Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid Surgery corrects puffy bags and excess skin around your eyes, so you look awake, refreshed and youthful. The procedure, which is also known as blepharoplasty, is often combined with a brow lift or facelift for a full rejuvenation.

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Eyelid Surgery: Who can benefit from this procedure?

Eyelid surgery is best for correcting excess tissue that has accumulated around your eyelids. The clinical term that describes this condition is dermatochalasis. Puffy bags of fat also have a tendency to collect around the eyelids. These conditions can have a profoundly negative impact on your appearance; you may look tired, unhappy or older than you really are.

Most patients who undergo eyelid surgery are over 35, but it may be performed on younger patients, especially when eye bags are a hereditary trait. You should know that eyelid surgery does not correct crows feet, dark circles or sagging eyebrows. Notify Dr. Kluska if you have certain eye conditions such as dry eye, hyperthyroidism or glaucoma.

How Eyelid Surgery is Performed

You will begin with a medical evaluation and most likely a vision test. Any relevant info from your eye doctor should be shared before proceeding. Eyelid surgery requires about 1 to 3 hours. Local anesthesia will numb the area around your eyes. The location of the eyelid surgery incisions will vary. They typically follow the natural crease of the upper eyelid. In the lower eyelid, the incision may be below the lashes or inside the eyelid. A very conservative amount of tissue is removed before Dr. Kluska places fine sutures to close the incisions.

What to Expect During Your Recovery

Recovering from eyelid surgery takes roughly 10 days. Immediately after the procedure, Dr. Kluska will lubricate your eyes and apply a bandage. Your eyelids will likely feel somewhat tight and sore as the anesthesia begins to wear off. Keeping your head elevated and using prescribed medications will be necessary for several days. If swelling occurs, you may be advised to use a cold compress to keep it down. For about 2 to 3 weeks you will need to stop wearing contact lenses and postpone your exercise routine.

Possible Side Effects and Complications of Eyelid Surgery

All cosmetic surgeries carry a risk for complications. The most common side effects reported with eyelid surgery are bruising, excessive tears, light sensitivity, and temporary vision blurring. Other less common adverse events include infection, swelling, dry eyes, formation of whiteheads, and asymmetry. Rare complications include difficulty in closing eyes, pulling down of lower eyelids and blindness.

Eyelid Surgery Alternatives

When forehead tissue descends, it may seem as if excess skin has accumulated on the eyelids. Such patients may be better suited for a brow lift. For the lower eyelids, a hollow tear trough can create the illusion of puffy eye bags. The most common treatment for this involves an injection of wrinkle filler such as Radiesse. Ask Dr. Kluska about other possible alternatives to eyelid surgery.

If you are seeking eyelid surgery in Greensburg or Pittsburgh PA, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at the Center for Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery. Call 724-836-0400 or email us to set up an appointment today.