Sagging, wrinkled, or baggy eyelids are often among the earliest signs of facial aging. Because eyelid skin is thin, moves thousands of times a day, and is exposed to sun and wind, the eyes can begin to look tired or older than you feel. An eyelid lift, also called blepharoplasty, is designed to restore a more youthful, rested appearance by correcting drooping upper lids and under-eye puffiness.
At Cosmetic Surgery Specialists of Memphis, Dr. Peter Aldea and Dr. Patricia Eby provide blepharoplasty with a focus on natural-looking improvement and careful surgical technique. Both surgeons are certified and re-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and are proud members of professional societies including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Their experience and attention to detail help patients achieve refreshed eyes that still look like themselves.
What Eyelid Surgery Can And Cannot Do
Blepharoplasty can correct drooping upper eyelids and puffy bags below the eyes, helping the eyes look more open, rested, and youthful. The goal is often to restore a visible upper lid crease and reduce heaviness around the eyes.
Blepharoplasty cannot:
- Remove crow’s feet or other wrinkles
- Eliminate dark circles under the eyes
- Lift sagging eyebrows
How Blepharoplasty Is Performed
Eyelid surgery removes excess skin above and below the eyes and addresses bulging fat under the eyes through incisions placed in natural crease lines.
Upper Eyelid Incisions
Incisions are typically placed in the natural crease of the upper eyelid to remove excess skin and improve lid contour.
Lower Eyelid Incisions
Lower eyelid correction is commonly performed through an incision just below the lash line to remove or reshape fat and address excess skin. These incisions generally fade and become faintly visible over time.
Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty
If the lower lids have bagginess without excess skin, fat may be removed using a fully hidden incision inside the lower lid. This approach is called transconjunctival blepharoplasty.
Recovery After Eyelid Lift Surgery
After surgery, your surgeon will likely lubricate your eyes with ointment and may apply a bandage. Iced saline gauze is typically placed over the eyes for the first 48 hours to reduce swelling and improve comfort.
During recovery, patients may experience:
- Tightness or soreness as anesthesia wears off
- Temporary double or blurred vision for a few days
- Temporary swelling near the corners of the eyelids
- Difficulty closing the eyes completely in some cases
- Excess tearing and light sensitivity for the first few weeks
Makeup may be worn after sutures are removed, usually within 3 to 5 days. Most patients resume reading in 2 to 3 days and return to work in 7 to 10 days. Strenuous activities may usually be resumed in about 3 weeks.
Risks And Potential Complications
Potential complications associated with blepharoplasty include milia (small whiteheads), infection, bleeding, pulling down of the lower lid (ectropion), dry eyes, and very rarely, blindness.
Candidacy And Insurance Considerations
The best candidates for eyelid surgery are men and women who are physically healthy, psychologically stable, and realistic in their expectations. Blepharoplasty can enhance appearance and self-confidence, but it will not necessarily change your looks to match an ideal or cause other people to treat you differently.
In rare cases, the operation may be covered by insurance if excess upper eyelid skin blocks vision and the visual field compromise can be documented and accepted by the insurance company.
Why Choose Cosmetic Surgery Specialists Of Memphis For Blepharoplasty?
Eyelid surgery requires careful judgment and precision because small changes can have a major impact on overall facial expression. Dr. Aldea and Dr. Eby focus on creating a natural, rested look by placing incisions in natural eyelid creases and tailoring the surgical approach to the eyelid’s anatomy and the degree of skin or fat excess.
Patients also value the experience of working with board-certified and re-certified plastic surgeons who emphasize individualized planning, patient comfort, and safety. The practice’s goal is to help you look more refreshed while maintaining your natural appearance.
Eyelid Surgery Results In Memphis, TN
Blepharoplasty can help you look more rested by addressing drooping upper eyelids and under-eye puffiness. To learn more about eyelid lift surgery at Cosmetic Surgery Specialists of Memphis in Memphis, TN, call (901) 752-1412 to schedule a consultation.
