Blepharoplasty is plastic surgery of the eyelids. It usually involves the removal of extra skin, fat and muscle from around the eyes. It is performed on the upper eyelids when the normal aging process or genetics cause the eyelids to droop excessively. It can also be used under the eyes to remove the sagging skin responsible for under-eye bags.
Blepharoplasty Procedure
The Blepharoplasty treatment is usually performed as an outpatient surgery and can take from one to two hours. The patient will check in at the eyelid lift surgery center in the morning for the treatment. After a period of monitored recovery, the patient will be released the same day to finish recuperating at home. During the eyelid lift surgery, we will make a careful incision within the creases of the eyelid.
The extra or sagging tissue will then be removed and the wound carefully stitched. Scarring is usually minimal and hidden by the normal creases in the eyelid. The procedure can be performed alone or as part of a more comprehensive cosmetic treatment which may include a facelift, brow lift or other skin treatments.
When the lower eyelids are involved, the surgeon will use natural smile creases and the lash line to hide the incision. If under-eye puffiness is caused mostly by excess fat, the whole procedure can be performed through a small incision made on the inside of the lower lid. In these cases, dissolving sutures will be used and no scars will be visible.
Good Candidates for Blepharoplasty
As with any surgery, only a qualified physician can tell a patient if he or she is healthy enough for this procedure. A patient’s past medical history and overall health should be reviewed to determine if the benefits of the eyelid lift surgery outweigh its risks. Special attention should be paid to underlying medical conditions that affect circulation, the eyes themselves or the ability of a patient to heal properly.
Age, weight, skin type and ethnic background can also affect the outcome of this type of surgery and should be discussed with a physician.
*Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.
Benefits of Blepharoplasty Lift Surgery
This procedure can be performed for cosmetic reasons, to improve vision or for a combination of these reasons. For some people, particularly those with a genetic predisposition to droopy eyelids, the extra upper eyelid tissue can sag into and block the field of vision. When this is the case, the procedure is deemed medically necessary and can substantially improve a patient’s quality of life.
Sagging eyelids and under-eye bags can also be unattractive. Some patients chose to have them removed to achieve a more rested or youthful appearance.
Eyelid Lift Related Treatments:
Brow Lift, Facelift, Neck Lift
Blepharoplasty Related Articles
- Upper Eyelid Surgery and Light Peel
- Causes and Treatment of Under-Eye bags
- How Long Does Eyelid Surgery Last?
- Inside or outside incision for eyelid surgery?
Blepharoplasty Lift Surgery FAQ
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best Blepharoplasty surgeon for an upcoming procedure. An eyelid lift is a very delicate surgery, requiring an extremely skilled and experienced cosmetic or plastic surgeon. Your physician should be board-certified in Facial Plastic Surgery and have years of experience in various types of eyelid rejuvenation.
The best surgeon for your upcoming eyelid lift surgery should have an unparalleled reputation as a provider of naturally looking surgical results, an assurance to you that he will be able to achieve your desired aesthetic goals. Dr. Hilger has more than 30 years of experience performing eyelid surgery and Dr. Lyford-Pike has been performing eyelid surgery in the Minneapolis, Twin Cities area for many years.
Board-Certified in Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Hilger is a nationally recognized eyelid lift surgeon, winning multiple local and national recognition, most recently winning the Castle-Connolly Award as America’s Top Doctor and named a Top Doctor by Mpls/St. Paul Magazine. Dr. Lyford-Pike was named as one of Minnesota Monthly’s Best Doctors of 2017 and also named one of “Mpls.St.Paul Magazine’s 2017 Rising Star”. Any concerns will be discussed with you by our surgeons before eyelid lift surgery.
No. Other than removing skin that is blocking vision, eyelid lift surgery does not affect eyesight.
Swelling and bruising caused by the blepharoplasty lift surgery itself usually subsides within one to two weeks. The final outcome will be apparent within several months.
Is the eyelid lift surgery safe?
This treatment is considered safe and minor. As with all surgical treatments, there is a small risk of postoperative bleeding and infection. Any concerns should be discussed with a trusted physician before having eyelid lift surgery.
For eyelid lift surgery post-op instructions click here.
Why choose Hilger Clinic
- Dr. Peter Hilger has been performing facial cosmetic surgery in Edina, Minnesota for over 25 years.
- Double Board-Certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology.
- President of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- Dr. Lyford-Pike is a highly accomplished and skilled facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon.
- Named as one of Minnesota Monthly Best Doctors 2017.
Last modified on November 27, 2019 by Dr. Peter Hilger, MD and reviewed by Dr. Sofia Lyford-Pike, MD. With thousands of cosmetic procedures performed, his breadth of knowledge and talent is unmatched. Dr. Hilger has built his practice on naturally beautiful facial surgery, with outcomes that enhance the true uniqueness of each patient. His decades-long career has been driven by a passion for patient care and attention to detail that has had a lasting impact on facial plastic surgery both in the Twin Cities and nationwide.
