Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the eyelids. The goal of blepharoplasty is to remove just enough eyelid tissue to tighten the eye opening and create a natural appearance. This surgery can add balance to facial features, correct droopy upper lids, or add definition to the lower lid.

Eyelid Surgery Fort Worth & Arlington

Learn More About Eyelid Surgery

The eyelid skin naturally becomes loose and saggy with age. Aging causes a gradual slackening of the layers of tissue that support your upper lids. The lower lid, on the other hand, may begin to droop below the normal level due to a weakening of the muscles that support it. In addition to aging, many other factors contribute to drooping lids, such as exposure to the sun without sunscreen or injury to the eye area. In such cases, blepharoplasty could be a great option to rejuvenate the look.

Typically, individuals with excess fatty deposits in their upper and lower eyelids fall within the best candidates for cosmetic eyelid surgery. Individuals with puffy or swollen eyelids that don’t respond to other treatment methods are also considered candidates. Surgery is not recommended for individuals with eye problems such as glaucoma, uncontrolled diabetes, abnormal blood vessels in the eyes, known allergies to anesthesia, severe dryness of the eyes, or any uncontrolled serious illness or infection, as well as individuals who are currently taking blood thinners.

Surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis, which means you’ll be able to return home after surgery that day. Before your procedure begins, your eyelids will be numbed with anesthesia and then carefully positioned for access.

During the surgery, the surgeon makes incisions in the natural creases of the eyelids and removes excess fat, tissue, or skin which causes bulging eyes. Removing excess fatty deposits makes the eyes appear less puffy or swollen. Loose upper or lower lids can be trimmed back to create more contoured creases in the eye area. Surgery on both upper and lower eyelids can be performed at the same time (double blepharoplasty), or separately if desired.

There will be mild discomfort and bruising following eyelid surgery, but these effects usually fade in 5-7 days. For the first few days after a blepharoplasty, your eyelids will be covered with pads to reduce swelling. Ice packs may also be worn over the eyes for up to two days after surgery. You should not rub, pull or press on your eyes during recovery. The incisions will heal within 1-2 weeks and any stitches are removed within the first week.

You may need to keep your head elevated for up to two weeks after surgery. Some surgeons recommend wearing sunglasses with a wide brim to protect the eyes from sun and wind for several weeks after surgery.

Recovery time varies depending on the type of procedure performed and any co-existing health conditions that may complicate recovery.

The benefits include improvement in appearance with an open, refreshed looking eye. The most common positive responses to eyelid surgery are that it gives a younger appearance with less drooping skin and sagging lids. The visual field is also improved with no or less noticeable bags under the eyes.

Risks: Risks associated with blepharoplasty include lower lid asymmetry, bleeding, infection, ectropion (turning out) of the lower eyelid, double vision (although this is rare), and swelling of the eyes.

Be sure to trust your facial cosmetic surgeries with a skilled and experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon like Dr. Sonneveld. When planning a cosmetic procedure, he will consider your entire facial bone structure, nerves, and tissues to provide the best aesthetic outcome.

Give us a call today at 817-927-1818 or fill out the form below to schedule an appointment. You’ll be happy you chose Facial & Cosmetic Surgery Fort Worth.

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