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How Is an Eyelid Lift Done?

Your eyes are one of your most expressive features. Over time, they may not look as bright as they once did because of drooping eyelids or under-eye bags. If you want to restore a more youthful look to your eyes, an eyelid lift may be the answer.

What is an Eyelid Lift?

An eyelid lift, also known as blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that improves the appearance of the upper or lower eyelids. As we age, our skin loses elasticity and starts to sag and droop, particularly in the eye area. This can make you look tired, angry, and older than you feel or even affect vision in severe cases. An eyelid lift helps tighten the skin and remove excess fat and tissue, resulting in a more youthful, refreshed appearance.

Eyelid Lift Types

At Specialty Aesthetic Surgery, we perform multiple types of eye surgeries that are customized to each patient’s needs. We also value ethnic differences and tailor our procedures to the individual’s unique facial structure and aesthetic preferences. Dr. Moskowitz has extensive experience performing Asian blepharoplasty, which seeks to improve the appearance of the upper eyelid folds while preserving the ethnic beauty of the eyes.

Blepharoplasty is widely categorized as either an upper or lower eyelid lift. An upper eyelid lift addresses drooping eyelids and excess, sagging skin above the eyes. A lower eyelid lift improves the area beneath the eyes, reducing dark circles, puffiness, and wrinkles. 

Upper eyelid surgery tends to be simpler and faster than lower eyelid surgery. Some patients may have both an upper and lower eyelid lift at the same time for a more comprehensive treatment.

How is an Eyelid Lift Done?

Before the procedure, your surgeon will discuss what you hope to achieve and what you can expect from the surgery. They will also examine your eye area to determine what procedure is needed and personalize it to your facial structure.

Upper blepharoplasty is typically performed with local anesthesia, while lower blepharoplasty may require general anesthesia. Your surgeon will make incisions along the natural creases of your eyelids to conceal any scarring. For upper eyelid surgery, the incision is typically made in the natural crease of the eyelid, while for lower eyelid surgery, it is made just below the lash line.

Through these incisions, your surgeon will remove or reposition excess skin, fat, and tissue. They may also tighten the muscles around the eye area. The incisions are then closed with sutures or surgical glue. An eyelid lift procedure typically takes one to two hours, depending on the extent of the surgery.

Eyelid Lift Recovery

After the surgery, you may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort around the eye area, but this can be managed with painkillers and ice packs. We will give you detailed instructions on how to care for your eyes during recovery. You will need to avoid rubbing or touching your eyes, and you may need to use eye drops to keep them moist. It is also important to avoid strenuous activity and to keep your head elevated while sleeping to reduce swelling.

Most people can return to work and other normal activities within a week, although strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least two to three weeks. It can take several weeks for the full results of the surgery to become apparent as any swelling and bruising subside.

Eyelid Lift Results

The results of an eyelid lift can be dramatic, with many patients reporting a significant improvement in their appearance and self-confidence. The surgery can help to eliminate sagging skin and drooping eyelids while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area. If your procedure includes lower blepharoplasty, you can also expect a smoother, brighter under-eye area with less puffiness.

Blepharoplasty offers long-lasting results that can help you look younger and brighter. Depending on your unique procedure, you can expect your eyelid lift results to last ten years or more. Lower eyelid surgery generally lasts longer than upper eyelid surgery.

Am I a Good Candidate for an Eyelid Lift?

An eyelid lift may be a good option for you if you have a significant amount of excess skin or fat around the eye area that is affecting your appearance or vision. You should also be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about what the surgery can achieve. 

Certain medical conditions, such as dry eye or glaucoma, may make you unsuitable for an eyelid lift. During your consultation, we’ll assess your concerns and goals to help you determine the best treatment option.

Take the Next Step – Request a Consultation

Want to learn more about facelifts? Schedule your consultation online or by calling Specialty Aesthetic Surgery at (212) 737-8700. We look forward to working with you!

Specialty Aesthetic Surgery serves the greater NYC metro area.

About Our Surgeons

Bruce Moskowitz is an experienced oculoplastic surgeon. His practice encompasses all areas of oculoplastic cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He has a well-known reputation for revision surgery, and a large portion of his practice comes from other colleagues to revise sub-optimal outcomes.

Grigoriy Mashkevich is an experienced and double-board certified facial plastic surgeon. He belongs to a highly select group of surgeons with a focused specialization in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the nose, face, and neck. 

Dr. Anna Frants is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who is experienced in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Her areas of surgical specialty include the face, neck, nose, eyelids, eyebrows, and ears. 

*Individual results may vary.  

 

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