Procedure

Before your eye surgery procedure, you will meet with the surgeon for a medical evaluation at which time you can discuss what you want, and get a feedback from the surgeon. The surgery will be performed on an outpatient basis, on average will take 2 hours and is done under local anesthesia and sedation.

To minimize scarring, incisions are made in the natural lines of the eyes, in the creases of the upper lids and directly below the lashes of the lower lids. If only excess fat from the lower lids needs to be removed, the surgeon may make the incisions inside the lower lids, leaving no visible scars. After the incisions have been made, the skin is separated from the fat and the muscles. The excess fat, muscle and skin are trimmed away to remodel the eyelids to achieve the desired results.

The incisions are closed with very fine sutures that usually can be removed within 2 to 7 days. After surgery the surgeon may apply an ointment and small bandages to the eyes. You may also be prescribed an antibiotic to prevent infection. To help minimize swelling and bruising, patients are instructed to elevate the head and use cold compresses for several days.

Risks

All surgery carries some level of risk, however with eye lift surgery the risks are usually minor and infrequent.

Some of the complications may include double or blurred vision for a few days, post-operative bleeding, hematoma, infection, watery eyes, dryness and irritation to the eyes, difficult in opening or closing the eyelids, and reaction to anesthesia. Risks can be minimized by following the surgeon's advice before and after surgery.

This information should be used only as a guide to your medical procedure. All specifics will be discussed with the surgeon at your consultation. For more information about our package for eye lift surgery at Saint Luke's, contact us by using the “Ask a Question” form on this page.