If you are bothered by upper eyelids with excess, drooping skin that makes you appear sad or angry, or eyes that look tired due to puffiness or bags, cosmetic eyelid surgery may be right for you. Persons with lower eyelid sagging, bulges, wrinkles, folds and puffiness will also benefit from lower eyelid blepharoplasty. In general, adults with the above eye problems, of any age who are in good health, moderately fit and overall have good muscle tone are good candidates for eyelid rejuvenation. They should not have any life threatening illness or medical conditions. Patients who smoke can have an increased risk of complications.

In general, eyelid surgery corrects the excess skin, tissue and fat that contribute to puffiness and bags in both the upper and lower eyelids, revealing a more youthful and energetic appearance. Its not likely to change your life or the way people treat you. It might possibly improve your c onfidence and self esteem when you start seeing a more youthful and fresh you in the mirror.

. A consultation with your Aesthetic Plastic surgeon at Aesthetics is the first step to learn how eyelid surgery can improve the appearance of your eyelids and the surrounding area. This consultation will fully educate you in a non-pressured environment and will include a discussion of your goals, options available for eyelid surgery, likely outcomes, potential risks and complications.

Usually the procedure can be done under local anesthetic, but many would prefer a general anesthetic for improved comfort.

An ellipse of loose skin of the upper eyelid is removed as shown in the adjoining figure. If there is excess fat in the compartments around the eye causing bulges, this is removed. The wound is closed with a single absorbable stitch. For the lower eyelid blepharoplasty, the incision is made below the eyelashes. Once the skin and muscle has been lifted up, the fat is redraped over the bony rim of the orbit. This helps in reducing the naso-jugal groove depression, a prominent sign of aging. The lower eyelid is then tightened by a procedure called canthopexy. Excess skin is then removed. Both the upper and lower eyelid scars heals very well and the scar is barely visible.

There might be bruising and swelling after surgery that should subside in 3 - 6 weeks. Immediately after surgery, due to the swelling, you might experience some difficulty in opening your eyes. There could be slight irritation and a feeling of dry eye. This rapidly improves after the next day. Wounds normally heal in 7 days to 2 weeks. Your plastic surgeon at Aesthetics and the assisting staff will fully attend to your comfort and safety. You will be advised to apply an antibacterial ointment to the eye and protect the eyes from sun, wind and dust by wearing sunglasses. Eyelid surgery can offer dramatic improvement in the upper and lower eyelids and surrounding areas.

.Although there are very few risks associated with this procedure, a possible general risk includes bleeding and collection of blood under the skin (hematoma). Bleeding is rare but may have to be stopped. Any surgery carries risks associated with anaesthesia. There are very few risks if the procedure is done under local anaesthesia. These risks will be fully discussed with you prior to your consent for surgery.

Incisions usually heal in 7 days to 2 weeks. Stitches are removed around this time. You will be able to return to light work and normal activity at this time, and to resume wearing contact lenses. Cosmetics can camouflage any bruising or redness. Healing will continue for several weeks. Dligent sun protection is a must for best results.

Results after upper eyelid blepharoplasty only
Your final result will appear over time, generally within several weeks. It may take up to a year for incision lines to fully refine. While eyelid surgery can be expected to correct certain conditions around the eye permanently, you will continue to age naturally. The benefits of your surgery should reveal a smooth and a firm contour of the upper and /or lower eyelids. What matters more is that the appearance of your eyes matches the way you feel inside - youthful, vital and alert.