The Truth About Eyelid Surgery

Did you know that the eyelift is considered one of the most effective, easiest procedures to get? If you’re considering surgery to reduce signs of aging, it’s possible an eyelift could be just what you need. 

Because aging shows most often in either the eyes or the neck and jaw, sometimes a full facelift doesn’t make as much sense to do. Some surgeons even consider eyelid surgery the “best bang for your buck” because it can improve appearance so dramatic. Remember, when people are talking to you they often focus on the your eyes, not your mouth!

Eyelid surgery can be done on either the upper or lower lid, but typically refers to the upper lid. Blepharoplasty improves hooded lids, drooping skin, puffiness and even under eye circles. It has less downtime than many other options and typically results in minimal scarring.

When to Consider Eyelid Surgery

Your eyelids suffer from:

• Loose skin
• Puffiness
• Wrinkles
• Sagging

What You Need To Know About Eyelid Surgery

1. It’s minimally invasive. When operating on such a small area, there isn’t a need for general anesthesia, so it’s easier to recover from.
2. You may need both lids done to address what’s bothering you or you may need only one. You won’t know until the surgeon examines your face. If you do need the lower lid done, it will require a longer healing time.
3. Follow your doctor’s orders! Post surgery do NOT wear makeup until instructed to. If you haven’t finished healing you can cause an infection or even a tattoo if pigment gets into the incision. You’ll even want to avoid lotions unless given the go-ahead.
4. All surgery causes scarring. They are often small and they often fade, but they happen. The skin is so thin it heals well, but it has still been incised. Most surgeons will try to put it in the natural crease of the eye to hide it.
5. Eyelid surgery removes excess skin and fat, wrinkles and puffiness, but it isn’t a miracle. Some skin around the eyes could remain an issue even after surgery and require additional help through lasers, injections, or peels. It depends on the location and severity.
6. Sometimes drooping eyelids can impair your vision! It’s possible you may need eyelid surgery for medical purposes. If this is the case, check with your provincial health care provider or supplemental insurance provider to determine eligibility for coverage.
7. While the results are long-lasting, damage from the environment and the natural aging process could require a repeat surgery after a decade or so.

Risks

As with any surgery, there are risks involved. The most common are bruising and bleeding as well as swelling. On occasion, a surgeon may remove too much or too little skin. The latter is easily fixed with a follow-up but the former is a major, though very uncommon, concern. You need enough skin on the eyelid to be able to blink and close your eyes entirely!

Having your eyelids done won’t result in the stretched wide-eyed look you might be concerned about: that’s from a forehead lift, never eyelifts.

Contact Us

If you think eyelid surgery might benefit you, contact our Edmonton plastic surgeon today to book a consultation. Call 780-407-6691 or use our online contact form.