Eyelid lift surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a procedure that restores firmness and eliminates excess skin from the upper and lower eyelids, making patients look younger, more rested, and more alert. Blepharoplasty can treat sagging or drooping of the upper eyelids (which in older patients often obstructs vision) and fatty deposits that appear as puffiness in the upper eyelids or “bags” under the lower eyelids. It can also smooth skin and improve the appearance of fine lines. (It will, however, not affect crow’s feet or deep wrinkles.)

As people age, the eyelid skin stretches, muscles weaken, and fat accumulates around the eyes, causing "bags" above and below.

Initial Consultation During your initial consultation, you will meet with Dr. Sabeeh and your patient-care coordinator. They will carefully and completely review your health history and perform a thorough exam. Dr. Sabeeh will also discuss with you the risks, benefits, and potential complications as well as explain in detail what the procedure entails. Finally, he will evaluate the area and advise you as to whether you need an upper blepharoplasty (upper eyelids only), lower blepharoplasty (lower eyelids only), or quad blepharoplasty (both upper and lower eyelids).

Procedure The procedure will take approximately one to one-and-a-half hours and will require general anesthesia. Dr. Sabeeh will begin by making an incision within the natural crease of your upper eyelid, through which excess skin, muscle, and/or underlying fatty tissue will be removed. Then, if a lower blepharoplasty is to be performed, an incision will be made inside the lower eyelid, fat will be removed or redistributed, and the muscle will be tightened to correct bagginess. If there is excessive skin and wrinkling, an incision just below the lower lash line will be made to reduce this.

Before surgery, the surgeon marks the incision sites, following the natural lines and creases of the upper and lower eyelids.

Recovery Most patients are able to return home the day of their surgery; however, you will need someone to drive you as well as to stay with you for the first 24 hours. Following your surgery, you can expect bruising around the eyes and that your eyelids will be very swollen (this swelling will actually worsen overnight before it begins to get better). You may also notice bloody-looking drainage, and you may experience a burning or scratchy sensation in your eyes as well as blurry vision and either excessive or abnormally low tear production. All of these symptoms are normal; for your comfort, you will be given medication to control the pain and ointment and drops to keep your eyes well lubricated. You will not need to worry about having your sutures removed, as all sutures will be dissolvable.

In a transconjunctival blepharoplasty, a tiny incision is made inside the lower eyelid and fat is removed with fine forceps. No skin is removed, and the incision is closed with dissolving sutures.

The surgeon closes the incisions with fine sutures, which will leave nearly invisible scars.

Your bruising should subside within the first couple of weeks, while swelling may take up to four weeks to settle. Within a couple months, your final results should be visible; however, your incision lines will gradually fade over the course of a year. Post-operative care will include refraining from makeup, contacts, or glasses for approximately two weeks and avoiding strenuous physical activity for several.

Risks Although complications are rare, they do occur on occasion. Because of Dr. Sabeeh’s advanced training and methodical technique, complications are extremely unlikely, as are revisions; most importantly, Dr. Sabeeh has never experienced a life-threatening surgical complication. Because of his commitment to patient safety and satisfaction, he will not perform this procedure unless a patient has completely quit smoking for at least three months pre-operatively, as smoking significantly increases your risk of complications and interferes with wound healing.

Underlying fat, along with excess skin and muscle, can be removed during the operation.