Everything You Need to Know About Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery is a safe and effective cosmetic surgery designed to safely and dramatically rejuvenate your appearance. 

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How others perceive you is often greatly influenced by the framing of your eyes. Heavy upper eyelids, dark circles or bags around the eyes can lead to a tired and aged appearance.

Eyelid surgery is designed to remove excess skin and fat and instantly revitalize your appearance. Some of the benefits of this procedure include:

• Tightens sagging skin around the eyes
• Improves vision by fixing drooping eyelids
• Smooths wrinkles around the eyes
• Restores a natural upper eyelid crease

In most cases, this plastic surgery is combined with other procedures including facelifts or tissue fillers to achieve the best possible aesthetic results.

How is an Eyelid Surgery Performed?

When performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon, an eyelid surgery is a safe and proven method of dramatically improving your appearance. It can be done either under local or general anaesthetic.

Upper eyelid surgery typically involves:

• Making an incision along the eyelid crease, in the natural skin fold of the eye
• Removing any excess fat, skin or muscle
• Closing the incision to promote healing and ensure that the scar will be hidden in the natural fold of the eyelid.

An upper blepharoplasty usually takes up to 1 hour to perform.

Lower eyelid surgery typically involves:

• Making an incision either just below the lower lashes or on the inside of the eyelid
• Removing excess fat from the bags under the eyes and, if necessary, a small amount of skin
• Supporting the muscles and tendon of the eyelid, if required

Surgery on your lower eyelid may take up to 2 hours.

How Long Does it Take To Recover From an Eyelid Surgery?

Like all major plastic surgeries, including facelifts and liposuction, recovery from eyelid surgery will take a few weeks. Knowing what to expect during this period will help you be better prepared and allow for a safer, faster healing period.

It is advisable to take approximately 7-10 days off work to recover from your surgery and you won’t be able to drive for a few days after the operation. Bruises, scars and redness may take a few weeks to fade.

You should:

• Prop your head up with pillows for a few days when resting to reduce swelling
• Gently clean your eyelids with prescribed ointment or eyedrops
• Use a cold pack on your eyes for a few days
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun and wind
• Take mild painkillers such as paracetamol to relieve discomfort

Avoid:

• Smoking
• Wearing contact lenses
• Rubbing your eyes
• Strenuous activity and swimming until your doctor says it is safe to do so
• Watching TV, reading or computer use for the first 7 days

Combination Eyelid Surgery

While an eyelid surgery is an effective way to refresh your eyes, it’s important to understand that it WILL NOT eliminate dark circles under the eyes, crow’s feet or other facial wrinkles.

That’s why it is often combined with other cosmetic treatments including facelifts, dermal fillers or laser resurfacing to help you achieve the best possible aesthetic results.

Want a custom treatment plan suited to your particular aesthetic goals?

Call Today

To find out more about the benefits and costs of our anti-aging cosmetic surgeries including facelifts & eyelid surgery, contact Dr. Ladak at 780-407-6691.

Dr. Adil Ladak is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Edmonton, Alberta and specializes in a variety of cosmetic surgical and non-surgical procedures.