An eyelift, also called blepharoplasty, is used to improve the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both. This procedure can restore firmness around the eye area, resulting in a rested, more alert appearance. A blepharoplasty can also improve vision if excess skin causes vision impairment. In this case the procedure would be considered a “functional blepharoplasty” and could be covered by insurance if the patient meets the criteria required by their insurance company. In most cases additional testing is required for coverage.
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, excess fatty deposits that appear as puffiness in the upper eyelids, bags and fine wrinkles under the eyes, droopiness of the lower eyelids, showing white below the iris.
The Procedures
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.
Key Facts
Good Candidates: Adults who have healthy facial tissues and muscles. Patients should be healthy and not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that would impair healing, should not smoke and have a positive outlook but realistic goals in mind.
Anesthesia: General anesthesia
Length of procedure: This procedure takes approximately 1-2 hours but times may vary from patient to patient depending on several factors.
Length of stay: Typically the patient will go home same day
Discomfort: Swelling, soreness and bruising around the eyes can last several days and may take 1-2 weeks to resolve completely. Pain level may be mild to moderate and controlled with pain medications but will vary from patient to patient.
Recovery: The patient will be required to rest quietly, keep head elevated for several days and wear sunglasses to protect the eye area until initial swelling has subsided. It is very important to precisely follow post-op instructions given by Dr. Patrick Swier to ensure proper healing and exceptional results. Patients are typically able to go back to work 1 week after surgery.
Final result: Improvement can be seen immediately but final results after the healing process can take several weeks.
Duration of results: Results will last many years with normal aging as long as the patient follows all post-op instructions and maintains a healthy lifestyle. Patients are encouraged to limit sun exposure and not use tobacco products, as these factors will reduce longevity of results.
