Eyelid Repair

Cosmetic surgeons perform eyelid surgery to correct drooping of the eyelids (upper and lower) caused by aging or by other conditions. Collagen acts as a support structure to skin and it is this tissue, which thins with age.

Cosmetic surgery removes excess tissue to correct this condition. Laser treatment also works with cosmetic surgery to thicken collagen and to enhance healing of surgical incisions.

There are two broad types of eyelid surgery. The upper lid surgery removes the excess skin and fat using an incision placed in the patients natural eye crease. This results in virtually no visible scar. The procedure can be done under local anesthesia and take approximately 1 hour to complete. The lower lid procedure involves removing the fat pocket. Typically this procedure is performed using light sedation and take about 1.5 hours to perform.

Incision lines on the upper eyelid hide nicely in the natural eyelid. Lower lids have hidden incision lines because they are made behind the lower eyelid. The good thing is that all incision lines are treated with laser treatment post operatively. Laser treatment flattens scars and removes post surgical redness. It’s a win-win situation.

Options for non-surgical lift include our IntraCel and ThermiSmooth devices. These non-invasive procedures work by heating the skin and inducing new collagen formation. There is little to no downtime with these procedures and they require no anesthesia.

As we age skin looses collagen and elastin. The skin of the eyelids is no different. In many patients this can result in lose skin developing around the eyes. The skin will often create a fold in the upper eyelids and can extend down to touch the lashes. Occasionally it can even obstruct vision. Anyone with laxity can be evaluated for treatment.

The lower lids typically present with a “bag”. This represents a fat pocket which develops with age.

Surgery time takes between one to two hours depending on how much needs to be corrected. We have several strategies to keep you comfortable during that time. You can have full anesthesia or we have options involving medication and local blocks.

Recovery for either procedure is fairly quick and is usually about one week. Any discomfort you encounter is easily controlled with Ibuprofen or prescription pain pills if necessary. Sutures are removed within 5-6 days and most patients return to work after 1 week. Post-operatively patients will use ice and elevate their head.