You may be a candidate for an eyelift (blepharoplasty) if you have excessive, sagging, or wrinkled upper or lower eyelid skin. Eyelid lift can also be helpful if you have excess upper eyelid skin that interferes with vision or if you have lost your natural upper eyelid crease. Eyelid lift may also be indicated if you have puffy pouches of fat in the upper or lower lids that create a tired or aged appearance.

The eyelift (blepharoplasty) procedure is intended to produce a more youthful and rested appearance of the eyes. The procedure may also widen your visual fields if excessive upper lid skin has partially blocked vision.

Blepharoplasty is done on an outpatient basis under sedation and local or general anesthesia. The incisions are made where the natural crease should be in the upper lids and below the lash line in the lower lids. Excess fat and skin are removed. If only excess fat is present in the lower lids, it may be removed through an incision inside the lower lids with no external incision or scar (transconjunctival blepharoplasty).

All sutures are usually removed within 4-6 days. Initial mild discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication. Bruising and sensitivity to light last at least a week or two. Swelling progressively disappears in 1-2 weeks. Eye makeup can be used after sutures are removed. Contact lenses can be worn when comfortable - usually within 7-10 days.

Additional procedures that may enhance the result of an eyelift (blepharoplasty) are: Forehead Lift, Face Lift, Chemical Peel or Laser Skin Resurfacing.

If eyelift surgery is being done to improve the field of vision, insurance may cover upper lid surgery. Otherwise, these procedures are considered cosmetic, and the patient is responsible for payment.

The specific risks and the suitability of eyelift for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are rare.

When an eyelid surgery is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor. But you should always expect risks and discuss with your surgeons about the pros and cons involved.

1. The minor complications after the surgery include double or blurred vision for a few days.

2. Temporary swelling at the corner of the eyelids.

3. A slight asymmetry in healing or scarring.

4. Tiny whiteheads may appear after your stitches are taken out, which can be removed easily with a very fine needle.

5. Following surgery, some patients may have difficulty closing their eyes when they sleep.

6. In rare cases this condition may be permanent.

7. Another complication is ectropion, a pulling down of the lower which require further surgery