Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty)

What Is an Eyelid Lift?

An eyelid lift is a surgical procedure designed to alter and reshape the eyelids through the removal of excess skin and fat, creating a more lively, awake, youthful appearance that restores a more pleasant expression.

Also known as a blepharoplasty, an eyelid lift addresses loose, saggy, puffy eyes that usually result from hormones, sun damage, and aging. As we get older, our skin starts to droop, and sometimes our eyelids succumb to the forces of gravity, creating a tired, older-looking appearance in patients’ eyes. A successful blepharoplasty procedure requires a complete understanding of the eyelids’ anatomy, a meticulous preop evaluation, and precise attention to detail.^[1] More than any other facial feature, your eyes reveal the most about how you feel. When your eyes are bright and alert, you appear energized, well-rested, and in control. However, if you have lower eyelid puffiness, dark circles, or drooping upper lids, others may assume that you are tired, angry, or unhappy. Studies have shown that patients who underwent an eyelid lift experienced a measurable improvement in function and symptoms when operated; and are generally very satisfied with the result of their operation.^[2]

Being that the area surrounding the eyes is fragile and sensitive, it is very important that you find a capable and competent surgeon like Grady Core, M.D., F.A.C.S. 

Dr. Core provides eyelid lifts to the people of Birmingham, Mountain Brook, and the surrounding areas in Alabama who want a more rested and bright appearance.

Click here to schedule your consultation online, or call now at (205) 397-2100, and one of Dr. Core’s friendly staff members will be happy to guide you through the process. 

Before and After Photos

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Benefits of an Eyelid Lift

Eyelid surgery offers the following benefits:

Candidates

The ideal candidate for an eyelid lift procedure is a healthy, non-smoking individual who wants to treat the sagging skin or fatty deposits on their upper or lower eyelids. 

Dr. Core performs eyelid surgery in Alabama on both men and women of all ages who want to enhance their self-image. Most people choose eyelid surgery to minimize the effects of aging. However, people in their 20s or 30s may also benefit from this procedure as well.

You may be a good candidate for eyelid surgery if you have any of the following conditions:

An eyelid lift will not address dark circles, crow’s feet, or sagging eyebrows. Candidates will not be considered if they are prone to eye infections.

Personal Consultation

During your initial consultation, Dr. Core will walk you through the eyelid lift process to equip you with the data you need to make a better-informed decision. Dr. Core’s goal is to enhance the eyelid region to complement the patient’s unique facial features. 

Preparation

Before you have eyelid surgery, the first step is to meet with Dr. Core for an evaluation of your eyes to determine the best way to achieve your desired look. Following the recommendation on the surgery, Dr. Core goes over the details of the surgery and gives you a detailed list of instructions to prepare you for your surgery.

Schedule time off work to properly heal. You will need someone nearby or on-call to care for you within the first 24-36 hours post-surgery. You may need someone to drive you to your first post-operative appointment with Dr. Core for three to four days if swelling affects your vision, so make sure to have someone you trust to assist you.

Blepharoplasty Procedures

Lateral Access Lower Eyelid Recontouring

Dr. Core developed a technique that he calls lateral access lower eyelid recontouring, which applies to patients who have skin relaxation without a significant amount of excess fat of the lower eyelid.

This procedure lifts and tightens the lower eyelid. It also raises and tightens the cheek area just underneath the lid, which helps shorten the distance between the edge of the eyelid and the beginning of the cheek, a characteristic of beautiful faces.

This procedure prevents intrusion of the lower eyelid, which is the primary cause of retraction of the lower eyelid after surgery (ectopia). Ectropion is not a possibility with the lower eyelid muscle lifting, and the aesthetic benefits are significant.

During this procedure, the incision only extends approximately 1/3 of the way across the lower eyelid, beginning at the outer portion of the lower eyelid underneath the eyelashes and extending out to about 1/4 of an inch past the corner of the eye.

The excess skin in this area is excised, and the muscle underneath is identified. This muscle, called the orbicularis oculi, extends across the lower eyelid in a hammock-type fashion and attaches both on the outer portion of the eye as well as the inner portion of the eye near the base of the nose. This hammock can become relaxed and floppy over time.

Dr. Core’s procedure for a lower eyelid muscle lift involves cutting a flap of muscle tissue that is elevated and tightened. This pulls all the tissues tighter/closer? against the lower surface of the eye, thus completely reshaping and reforming the lower eyelid area, the upper cheek, and the fold underneath the eye. The excess skin is then removed, and the incision is closed. It’s been proven that the lateral incision–only lower lid blepharoplasty is a safe and effective procedure that allows all necessary structures to be addressed for rejuvenation.^[3]

If you have advanced age-related changes in your lower eyelid, Dr. Core will discuss other techniques that may be applicable in your situation.

Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Lower eyelid blepharoplasty involves an incision underneath the eyelashes, which then extends underneath the lower eyelid muscle to expose droopy and excess fat of the lower eyelid.

Some of this fat is removed, and some of it is repositioned. The eyelid is then resuspended, and the excess muscle and skin are removed. 

This procedure is appropriate for eye patients who have a significant amount of excess fat of the lower eyelid with skin laxity.

Recovery

Depending on the method used, the remaining sutures will be removed within 3-4 days post-surgery. Most of the swelling and bruising will fade within a week following your procedure. Dr. Core will prescribe an ointment to prevent dryness. Blurred vision may happen during the first week until the swelling settles.

Results

The results from eyelid surgery are usually visible within a few weeks.

Cost of an Eyelid Lift in Birmingham

The cost of eyelid surgery is based on the extent of the procedure, methods used, and whether other procedures are performed in conjunction. During your consultation, you will go over the costs as well as our payment options. 

To get a glimpse of how satisfied you will be with your visit to Core Plastic Surgery, please visit our reviews page. We are humbled by our patients’ kind words and are committed to providing 5-star service to Birmingham and beyond.

If you enjoyed learning all about the benefits of an eyelid lift, we strongly recommend checking out Dr. Core’s Blog. You will find all sorts of great content like lifestyle advice, FAQs, beauty tips, media appearances, and much more. 

We look forward to your transformation.

FAQ

References

1. Biesman, Brian S. “Blepharoplasty.” Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, vol. 18, no. 2, 31 May 1999, pp. 129–138., doi:10.1016/s1085-5629(99)80037-6. https://europepmc.org/article/med/10385281
2. Jacobsen, A. G., Brost, B., Vorum, H., & Hargitai, J. (2017). Functional benefits and patient satisfaction with upper blepharoplasty – evaluated by objective and subjective outcome measures. Acta Ophthalmologica, 95(8), 820-825. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/aos.13385
3. Core, Grady B. M.D. Lateral Access Recontouring Blepharoplasty for Rejuvenation of the Lower Lids, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: October 2013 – Volume 132 – Issue 4 – p 835-842 doi: 10.1097/PRS.0b013e3182a05516