The goal of eyelid surgery is to revitalize the smile and provide relief from age-related sagging, eye bags and puffiness.
Eyelid surgery at a glance
Summary: Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure performed on the upper or lower eyelids to restores a youthful look in the eyelids. This surgery smooths skin, redistributes fat deposits and tightens muscles in the eyelids to help patients reach their aesthetic goals.
Alternative names: Blepharoplasty
Anesthesia: Local or general anesthesia
Recovery period: 1-2 weeks off from work and 2-3 weeks before resuming strenuous physical activity
What is eyelid surgery?
Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure performed on the upper and/or lower eyelids that smooths skin, redistribute fat deposits and tightens muscles for a youthful appearance. Lines, creases, and wrinkles form on our faces as we age and based on a patient's genetic predisposition, these signs of aging can be subtle or dramatic.
For many individuals, signs of aging skin is often visible around the eyes and eyelids. Our board-certified plastic surgeons at the Canadian Plastic Surgery Centre in Toronto can help scale back these signs and restore the smooth skin around your eyes. Additionally, for patient's with drooping upper eyelids that may occlude their field of view, a blepharoplasty can help patients improve how they see and achieve their aesthetic goals.
Who are suitable candidates?
At the Canadian Plastic Surgery Centre, patients are carefully assessed to ensure they are recommended with the best surgical options to help meet their aesthetic goals. Good candidates for blepharoplasty should be in overall good health, do not have any significant eye conditions and are non-smokers or are willing to quit smoking 4 weeks before the surgery.
Additional factors that potential patients experience include:
- Eyelids that look permanently fatigued
- Hooded eyelids that interfere with vision
- Eyes that look puffy or swollen
- Notable sagging or dropping under the eyes
Even if you don't precisely exhibit one of these traits, but feel that eyelid surgery would be beneficial to your self-image and confidence, then you should schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. They will perform a thorough assessment of your face and your personal goals and determine whether eyelid surgery will provide the benefits you are seeking.
What causes my skin to age and drop?
Aging in the skin is often influenced by many different environmental and genetic factors. The most common factors that cause aging of the skin include: genetics, gravity, sun exposure, and smoking. The gradual exposure to these environmental factors can often result in a expedited loss of elasticity in the skin, muscle tone and the accumulation of redundant skin and fat tissues in the lower face as a result of gravity.
While a good skincare regimen is essential, limiting exposure to environmental factors can also help slow the effects of inevitable skin aging. Eyelid surgery can help to diminish the effects of skin aging around the eyes that has accumulated over time, giving you a more refreshed and uplifted look, helping your natural beauty shine through with confidence.
Procedural Details
Upper Blepharoplasty
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty focuses on the upper eyelid which removes excess skin in the eyelid to create a smoother and more uniform upper eyelid. Upper eyelid muscles can be tighten for patients who have droopy eyelids to improve vision and prevent further droopiness. Additionally, upper blepharoplasty can restore or created an upper lid crease desired by patients.
Lower Blepharoplasty
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty focuses on fat deposits that rests under the eyes which often creates an appearance of swelling or bloating known as eye-bags. During the surgery, these fat deposits are redistributed and the stretched skin is excised, resulting in a livelier and more youthful appearance.
Recovery from eyelid surgery
Recovery from a blepharoplasty is often quite quick as patients typically return home on the same day as their procedure. Head elevation and application of cold compresses helps reduce swelling after surgery. The use of contact lenses needs to be avoided for the first two weeks after surgery. Swelling and bruising recedes within 1-2 weeks and sutures are removed within a 7-10 day period. Throughout the recovery process, the staff at the Canadian Plastic Surgery Centre will be available to provide assistance when required.
