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Eyelid lift - Overview

Alternative Names

Blepharoplasty

Definition of Eyelid lift:

Eyelid lift surgery, also called blepharoplasty, is done to repair sagging or drooping upper eyelids (ptosis).

Description:

Sagging or drooping eyelids occur naturally with increasing age. However, some people are born with droopy eyelids or develop diseases (such as myasthenia gravis) that cause eyelid drooping.

An eyelid lift is usually done while you are awake. You will be given medicine to relieve anxiety. The surgeon will inject numbing medicine around the eye so you do not feel pain during the surgery.

The surgeon will make tiny cuts into the natural creases or folds of the eyelids, and then remove any loose skin and extra fat tissue. After tightening the eyelid muscles, the surgeon places stitches in the area.

Eyelid repair surgery rarely requires a hospital stay. The surgery is done in a surgeon's office or as outpatient surgery in a medical center.

Why the Procedure Is Performed:

An eyelid lift is needed for those who have excessive eyelid drooping that interferes with vision.

Some people have an eyelid lift to improve their appearance. This is called cosmetic or elective surgery. The eyelid lift may be done alone or with other facial surgery such as a browlift or facelift.

Eyelid surgery will not remove wrinkles around the eyes, lift sagging eyebrows, or eliminate dark circles under the eyes.

  • Reviewed last on: 1/20/2011
  • Daniel E. Bustos, MD, MS, Private Practice specializing in Comprehensive Ophthalmology in Eugene, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Bosniak S. Reconstructive upper lid blepharoplasty. Ophthalmol Clin North Am. Jun 2005; 18(2): 279-89, vi.

Hoenig JA. Comprehensive management of eyebrow and forehead ptosis. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. Oct 2005; 38(5): 947-84.

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