EYELID LIFT (blepharoplasty)

Your eyes should show the strength of your soul, not the effects of aging. But with life experience (read: gravity and environmental assault!) comes sagging skin and fat deposits around the eyes, making you look tired and probably older than you feel. But it doesn’t have to be that way – you can look and feel refreshed and rejuvenated, and an eyelid lift, which can remove excess skin and fat from both the upper and lower eyelids, is one of the ways you can achieve that! Dr. Moya can help you say goodbye to your puffy, tired eyes and hello to the youthful you from years gone by!

Is an eyelid lift right for me?

Since aging affects everyone’s eyes, both women and men can benefit from an eyelid lift. You may be a good candidate if:

• you have loose or sagging skin that creates folds or hooding of your upper
  eyelids or changes the natural contour of your eyelids, sometimes even
  impairing your vision
• you have excess fatty deposits that make your eyelids appear puffy
• you have bags under your eyes
• you have excess skin and fine wrinkles of your lower eyelid
• you simply feel that your eyes make you look tired and older than you are

Because an upper eyelid lift can remove droopy skin that can impair vision, your insurance provider might cover it, but only if a visual field test can determine that the degree of excess skin moderately inhibits your peripheral vision.

An eyelid lift can dramatically improve the appearance of tired, droopy eyes by removing excess skin and fat from the upper and lower eyelids. You may even wish to combine this with other surgical procedures (facelift) or injectables (Botox, facial fillers) for an enhanced result. Dr. Moya’s expertise as an aesthetic plastic surgeon will help you appear refreshed while avoiding that unnatural “wide awake” or “startled” look that comes from overcorrection. He can make your eyes look younger and more alert, providing you with enhanced self-esteem and confidence in your appearance.

How is an eyelid lift performed?

An eyelid lift is a very delicate procedure that involves small incisions, the positions of which will depend on which eyelid is being corrected. Upper eyelid surgery involves a small incision in the natural crease of the eyelid, which allows it to be well-hidden. Lower eyelid surgery can be performed via an incision hidden just below the lower lash line or on the inside of the lower eyelid (transconjunctival), depending on the problems that need to be addressed.  Dr. Moya’s technique for lower eyelid rejuvenation can even improve the appearance of the area where the upper cheek meets the lower eyelid. Eyelid lifts can be comfortably performed under local anesthesia with or without mild sedation, simplifying your overall experience.

Recovery after an eyelid lift

The recovery period after an eyelid lift is fairly short. Because initial healing may include some swelling, bruising, eye irritation or dryness, redness at the incision sites, and general discomfort, Dr. Moya will give you specific instructions regarding how to care for your eyes and keep you more comfortable. In order to reduce or minimize swelling, you may gently apply cold compresses to your eyelids, and should keep your head elevated instead of lying flat. Any activities which significantly increase blood flow to the eyes should be avoided, as this can further increase swelling. Eye lubricant may also be used to decrease eye irritation. Even though the discomfort associated with an eyelid lift might be mild (similar to that of a sunburn or windburn), you will likely need some form of pain medication for several days. You will be able to return to normal activities in a few days, but will need to avoid exercise for 4 weeks.

Eyelid lift results

Immediately after surgery, your incisions may look red and irritated, and there will be some swelling and bruising around your eyes. As the swelling and bruising subside (typically resolving within one to two weeks), you will gradually start to see smoother, better-defined eyelids and an overall refreshed appearance. While an eyelid lift will not stop the aging process, you should be able to enjoy the results of your surgery for years to come.