One of the least troublesome cosmetic plastic surgery procedures also provides a lot of bang for the buck: eyelid surgery.
With normal aging, excess skin, fat just under the skin and lax musclescan create bulging below the eyes. Most people just know them as “Eye bags.” But whatever the laxness is called, it can make you look tired, sickly and older than you would like. When upper eyelids sag, they can fall down over your eyeballs, blocking vision.
Q: Does eyelid surgery leave a scar?
A: The scar for upper eyelid surgery is hidden in the folds of the eye. The scar for lower eyelid surgery is concealed just below the eyelashes unless the surgeon uses what cosmetic facial surgeons know as a transconjunctival approach for cases in which just a little fat is to be removed. That means the incision is forever hidden in the pink of the lower eyelid. The best cosmetic plastic surgeons do put their scapels too near the patient’s Crow’s feet, if any, or the scar will be more easily seen.
Q: How long do the scars last?
A: Given a properly trained, experienced cosmetic plastic surgeon using the finest sutures, the scars left after upper or lower eyelid surgery are the most forgiving in plastic surgery and quickly fade from sight. Plastic surgeons also use special suturing techniques that do not leave crosshatch marks on the skin. Most eyelid surgery scars can’t be seen at all after six weeks.
Q: Any exceptions to the rule?
A: Asian patients may not have the eyelid fold; in fact an Asian upper eyelid surgery is properly known as “Double eyelid surgery.” Many Asians have a single fold eyelid that can lead to a sleepy, uninterested look. ____________________________________________________________________________
The patient below had had upper and lower eyelid skin surgically removed; her under eye bags were removed via an invisible internal incision. (Robert Kotler, M.D. photo)
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Q: How do surgeons decide how much sagging skin to remove?
A: Top facial plastic surgeons mark the eyelids with surgical ink while the patient is sitting upright. The marking is critical; the worst outcome possible is if the patient can’t completely close the eyes because too much eyelid skin has been removed.
Q: When do the stitches come out and when can I go back to work?
A: Stitches are removed four to six days after surgery; swelling and bruising usually subside in about five to seven days. Most people can read, write or do very light activities in about 48 hours after surgery.
Q: Any risks?
A: Dry eye exposure is a possible complication. If you’ve had Lasik surgery, Keratotomy or an increased risk of dry eye, an eye surgeon must clear you for eyelid surgery. Contact lens wearers should not wear those lens some weeks before surgery; after surgery, they should wait several weeks before again wearing contacts.
