Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty): Types & Benefits for Treating Droopy Eyelids

You may notice changes in the appearance of your eyes and eyelids (upper and lower), which can surprise you by becoming more visible over time. They can lead to headaches, vision problems, and discomfort, affecting both your eye health and overall well-being.

Eyelid surgery offers a solution to these problems, with its many procedures & techniques that regularly evolve by addressing excess skin above or below the eye. 

This surgery can vary, from eyelid incision to eyelid tightening with techniques involving tightening the upper eyelids, removing excess fat around the eyes, in addition to addressing under-eye bags. Eyelid surgery can also help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, achieving a natural-looking eye appearance. 

Eyelid surgery before and after

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Many people undergo eyelid surgery to improve their vision and the appearance of their eyes. This procedure is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries, especially among women. The skin around the eyes can become loose overtime due to weakened muscles that support the eyelids, leading to excess fat accumulation above and below the eyes.

Excess fat may accumulate above the eyes, or under-eye bags may develop, both of which can be treated through eyelid surgery. While considered a dangerous surgical procedure, it is common and highly effective when performed by an experienced surgeon and followed by careful post-operative instructions.

Many elders resort to this surgery, as the excess fat sags and covers their vision, causing them various issues. Additionally, drooping eyelids can be caused by conditions such as brain stroke or Glaucoma surgery. 

What are the Causes of Drooping Eyelids? 

Over time, your eyes may appear different, losing their vitality and becoming marked by lines and hollows, altering your facial features and making your appearance less youthful and vibrant. So, what are the causes behind drooping eyelids?

1. Aging.
2. Head injuries and brain stroke.
3. Excessive eye rubbing.
4. Frequent contact lens use. 
5. Eye injuries, tumors, or surgeries such as Glaucoma surgery. 
6. Some individuals are born with drooping eyelids.
7. Other neurological or muscular conditions that affect the eyelids. 

Why Should Eyelid Surgery be Performed?

The reasons for undergoing eyelid surgery vary between medical and cosmetic, but they share many common factors:

1. Improved vision.
2. Improved appearance of wrinkles around the eyes.
3. Removal of signs of tiredness and fatigue around the eyes.

When Does a Doctor Recommend This Surgery?

The decision to undergo eyelid surgery depends on the recommendations of your doctor and surgeon, as well as a thorough evaluation of your individual case and various factors. Some of the primary reasons a doctor might recommend eyelid surgery include:

1. Swelling of the upper eyelids.
2. Formation of bags or puffy areas under the eyes.
3. Drooping of the upper eyelid that affects vision.
4. Sagging of the lower eyelids.
5. Development of hollows under the eyes in some cases.

Read also: Say Goodbye to Under-Eye Hollows! A Common Issue for Many

6 People who Cannot Undergo Eyelid Surgery

1. Those who are under 30 years old should consult with a specialist first.
2. Individuals with certain health issues, such as severe dry eye, chronic illnesses, and heart disease.
3. Those suffering from blood circulation disorders or thyroid problems.
4. Heavy smokers or alcohol consumers.
5. People taking blood thinners or anti-inflammatory medications should inform their doctor about their medications to avoid bleeding during or after surgery.
6. Pregnant and breastfeeding women.

How Should You Prepare for Eyelid Surgery? 

The most important step before undergoing eyelid surgery is to consult with a specialized doctor to understand all the contraindications or preparations that need to be done. Afterwards, you will need to follow some pre-operative instructions, which are usually similar across most doctors in terms of details, to prepare you for the surgery step by step. The specialist may be required to ask you about certain wrong habits you have, or may request some blood tests or eye imaging to ensure you are ready for the procedure.

What About After the Eyelid Surgery?

It is essential to follow the specialist’s instructions after eyelid surgery which often include several tips that help reduce complications, alleviate any associated pain, and accelerate the recovery process, such as: 

1. Rest for the first 3-4 days.
2. Avoid swimming and excessive sun exposure.
3. Wear sunglasses when going home immediately after the surgery and it is preferred to wear them instead of contact lenses for 2 weeks.
4. No strenuous exercise.
5. Elevate or Prop your head up on pillows while sleeping for about 2 weeks.
6. Apply cold compresses on your eyes  after the surgery for a day.
7. Avoid rubbing your eyes.
8. Shower after a couple of days following the operation.
9. Adhere to your doctor’s specific instructions for eye care by hydrating and cleaning them constantly.
10. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any shortness of breath, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, bleeding, vision problems, or unusual pain.
11. Do not drive until any vision problems or pain have subsided.

Surgical Eyelid Procedure 

An incision is made in the upper eyelid to remove the sagging and fatty tissues in the eyelids, then the eyelid is stitched back together. It’s worth noting that eyelid surgery may be followed by additional cosmetic procedures to remove the scars from the sutures and surgery, or for corrective measures.

Eyelid Surgery Results 

The majority of patients who have undergone eyelid surgery are happy with the results and most enjoy remarkable outcomes, even years later. However, a small percentage experience a recurrence of sagging eyelids after the procedure. The ointment used during the surgical procedure may cause temporary blurred vision, which usually clears up within 24 hours after the surgery.

After the surgery, you will spend some time in the recovery room where your health will be monitored to prevent any complications. You may be able to go home the same day to rest. Scars at the site of eyelid surgery can take up to 6 months or more to fade. It’s important to keep the area moisturized as the skin in this region is delicate and affected by external factors. You should protect it from the sun during this period.

Patients can usually resume their normal routine within approximately 7-10 days after the surgery, when the stitches and bandages are removed. Complete healing from eyelid surgery may take several months for the final results to become fully visible.

Eyelid Surgery Complications 

The tightening of the eyelid is a surgical procedure, so it might lead to the occurrence of many complications that you should be aware of and inform your doctor about, which may vary from one person to another, to prepare for the surgery & follow the correct post-operative care, such as: 

1. Infection
2. Blurred vision.
3. Bleeding or blood clots.
4. Incomplete removal of excess skin which may require additional surgery.
5. The eyelid may turn inward (entropion) or outward (ectropion) after surgery.
6. Scarring on the eyelids or swelling or numbness. 
7. Difficulty closing the eye completely can lead to additional surgeries.
8. Vision loss.
9. Excessive tearing.
10. Light sensitivity.
11. Pain or discomfort.

Eyelid Tightening via Laser

A precise and modern procedure where the specific area to be incised on the eyelids is determined then the skin is cut using a specialized laser device. This technique is advantageous as it allows for direct & precise incision in the target area, unlike traditional surgical methods.

Laser eyelid surgery for the upper eyelid is performed by creating an incision with a laser in the eyelid crease, instead of using a surgical scalpel. The excess skin & fat are then removed, and the incision is closed with absorbable sutures.

It is also used to treat lower eyelid puffiness where a laser incision is made on the inner side of the eyelid, and the excess fat is removed without the need for stitches to close the incision. This procedure typically takes about 20-30 minutes, and patients can usually continue their daily activities within 24 hours after the procedure. 

What Distinguishes Laser Eyelid Procedure?

Just as many cosmetic procedures are distinguished by their laser techniques, laser eyelid surgery, or laser blepharoplasty, has caused advancements in the field of eye rejuvenation. It has several distinct advantages, including:

1. Reduced swelling compared to traditional surgery.
2. Shorter surgery time.
3. Immediate blood clotting during the procedure, reducing bleeding.
4. Reduced postoperative pain.
5. Faster recovery time.
6. Minimized or reduced scarring.
7. Less extensive incisions, reducing the risk of unsightly gaps in the eyelid.

The Steps of the Eyelid Procedure via Laser

Laser assisted eyelid procedure is an auxiliary procedure often used in eyelid tightening surgery which involves several steps, including:

1. This procedure can be performed on the upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or both. If both eyelids are being treated, the surgeon will typically start with the upper eyelid.
2. An incision is made in the skin along the crease of the upper eyelid where excess skin, muscle, and fat are removed.
3. An incision is made just below the eyelashes, in the natural crease of the eye, or inside the lower eyelid.
4. The incision is closed using various stitching techniques to avoid any scarring. The location of the suture is inside the eyelids or underneath the eyelashes, depending on the incision area. 
5. If the sagging eyelid is affecting vision, an additional procedure may be performed.
6. Eyelid surgery can be combined with other procedures at the same time, such as a brow lift or facelift.

Read also: What is a Surgical Facelift? The Ultimate Guide & Most FAQs.

Eyelid Lift via Threading

It is one of the latest cosmetic procedures in eyelid surgery, involving the use of threads to tighten the eyelid and its sagging areas. It restores the natural shape of the eyelids, rejuvenates the face, and enhances the appearance of the eyes.

How is the procedure performed?

The procedure begins with the application of local anesthesia, through a cream or injection. The surgeon then introduces special, biocompatible surgical threads that do not cause allergic reactions. These threads are inserted using a special needle under the eyelids and are brought out through a less visible area, such as the hairline, to reduce scarring. The threads also contain substances that stimulate collagen production, therefore tightening the skin of the eye, filling in any gaps, and smoothing it over time.

After a period following the surgery, the eyelid lifting threads are tightened using a device that generates small electrical charges that work to tighten the excess skin.

Benefits of Eyelid Lift via Threading

1. Promoting collagen production in the skin.
2. The use of local anesthetic instead of systemic. 
3. Shorter recovery time compared to surgical eyelid lift.
4. Quick results, usually in less than 2 months. 

In conclusion, the choice to undergo an upper or lower eyelid lift is a personal decision, but it’s crucial to consult with a qualified doctor or surgeon who can help you determine the most appropriate procedure for you since it’s possible that your condition may not require surgery, or that a particular procedure may be more suitable than others.

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