Sagging eyelids are caused by a loss of elasticity in the skin. The constant force of gravity pulls the skin downward, resulting in a baggy appearance that is not only unattractive, it is also a potential detriment to a person’s ability to focus the eyes properly. Some people even have trouble maintaining a full field of vision because the upper lids are actually drooping. If you are suffering from sagging upper lids and baggy lower lids, you may want to consider eyelid lift surgery. This is an in-house procedure we at Tarola Plastic Surgery perform on a regular basis.
Eyelids and the Aging Process
Aging skin is less elastic because the supporting tissue does not stretch the epidermis properly. The eyelid skin is thin to begin with, and any loss of collagen results in fine wrinkles. The upper lid may actually slide forward and droop. Thinning membranes beneath the skin can allow fat deposits to bulge outward, and this further complicates the sagging problem.
The best way to correct sagging eyelid skin is to have a licensed surgeon remove the excess fatty tissue. This is a minimally invasive procedure that lasts only about one to two hours. Scars are tiny and unnoticeable, and there is no significant downtime after the procedure is completed.
How to Prepare For an Eyelid Lift Surgery
No special pre-surgical eye care is needed. During the consultation, we will examine the eyelid tissue carefully and inform you about what incisions need to be made and how much tissue needs to be removed. You will want to have someone come with you to the clinic because you will not be able to drive yourself home after the surgery is complete.
Before the incisions are made, we may administer a local anesthetic. The cutting procedure isn’t painful, but the anesthetic prevents involuntary eyelid movement during the procedure.
What You Can Expect
The upper lids are corrected by making a single incision along the natural curve lines of the eyelid. The skin is then separated from the underlying tissue. Excess fat and muscle are removed, and the skin is put back in place.
The lower lids may be treated in one of two ways. A small incision may be made on the inner lid and the excess tissue scraped away. In some cases, the incision is made on the outer surface and the skin pulled back to reveal the excess tissue. Sometimes a small laser tool is used to burn away some of the tissue. If the cuts are made on the epidermis, small stitches are used to keep the skin in place after the tissue is removed. These stitches dissolve naturally in less than a week.
After The Procedure
It is probably best to have someone stay with you for the first night after we perform the surgery. You may experience some redness and swelling on the lids. An ice pack or chilled gauze pads will help alleviate the swelling and reduce the amount of pain you feel.
Dry eyes are commonly experienced by some patients, but simple eye drops will help with this. You can expect to resume your normal activities in just a few days.
For More Information
Dr. Nicholas Tarola will be able to provide complete details on this type of reconstructive surgical procedure. Although considered a simple cosmetic treatment alternative, eyelid lift surgery can actually improve your ability to see well. In most cases, the results are long-lasting, with no need for a second surgical treatment for many years. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
