Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery, or an “eyelid lift,” is a corrective procedure that tightens or removes the fat and excess skin of both the upper and lower eyelids. The delicate skin around the eyes is one of the first areas where the signs of aging show and is among the first features many people notice about us.
During the aging process, lower eyelids start to bulge as the skin takes on a crepe-like appearance. Upper eyelids sag, and crow’s feet appear. These changes can make patients feel older and dissatisfied with their around-the-eye appearance. These concerns can be corrected with an artful combination of surgical and non-surgical procedures.
Benefits of Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid Surgery Candidates
Eyelid surgery is an ideal and popular choice among women and men hoping to revitalize the area around their “windows to the soul.” It is also great for patients who have lost peripheral vision due to overhanging, upper eyelid skin. An ideal candidate for this procedure is tired of hiding their eyes behind glasses or make-up and is ready to look well-rested and rejuvenated!
Eyelid Surgery FAQs
For the upper eyelid, our surgeon will make a very thin incision inside the hidden crease of the upper lid to remove excess skin, muscle tissue, and fat where needed. The skin is tightened and sutured into its new position to create a natural look.
You and your surgeon will discuss the various options for the lower eyelid during a consultation. During the process, an incision is made either inside or outside of the lower eyelid, fat pockets are removed, reduced, or repositioned, and excess skin is removed.
Our surgeons are skilled at making incisions in precise places to ultimately conceal them along natural folds, lines, creases, or contours in the skin. For the upper eyelids, incisions are typically made along the existing crease. For lower eyelids, incisions follow the lower lash line or are made on the inside of the lower eyelid. In both cases, and especially after healing, little to no evidence of the procedure is evident.
In many cases, the appearance of crow’s feet at the corners of the eyes may be due to hereditary causes. While eyelid surgery cannot entirely eliminate crow’s feet, it can drastically reduce their appearance by tightening and smoothing the skin. The results are typically exceptional and are expected to last between 5-7 years or beyond.
In some situations, but especially for patients suffering from ptosis (a condition wherein excess or drooping skin from the upper eyelid impairs line of sight), eyelid surgery can improve vision. For most patients, the benefits of eyelid surgery are cosmetic, rejuvenating, and confidence-boosting!
Recovering from eyelid surgery is a comparatively simple process with only minor bruising or swelling for a short period after the procedure. You may also experience some irritation or dryness of the eyes. Most discomfort is easily managed with medication or with a cold compress or ointments. Dark-tinted sunglasses are recommended until the healing process completes.
By carefully following recovery guidelines and recommendations, you should expect to heal somewhere in the area of 2 weeks following the initial procedure. Your eyes should remain stress-free and protected from the sun while you rest for the best and quickest results!
Interested in Eyelid Surgery?
Dr. Klenke is dedicated to you and take pride in helping you achieve your best results. At Pinnacle, we provide detailed consultations allowing us to understand each patient’s motivation and desired outcomes. Our goal is to customize a treatment specifically for each individual. In your initial consultation, our team will evaluate your health, and define which surgical procedures are most suitable for you based on your body and a personalized surgical plan will be created.