Have you noticed that your eyelids have been sagging? Drooping lids can cause a person to look constantly fatigued, as can eyelid puffiness and wrinkles. These issues are troublesome, but thanks to an eye lift, they can be addressed effectively.

An eye lift, also known as a blepharoplasty, is a procedure used to give the eyes a fresh and rejuvenated appearance. It removes sagging upper-eyelid skin, removes the bagginess and puffiness found in the lower eyelids, and addresses fine wrinkles around the eyes. It can also improve sight in cases where sagging upper eyelids are causing obstructed vision.

Preparing for Your Eye Lift

The most important thing about preparing for a blepharoplasty is to keep your expectations realistic. Discuss what you have in mind with Dr. Compton during your consultation and go over the different available options.

During this consultation, make sure to disclose your entire medical history with a focus on any past eye surgery or symptoms you may be having, especially dry eyes. He will check for eyebrow droop, symmetry of the lids, and other reasons for eyelid drooping.

Prior to blepharoplasty surgery, you will be asked to refrain from taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and blood thinners. If you are a smoker, you will be required to stop smoking during the weeks leading up to the procedure. Smoking has the potential to cause complications during and after surgery and can affect the healing process.

How Is Blepharoplasty Surgery Performed?

Dr Compton will mark your eyes while you are awake and in the pre-operative area so you can participate in the planning. At the start of your eye lift, you will be given either general or local anesthesia depending on your health and Dr. Compton’s discretion. This will be decided pre-operatively during your consultation.

Dr. Compton then makes incisions along the crease of your upper eyelid and inside the lower eyelid. The upper-eyelid incisions are hidden in the natural creases of the eyelids and are almost invisible after they have healed.

Once the incision has been made, Dr. Compton removes excess skin and fat and then repositions lower lid fat in some cases. After this is completed, the skin is meticulously sutured closed, as is the inside lining of the lower eyelid.

After the Surgery

Immediately after the eye lift, you are likely to notice some swelling and bruising around the area where the surgery has been performed. This is a temporary side effect of the surgery and is likely to subside within seven to fourteen days. Results are visible once the swelling has gone down and in most cases are permanent.

Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully during the healing process. Patients are recommended to refrain from going out in the sun for a few months, since the temporarily weakened tissues will be very susceptible to burns and damage. Avoid squinting your eyes. Dust and other irritants can aggravate the eye, so it is best to wear sunglasses.

Arrange a Consultation to Learn More

Speak with experienced facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Andrew Compton if you would like to learn more about the eye lift and what it can do for you. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Compton – contact our office today.