Eyelid Surgery Procedure Steps

An eyelid lift is a relatively simple cosmetic surgery procedure that is designed to take several years off the appearance of the eyes and face. The eyelid lift procedure may involve correction in the lower or upper eyelids or both. Both excess fat and skin are usually removed in the eyelid area, and underlying muscles may be tightened in some cases.

The surgeon will explain various steps in the eyelid lift procedure at the time of initial consultation. Dr. Jennifer Hui is an oculoplastic surgeon providing eyelid lift to patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, La Quinta, Coachella Valley, and surrounding locations.

Anesthesia

In a majority of cases, the eyelid surgery procedure will be performed using local anesthesia. Mild sedation may be used for some patients to keep them comfortably asleep during the surgery. If the procedure is more complicated, involves an additional surgery, or the patient’s anxiety levels are higher, the surgeon may choose general anesthesia.

In case of general anesthesia, the surgeon may utilize the services of an anesthesiologist or a certified anesthetist nurse. The patient’s medical history and current health status will be evaluated prior to anesthesia to determine their risk profile.

Lower Blepharoplasty

The first step in lower blepharoplasty will be the placing of discreetly located incisions. The eye surgeon may place small and inconspicuous incisions in the natural skin creases beneath the lower eyelashes. Excess fat and skin will be removed through the incisions and underlying muscles may be tightened.

If the surgeon finds hollows below the lower eyelids, they may use facial fat transfer or dermal filler injections to fill these depressions. The final step will be to close the incisions with fine sutures.

Upper Blepharoplasty

Following local or general anesthesia, the surgeon will create incisions in the natural creases of the upper lids. The second step will be to remove the saggy appearance of the eyelids and correct any vision obstruction issues by trimming away the excess skin through the incisions. At the same time, weak or loose underlying muscles may also be tightened.

When the excess skin has been excised, the surgeon will lift and reattach the remaining skin to create a smooth, youthful upper lid appearance. In the end, the incisions will be closed with fine sutures. Sometimes both upper and lower eyelid surgery procedures may be performed together. Dr. Hui receives patients from Palm Springs, Palm Desert, La Quinta, Coachella Valley, and nearby areas.

Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty

If loose skin around the eyelids is not an issue, but the patient has pockets of excess fat in the area, a transconjunctival eyelid surgery may be advised. This procedure is relatively less invasive. Where the patient does not require under eye bag reduction, this procedure may be ideally suited.

Following local anesthesia, the surgeon will place several tiny incisions inside the lower eyelid. Excess fat deposits will be removed through the incisions. Muscle tightening and skin removal will not be performed. The procedure will leave no visible scars because the incisions are placed internally within the eyelids.