Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Lift or Tuck)

Tired-looking eyes can be one of the first signs of facial aging. As we age, upper eyelid skin begins to sag, and redundant upper eyelid skin can make one's face appear old and tired. Sometimes the upper eyelid skin hangs down onto the upper eyelashes. Lower eyelids may reveal wrinkles and bags. The fullness, or bags, seen under the eyes results from a protrusion of fat. Upper and lower blepharoplasties are performed to give patients a natural and more youthful look.

The Procedure

During an upper blepharoplasty, Dr. Cooper, Seattle plastic surgeon at Sound Plastic Surgery, PLLC, makes a small incision in the upper eyelid and removes excess skin and sometimes, a small strip of muscle or portion of fat. A very fine suture closes the incision. The incision is made where the skin naturally creases and is usually imperceptible after it is completely healed. This procedure may be performed under a local anesthetic in an office procedure room, or it may be performed with intravenous sedation that will be performed as an outpatient. The procedure takes approximately 1 to 1 ½ hours.

During a lower blepharoplasty, Dr. Cooper makes an incision just below the lower eyelash and delicately removes small amounts of excess fat and skin. The thin muscle around your eye may be repositioned to help improve the lower eyelid contour. Fine sutures are placed to close the incisions. Any scars will be imperceptible after the incision heals.   Sometimes a transconjuctival resection of lower eyelid fat may be performed without the need for a skin incision. 

Recovery

Recovery is fairly quick and most patients return to work within one week. You can expect some bruising and swelling for a few days. Your eyes may feel irritated for a short time. Sutures are removed several days after the procedure.

Risks

Although complications are uncommon they include: over versus under-correction, bleeding, infection, inability to close the eyes completely, ectropion (lower eyelid rolls outward), poor scarring and dry eyes.