INTRODUCTION

The eyelids have been described as “the window to the soul,” and are always a focal point of the face. As the eyelids age they become progressively heavy, wrinkled, pigmented, and puffy. The eyes look “old,” “tired,” or “sad.” Eyelid surgery improves these problems to create a more youthful eyelid appearance while maintaining a “natural” look.

In upper eyelid surgery the primary problem is usually lots of extra skin and a little extra fat [usually at the inside aspect of the eyelid].

In the lower eyelid, the primary problem is usually lots of extra fat [“bags”] and a small amount of extra skin.

Patients are also commonly concerned about the formation of “crow’s feet” lines and fine wrinkling of the lower eyelids.

Eyelid surgery can either be performed alone or in conjunction with Face/Neck Lift or Forehead/Brow Lift surgery.

ANALYSIS

The goal of surgery is to make you happy. At your consultation we will obtain a very thorough medical history. We will want to know if you have had any previous eyelid cosmetic surgery. We will want to know your goals of treatment, both in terms of the kind of look you would like to achieve as well as the kind of look you would like to avoid. We will carefully examine you and make measurements as indicated. Photographs are an essential aspect of the analysis, and we request that you bring previous photographs of yourself for review.

The objective of surgery is a very natural result. Patients often fear that their eyelids will have a different shape, that the eyelids will have a different slope, or that they will have a “surprised” look. These effects are almost always the result of over-aggressive treatment by the surgeon. We specifically avoid any form of overcorrection. That kind of “overdone” look is totally contrary to our artistic goals and treatment objectives.

Following the analysis we will present to you a comprehensive treatment strategy. We will discuss the procedure(s) recommended in detail. We will also advise you of the potential risks and complications of surgery. We will outline your recovery period and make focused suggestions to make your surgery experience safe, easy, and as pleasant as possible.

PROCEDURE

The surgery takes between 1 to 1½ hours to perform, depending on the needs of the patient [upper eyelids alone, lower eyelids alone, or upper and lower eyelids together] and the desired surgical goals.

In most cases you will be totally asleep for the surgery to minimize anxiety and to maximize comfort.

In the upper eyelids the incisions are designed to fall inconspicuously into the natural fold of the upper eyelids.

In the lower eyelids the incisions can either be entirely inside of the eyelid [“transconjunctival”], or from a thin incision just under the eyelashes. Chemical peels are commonly performed at the same time to improve fine lines and wrinkles.

AFTERCARE

Recovery from Eyelid surgery is a “process” and will depend largely on the amount of surgery that was selected for you, your motivation for success, and your dedication in precisely following our written after-surgery instructions. Discomfort is minimal. Your “down time” will be about 3-5 days. You will apply ice compresses frequently during these first few days after surgery. In most cases you will look “OK” at one week, “good” at two weeks, “very good” at four weeks, and “great” at six weeks. Following surgery will recommend a customized program for maintaining your results. We recommend follow-up visits every two years to keep you looking your very best.