This surgery is usually done for cosmetic reasons. It’s also an effective way to improve sight in older people whose sagging upper eyelids get in the way of their vision.

An eye lift will not eliminate dark circles under the eyes, crow’s feet, or other facial wrinkles. It is often done along with other procedures such as laser resurfacing, filler injections, or forehead lifts.

Double eyelid surgery, also called Asian eyelid surgery, is performed to create or enhance an upper eyelid crease. This type of surgery is performed on Asian people to “westernize” the appearance of the eyelid.

The Eyelid Aging Process

Excess skin on the lower eyelid causes wrinkles and bulges. On the upper eyelids, an extra fold of skin can hang over the eyelashes and get in the way of seeing.

The fat that cushions the eyeball from the skull can also cause bulges in the upper and lower eyelids. The thin membrane that holds the fat in place weakens with age, letting the fat come forward into the lids.

Who Is a Good Candidate For Eyelid Surgery?

The best candidates for an eye lift are people who are in good health and who have realistic expectations. Most are 35 years or older, but if baggy eyelids or droopy eyelids run in your family, you may decide to have the surgery done sooner.

Eyelid surgery can enhance your appearance and help build your confidence. However, it may not result in your ideal look or alter your facial structure. Before you decide to have surgery, think about your goals and discuss them with your surgeon.

Will the Results of Eyelid Surgery Be Permanent?

Upper eyelid surgery can last at least five to seven years. Lower eyelid surgery rarely needs to be repeated. Of course, your eyes will still age after the procedure.

If your lids sag again, a forehead lift rather than another eye lift is often the proper procedure.

How Should I Prepare for Eyelid Surgery?

You will need to arrange for another person to drive you home after your surgery. You should also have someone stay with you the night of the procedure.

At home, you should have the following items ready:

• Ice cubes
• Ice pack (or you can use freezer bags filled with ice, frozen corn, or peas)
• Small gauze pads
• Eye drops or artificial tears (ask your doctor to recommend the proper type to meet your particular needs)
• Clean washcloths and towels
• Over-the-counter painkillers (which your doctor can recommend)

How Is Eyelid Surgery Performed?

An eyelift usually takes about two hours if both upper and lower eyelids are done together. Your doctor will most likely use local anesthesia (a painkiller injected around the eye) with oral sedation.

If you are having the procedure done at a hospital or surgical center, you will most likely receive IV sedation.

If you’re having all four eyelids done, the surgeon will probably work on the upper lids first. The surgeon will usually cut following the natural lines of your eyelids. Through these cuts, your surgeon will separate the skin from the underlying tissue and remove the excess fat, skin, and muscle. Next, the surgeon will close those cuts with very small stitches. The stitches in the upper lids will stay for three to six days. The lower lids may or may not require stitches, depending on the technique used.

Surgery on the lower eyelids may be done using one of several techniques. In one method, your surgeon makes a cut inside your lower eyelid to remove fat. That cut won’t be visible. Your surgeon can then soften fine lines in the skin using a C0₂ or erbium laser.

Another method involves making a cut along the eyelash margin. Through that cut, your surgeon can remove excess skin, loose muscle, and fat. The cut line fades after a short time.

After either of these procedures, your surgeon may recommend laser resurfacing.

What Are the Possible Complications From Eyelid Surgery?

Complications and unwanted results from an eye lift are rare, but sometimes they do occur. They can include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Dry eyes
• Abnormal coloring of the eyelids
• Eyelid skin that folds in or out abnormally
• Not being able to fully close your eyes
• A pulled-down lower lid lash line
• A possible loss of vision

If you have any of these complications, contact your doctor as soon as possible.