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Eyelid lift

• Overview
• Recovery
• Risks

Definition:

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

Alternative Names:

Blepharoplasty

Description:

Sagging or drooping eyelids occur naturally with increasing age. However, some people are born with droppy 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 health care provider 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.

Indications:

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.

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.

• Review Date: 2/22/2007
• Reviewed By: Manju Subramanian, MD, Assistant Professor in Ophthalmology, Vitreoretinal Disease and Surgery, Boston University Eye Associates, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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