instructed to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes until initial swelling has subsided

In five to ten days:

• Swelling and puffiness will mostly subside
• Sutures will be removed and incisions will be healed
• You can resume light activity

After two weeks:

• Most of the bruising will disappear
• You can resume wearing makeup
• You should continue wearing sunglasses and use diligent sun protection