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WHAT IS AN EYELID LIFT?
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery that removes excess skin present on the upper and lower eyelids. A blepharoplasty can be done to open the eye to reveal a more awake and youthful appearance or to improve a patient’s field of vision. It is often the single most dramatic change available to achieve a more youthful appearance and energized look. The removal of sagging skin on the upper eyelid can eliminate the appearance of hooded eyes, while a lower eyelid lift can eliminate “under-eye bags” and reduce puffiness that often make us look more tired and older than we really are.
WHO IS A CANDIDATE?
Candidates can choose to undergo this procedure for both functional and cosmetic reasons. A good candidate for an eyelid lift should be in good overall health, lead a healthy lifestyle, and have a realistic outlook on the results of the procedure. Our plastic surgeon will review your medical history and previous surgeries to ensure that plastic surgery is right for you. Eyelid surgery can often be combined or performed in place of a brow lift to lift sagging eyebrows, depending on Dr. Fichadia’s professional recommendation.
Upper Eyelid Lift Candidates
A candidate for an upper eyelid lift may have:
- Excess skin on the upper eyelids that droops past the natural crease of the eyelid. Sagging eyelids can make the eye look more closed and, in some cases, can obscure one’s vision. If there is medical evidence of visual obstruction due to excess upper eyelid skin, an eyelid lift is often covered by insurance (individual insurance coverage varies)
- The excess skin on the upper eyelids may also cause the skin to wrinkle and fold. Wrinkles and folds that result from excessive skin can only be corrected with surgical treatment such as an eyelid lift.
Lower Eyelid Lift Candidates
A candidate for lower eyelid surgery may have:
- Excess skin that is thin and crepey and creates lower lid wrinkles.
- Excess skin and protruding fat deposits that create puffy bags under the eyes which make one look more tired and sometimes older than they are.
- Dark circles or droopy eyelids that pull away from the eye, causing dryness.
Reasons for Eyelid Surgery
The reasons for eyelid surgery are as different as the patients receiving this procedure, but some of the most common reasons patients come to us for eyelid surgery include:
- Wanting to reduce visible signs of aging/prevent aging
- Improving facial harmony
- Remove excess skin to improve the field of vision
- Address ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid)
Eyelid Surgery Benefits
Some of the many benefits you can expect from an eyelid lift with Dr. Fichadia include the following:
- More open, refreshed appearance
- Boost in confidence
- An improved field of vision
- Remove eye bags for a younger-looking appearance
- Long-lasting results
- Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles
What to Expect During an Eyelid Surgery Consultation
During your eyelid surgery consultation, Dr. Fichadia will review your medical history and walk you through each step of the procedure. She’ll also perform a physical exam. This is the perfect time to ask questions and bring up any concerns you have. We want you to be as informed as possible to ensure you can make the right decision for you. After your consultation, you’ll then be able to schedule your surgery date.
Preparing for Eyelid Surgery
To prepare for eyelid surgery, you’ll want to quit smoking if you’re a smoker and limit your alcohol intake. You may also need to stop taking certain medications and supplements like blood thinners and practice a healthy lifestyle ahead of surgery. Prior to the day of surgery, you’ll also want to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to and from your surgery. Make sure to wear comfortable clothing on the day of surgery and set up a comfortable place at home where you can recover. Picking up necessary prescriptions and meal prepping can also be a good idea. You’ll need to stop eating and drinking anything the night before surgery.
THE PROCEDURE
Eyelid surgery can be performed on the upper lid, lower lid, or both. This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, under either local or general anesthesia depending on what Dr. Fichadia sees fit for your specific condition. Based on your initial consultation and your pre-operative appointment, Dr. Fichadia will mark the areas you would like to have excess skin removed.
Upper Eyelid Lift Surgery
For upper eyelid surgery, Dr. Fichadia will make incisions within the natural creases of your upper eyelid in order to provide the most inconspicuous scars. Through these incisions, Dr. Fichadia will remove excess skin, muscles, and fat to improve the appearance of drooping upper lids. This is often done as an office procedure under local anesthesia, leading to a quicker recovery and lower cost.
Lower Eyelid Lift Surgery
There are two main methods for correcting excess skin or under-eye bags in the lower eyelids. These two techniques differ in the type of incision used. For excess skin, Dr. Fichadia will place the incision just below the lower lash line, and the sagging skin will be trimmed and repositioned to a tighter position. For lower eye bags or puffiness, Dr. Fichadia will make the incision from inside the lower eyelid skin. This allows Dr. Fichadia to remove excess fat without removing excess skin. Sometimes a combination of incisions is needed for full correction.
Combination Procedures
Eyelid surgery can be done along with other cosmetic procedures including a facelift, neck lift, and brow lift. You can also have noninvasive treatments like Botox and dermal fillers done with your eyelid lift. Once you discuss your goals with Dr. Fichadia at your consultation, she’ll recommend a treatment plan that addresses all your concerns.
EYELID SURGERY RESULTS AND RECOVERY
For eyelid surgery under general anesthesia, you will be released the same day as the procedure, with your designated friend or family member that will be helping you get home and situated. The first few days after the procedure, you will need to rest at home with your head elevated and use cold compresses to help minimize any swelling or discomfort. During the first few weeks, you will not be able to wear contact lenses and may have blurred vision. Dr. Fichadia will recommend eye drops to help support tear production. Some patients also experience light sensitivity and it can be helpful to wear dark sunglasses. Bruising and swelling take about 2-3 weeks to completely resolve.
Dr. Fichadia will provide you with specific aftercare instructions before you are sent home. In general, most people won’t be able to tell what you’ve had done; rather, you will look noticeably younger and more rested, with a reduction in fine wrinkles, dark circles, drooping eyelids, and loose skin.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are interested in learning more about eyelid surgery from Portland, OR double board-certified plastic surgeon, contact Dr. Fichadia’s office today to schedule a consultation.
Dr. Fichadia is a double board-certified, comprehensively trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon. She completed general surgical training at St Elizabeth’s Medical Center, an affiliate of Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, MA, and subsequently completed a highly competitive plastic surgery program at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, OR. She has presented research from her time in Boston and Portland at national and international surgical meetings such as Clinical Congress of the American College of Surgeons and annual meeting of American Society of Plastic Surgery.
