Originally, eyelid surgery was not intended as a cosmetic procedure. It was first developed as a treatment for sleep apnea caused by excessive drooping of the upper eyelids that interfered with breathing during sleep. The surgery, designed to lift and tighten the upper eyelids, improved breathing and relieved snoring. Eyelid lifting procedures have moved far beyond the original concept of helping people breathe better at night. The eyelid procedure has become so popular that it is now performed not only for sleep apnea but also to correct many severe conditions.
What is an Upper Eyelid Lift
An upper eyelid lift, also called blepharoplasty, is an operation that tightens the upper eyelids. This procedure appears to be very simple, but it requires considerable skill to achieve good results. It is done under local anesthesia, with or without sedation. Patients who have had this surgery usually return to normal activities in a day or two and can generally return to work in a week.
5 Circumstances When You Would Consider an Upper Eyelid Lift
1. Drooping Eyelids
Perhaps the most common reason for an upper eyelid lift is to counter the gradual descent of the upper eyelids with age. As the skin and muscle tissue of the upper eyelids droop, they cause the eyelashes to rub against the eyes’ surface. Eventually, Vision can be impaired by this damage to the cornea, even though blepharoplasty may not eliminate these problems.
2. Eye Irritation
Many people complain that their upper eyelids are irritated by conditions such as rosacea or blepharitis. The tight upper eyelid skin can reduce irritation resulting from these conditions. It is best to wait until the offense has been controlled with medication before considering a procedure.
3. Cataract
The natural downward movement of the eyelids contributes to cataract formation. It is especially true in the elderly, who are more likely to develop this condition. During double eyelid surgery, the upper eyelid skin is removed and replaced with a prosthetic material that will support the eyelids and further reduce their descent, thus reducing further vision loss.
4. Swelling
Upper eyelid surgery involves removing some skin and tightening the underlying muscle. The loss of skin, combined with the tightness of the upper eyelids, can cause swelling and discomfort for a short time after surgery. This procedure is usually performed by an experienced plastic surgeon who performs extensive training to learn how to best control any postoperative swelling.
5. Vision Loss from Ptosis
Ptosis is a condition in which the eyelids droop and block Vision. In some cases, the eyelid can completely cover the eye’s pupil, causing visual impairment. They can treat this condition by removing skin from underneath the upper eyelids to reduce their weight and prevent them from falling.
Benefits of Upper Eyelid Lift
1. Reduce Eye Irritation
Eye irritation can come from several factors, including blepharitis, rosacea, and dry eyes. Regardless of the cause, upper eyelid lifting can help alleviate the symptoms by reducing the skin that rubs against the eye area.
2. Improve Vision
When eyelids droop down, they often touch the surface of your eyes. It can lead to chapping and dryness, that both compromise vision. It can lead to irritation and increased sensitivity to light. Lifted upper eyelids reduce irritation and allow more light into your eyes.
3. Restore Composure
Drooping eyelids can cause a tired, sad appearance that detracts from your overall appearance. An upper eyelid lift can restore your ability to express positive emotions and reduce the effects of a standard physical trait that often results in feelings of low self-esteem.
4. Reduce Eyelash Damage
Due to loss of skin and the re-tightening of the eyelids, upper eyelid surgery can prevent lash damage. Surgical tightness can even improve the appearance of eyelashes by providing a more natural shape.
5. Rejuvenate An Aging Face
People concerned about the adverse effects of aging often seek to rejuvenate their facial appearance through plastic surgery. It includes upper eyelid lifts to improve the appearance of age-related drooping and wrinkling around the eyes. Many plastic surgeons advise that this procedure should be considered along with other cosmetic procedures, such as facelifts, rhinoplasties, and further plastic surgery.
6. Prevent Prolonged Sleep Apnea
Upper eyelid surgery can help restore upper eyelid function by strengthening the muscles that prevent the eyelids from drooping and improperly blocking the underlying structure of the eye. Treatments for sleep apnea include a variety of techniques, including oral appliances and surgical treatment. However, if a patient does not sleep well after surgery, they may be required to have another procedure.
7. Improve Cosmetic Appearance
Some people seek cosmetic surgery because they want a more youthful or natural look. To provide the most realistic results, upper eyelid lifts can be combined with other procedures, such as facelifts, rhinoplasties, and liposuction.
Steps of an Upper Eyelid Lift procedure
1. Pre-operative Care
Before surgery, it is essential to follow your doctor’s instructions and make sure that you understand the procedure. If you have any concerns, discuss them with your doctor so you can find a solution together.
2. Make an Incision
An incision is made close to the eyelashes. It is designed to minimize scarring as much as possible. The incision may be made in various ways, depending on how much skin needs to be removed from each eyelid during the procedure.
3. Excision of Upper Eyelid Skin
The upper eyelid skin is excised with a scalpel or other surgical instrument. The skin should be lifted and then sutured down. The stitches are then removed after the tissue has healed.
4. Flap Creation
The skin is trimmed, folded, and sutured to create a framework for the upper eyelid prosthetic material. This framework serves as a “flap” to cover the area where the upper eyelids once were.
5. Placement of Prosthetics
After the prosthetic material is placed, it is sutured in place to provide a tight seal and ensure that the eyelid remains in its new position for long-lasting results.
6. Postoperative Care
Postoperative care is essential for achieving excellent results from upper eyelid surgery. Your doctor will instruct you on how to maintain optimal healing. Follow all instructions carefully, so you don’t hinder your recovery process.
Side Effects of the Upper Eyelid Lift Procedure
1. Pain
The most common side effect of upper eyelid surgery is pain. Many patients report experiencing mild pain during the procedure and some postoperative discomfort. The main goal of surgical pain is to keep it at a level that you can control with oral medication. Some patients will require the use of a nerve block to avoid experiencing significant pain during their procedure.
2. Swelling
Postoperative swelling is also joint after an upper eyelid lift, especially in extensive procedures. You will expect some swelling after the surgery, but this is often followed by a period of significant pain from the tissue surrounding the eyelids. Surgical swelling can last several weeks and can come with postoperative discomfort.
3. Bruising
Some bruising may develop during and after the surgery. To eliminate bruising, try to avoid all aspirin-related medications for two weeks before your surgery. You should also not strain the area of surgery, as this increases the likelihood of bruising.
Upper Eyelid Lift surgery is performed to lift the eyelids and improve their function. The procedure will enhance your eyes’ ability to stay open and reduce eye irritation caused by eyelid drift. This procedure is ideal for patients with drooping upper eyelids, especially with other techniques used to treat problems related to aging or natural skin changes.