Which Procedures Can Be Performed To Lift The Eyelids?
In this post, cosmetic surgeon Dr. Robert Langdon explains the procedures available to reduce droopy eyelids or Crow’s Feet (wrinkles) and provide a more youthful, rejuvenated look.
The eyes seem to age faster than other areas of the face, and they are also the feature people tend to notice and focus on. Aging causes the skin around the eyes to become thin and fragile, and there is also loss of volume in the eyelids and eyebrows. So let’s take a look at what procedures are available to lift the eyelids, and restore a more youthful look around your eyes.
Option #1: Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Most people are familiar with the surgical eyelid lift, or blepharoplasty — but there are also less invasive options, such as the natural eyelid lift. The goal of eyelid surgery is to correct aging of the eyelids, and leave you looking refreshed and rejuvenated.
Blepharoplasty can correct the problem of excess skin in the upper eyelids, as well as bags under the eyes that occur because of the downward shift of fat and skin.
How It Works
Eyelid surgery may be done on the upper and lower eyelids individually or together. Scarring for this type of surgery is kept at a minimum, because the incisions are made in the natural crease of the eyelids.
An upper eyelid lift is done to eliminate any extra skin and fat on the upper lid that causes the eyelids to droop and look tired. The surgeon will therefore tighten the skin and trim away any excess.
The lower eyelid lift removes under-eye bags, which works to rejuvenate the appearance. In addition, it helps to reposition any bulging fat pads.
Recovery
There is generally some bruising and swelling post-op, but very little pain. The recovery time ranges from 5-10 days, because it depends on the extent of surgery. Additionally, the recovery time will be longer if both the upper and lower eyelids are done. However, most people are able to return to work after about one week of recovery.
Are You a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
You may be a good candidate for an eyelid lift if you…
- Have droopy upper eyelids
- Have baggy lower eyelids
- Are in good physical health
- Have realistic expectations about the outcome
To find out if you’re a good candidate, it’s a good idea to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
During your consultation, the surgeon will review the procedure with you, so that you understand the type of results to expect. He or she may also advise if they feel you could benefit from any additional facial procedure to more effectively rejuvenate your appearance.
Related Post: Guide to Thermage® Wrinkle Treatments for Anti-Aging
Benefits of Eyelid Surgery
- Reduce wrinkles at the corner of the eyes (olloquially ‘Crow’s Feet,’ ‘laugh lines’ or ‘character lines’)
- Give the eyes a more open appearance
- Rejuvenate a ‘tired’ appearance
- Provide a more youthful look
Average Cost
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports the average cost of eyelid surgery at $2,874 (using statistics from 2014), which doesn’t include the cost of anesthesia for the procedure. It’s important to remember that the fee can vary widely, depending on factors such as the surgeon’s experience, the surgeon’s geographic location, and other factors.
Option #2: Natural Eyelid Lift
The natural eyelid lift involves the use of a patient’s own fat to restore volume around the eyes and rejuvenate the eyelids.
The process is known as autologous fat transfer, and uses fat from such areas as the flanks, abdomen, and thighs. The natural eyelid lift is generally performed as an outpatient procedure, under local anesthesia.
(Replacing fat via a natural eyelid lift is especially beneficial for those with bags under the eyes, as traditional lower eyelid blepharoplasty often results in a sunken appearance.)
Related Post: Can a Rhinoplasty Do Anything Besides Shape My Nose?
How a Natural Eyelid Lift Works
The fat is harvested via a mini-liposuction procedure using a small syringe. Once the fat is extracted, it is processed and purified. Then, the areas of fat loss in the eyelids are identified, marked, and numbed before being injected with the purified fat.
Recovery
There may be some bruising and swelling in the eyelids after the procedure, but this typically only lasts for a few days.
Related Post: What’s the Typical Recovery Time for a Facelift?
Are You a Good Candidate?
You may be a good candidate for a natural eyelid lift if you have…
- Mild drooping of the upper eyelid
- Moderate pockets of fat in the lower lid
(Traditional eyelid surgery is the other option available for eye rejuvenation.)
Additional Resources
Video: Dr. Robert Langdon Explains Eyelid Surgery on WTNH News 8 (New Haven)
Find a Surgeon for Eyelid Surgery
- Find a Plastic Surgeon Near You in the MD.com Specialists Directory
- Find a Cosmetic Surgeon Near You in the MD.com Specialists Directory
Eyelid Procedures near Guilford, CT
Natural eyelid lift and traditional eyelid lift procedures are available at the Langdon Center for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery in Guilford, Connecticut. Click here to schedule a consultation with board certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Robert Langdon and find out which eyelid procedure would be better for you.
Robert Langdon, MD
@drlangdon
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