What To Know Before Having An Eyelid Lift

The eyes are one of the first areas of the face to show signs of aging. Bags under the eyes, droopy upper eyelids and puffiness can make you look tired in spite of how you really feel. An eyelid lift is a minor cosmetic procedure that can refresh your look and actually take years off your appearance. At the Advanced Aesthetics Plastic Surgery Center, we support our patients every step of the way from the initial consultation, during the procedure and on through the recovery process. To help keep you informed, here are a few of the top things our doctors want you to know before having an eyelid lift procedure.

What Does an Eyelid Lift Do?

Drooping, wrinkles, sagging and bulging all develop over the years as the effects of aging rob eyelid skin of its elasticity and weaken the eyelid muscles. Hereditary factors and sun damage also contribute to an aging appearance, making the eyes look worn and tired. Excess skin and fatty tissue may also develop around the eyelids, which accounts for the imperfections that characterize aging. An eyelid lift procedure, also known as a blepharoplasty, is designed to eliminate these signs of aging and restore a youthful appearance.

A blepharoplasty procedure can be done on both the upper and lower eyelids or one of the two depending on your cosmetic needs. The procedure involves removing excess tissue and fat from affected areas. The overall effect makes your eyes look open, energetic and refreshed for a younger appearance.

Benefits of a Lower Eyelid Lift

If you’re unhappy with sagging or puffiness underneath your eyes, a lower eyelid lift may be the solution you’ve been looking for. Fat deposits are typically more prevalent under the eye and can greatly disrupt your overall appearance. Loose skin caused by a loss of elasticity and protruding pockets of fat can cause eye bags, dark circles, crepe-like skin and fine wrinkles to develop along the lower region of the eyes.

With a lower eyelift procedure, the doctor removes these fatty deposits as well as any excess skin. These changes alone will create a smooth, younger-looking skin texture above the cheek. The doctor can also transfer fatty tissue to areas under the eyes that have a sunken or hollowed out appearance to create a plump, suppleness above the cheeks.

Benefits of an Upper Eyelid Lift

The upper eyelids are often the first to develop visible signs of aging. A combination of weakening muscles and fatty deposits can cause you to look exhausted, sad and even angry when you’re not experiencing these emotions. Excess skin can also become a problem, so much so that drooping eyelids may start to obstruct your vision.

If you’re noticing a droopy, deflated look to the upper eyelids, an upper blepharoplasty can correct these imperfections and rejuvenate the eyes’ appearance. This procedure involves removing excess skin and fatty tissue along the upper eyelid. The surgery firms and tightens the skin as well as the underlying muscles. Any sagging or wrinkling above the eyes will be replaced with fully opened eyes that have energized and natural-looking contours.

What’s Involved With the Procedure?

Blepharoplasty at the Advanced Aesthetics Plastic Surgery Center is performed on an outpatient basis using either a general or local anesthetic. We have our very own state-licensed surgical center in Fayetteville, Georgia, where all of our procedures are done. On average, an eye lift procedure runs anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours depending on whether you have both eyelids or just the lower or upper lids done.

Lower Eyelid Procedure

With a lower eyelid lift, the surgeon makes an incision just below the lower eyelash. Our experienced surgeons can place the incision in a discreet place that remains hidden from view. From there, any excess skin, fat and muscles are removed as needed. It’s at this point where fat can be redistributed to balance out any existing puffiness and swelling.

You’ll notice that the area below your eyes and above your cheeks appears smoother in both tone and texture. Heavy, tired-looking bags and dark circles will be replaced with skin that looks healthy and well-rested, helping you turn back the clock when it comes to your appearance.

Upper Eyelid Procedure

An upper eyelid procedure entails making incision lines inside the natural creases of the upper lids. This helps keep any potential scarring well hidden. From there, any excess skin is trimmed away. In cases where underlying muscles have started to weaken and sag, the surgeon will reposition them, which enhances the overall contours of the eyes. The remaining skin is then lifted and sutured in place.

The overall effect of an upper eyelid procedure leaves the eyes looking refreshed. In the hands of a skillful surgeon, your eyes will look alert and youthful without overcorrecting to a surprised or “wide awake” expression. At the Advanced Aesthetics Plastic Surgery Center, our doctors have performed hundreds of these procedures so you can expect to see top-quality results.

Preparing for the Procedure

During the weeks prior to surgery, it’s important to follow certain guidelines, all of which your doctor will go over with you beforehand. Since surgery does cause bleeding, it’s important to stop taking any types of medications or dietary supplements that affect blood circulation rates, such as aspirin, gingko biloba and vitamin E. Your doctor will be able to suggest acceptable alternatives to these drugs for the time leading up to your surgery.

Also, be sure to arrange to have someone to take you home after the procedure. Recovery time for an eyelid lift typically takes three to four weeks, so it helps to have certain items on hand for when you return home from surgery, such as:

• Ice cubes and/or ice packs
• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Clean washcloths
• Any groceries you may need for the next week

Consultation Help

If you’re considering eyelid lift surgery in the Atlanta area, a one-on-one consultation with a board-certified surgeon offers a prime opportunity to ask all the questions you have and determine if this procedure is right for you. During the consultation, your doctor will explain all the details of the procedure and address any concerns you may have. A short exam will be conducted to assess the condition of your eyes and overall health, which will determine the course of action your doctor will take. Keep in mind that the quality of information and care you receive will depend on the doctor’s training and experience in the field.

At the Advanced Aesthetics Plastic Surgery Center, our surgeons are all board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Certification means our doctors have met the education and formal training requirements to qualify as specialists in the field. Call us today at 770-461-4000 to schedule a one-on-one consultation with one of our doctors to get started.