Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery is a common procedure for both men and women who want to reduce the bags and wrinkles from around their eyes and create a more youthful and alert appearance. All eyelid surgery candidates must be in good health and have no pre-existing medical conditions that could create complications.

Many factors influence the way areas of the face age. The most common factors are the loss of elasticity, the loss of collagen, genetics and gravity. When skin loses its elasticity it can begin to visibly sag. Loss of collagen under the skin can reduce volume and support, which creates visible wrinkles. Family genes also can be predisposed to showing early signs of aging. And unfortunately, gravity is constantly pulling down our skin, which over time leads to sagging.

Eyelid surgery can involve the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both eyelids depending upon the goals of the surgery and recommendations of your surgeon:

Upper eyelid lift involves the placement of incisions in the natural crease of the upper lid, making them well hidden when the eyes are open. The excess skin and protruding fat are removed and the incision is closed. An entire upper eyelid surgery can be completed in approximately 45 minutes to one hour. Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center surgeons may combine upper eyelid surgery with an eyebrow lift to achieve optimal rejuvenation results if the eyebrows are too low.

Lower eyelid surgeryan correct conditions with an incision just below the lower lash line. Excess skin in the lower eyelid is removed through this incision. Your cosmetic surgeon may also use an incision hidden inside the lower eyelid, or a transconjunctival incision, as an alternative technique to correct lower eyelid conditions and redistribute or remove excess fat.

If the transconjunctival approach is used, there is no visible incision. If the lower eyelids are lax, as they are in many middle-aged individuals, your surgeon may recommend tightening the lower lids in addition to removing skin and/or fat (canthopexy or canthoplasty).

Eyelid surgery usually takes about two hours to complete if both upper and lower eyelids are completed at the same time. Typically, a local anesthesia is combined with conscious sedation (also known as “twilight sleep”).s

When choosing a plastic surgeon to perform eyelid surgery, there are three important qualifications to consider: training, experience and personal attention. Dr. Hajjar is Board Certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Above all, your doctor should be someone you trust to deliver exceptional results and perform a safe and effective procedure.

Dr. Hajjar is a board certified plastic surgeon with extensive training and vast experience in facial plastic surgery and eyelid procedures. Our doctor spends the necessary time with every patient to answer any questions and address any concerns. We make it a priority to ensure our patients are well-informed and completely comfortable with their decisions. We know that your time is valuable, which is why we maintain an efficient procedure calendar and use the latest techniques and technology to minimize your recovery time and maximize your results.

Insurance companies commonly do not cover an elective or cosmetic surgery like eyelid surgery unless it is performed to correct a medical or health condition. How Much Does Blepharoplasty Cost?  If the eyelid surgery is considered reconstructive, your insurance provider may cover all or some of the cost. If you plan to use insurance as payment, we strongly suggest consulting with your provider to discuss if the procedure is covered in part or in full by your current plan.

At Detroit Plastic Surgery, we use the most advanced, minimally invasive techniques to reduce the possibility of scarring or other visible signs that a procedure was performed. While results vary based on the individual, we focus on creating the most natural results possible. During your consultation, your doctor will thoroughly explain what results to expect.

The longevity of results varies and is dependent on the amount of excess fat, the laxity of the skin and skin type. Typically, you can expect eyelid surgery results to last five to seven years. Results can, however, last a lifetime.

As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of complication related to infection. Some people may wake up from surgery feeling groggy and experience an upset stomach, side effects of the anesthesia that are very temporary. We are happy to explain in detail any of the risks involved prior to your surgery. We carefully review your complete medical history and all medications you are on to prevent any complications.

Other risks associated with eyelid surgery may include:

• Unfavorable scarring
• Temporarily blurred or impaired vision
• Dry eyes
• Difficulty closing eyes
• Lid lag, a pulling down of the lower eyelid, often temporary
• Facial asymmetry
• Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
• Poor wound healing
• Fluid accumulation
• Skin contour irregularities
• Skin discoloration and swelling

Yes, your Detroit Plastic Surgery doctor can recommend additional services that may enhance your desired results, which can include a brow lift, facelift or facial implants. Detroit Plastic Surgery also offers the option of combining your eyelid surgery with a laser skin resurfacing treatment. Lasers promote collagen growth under the skin, which naturally helps to fill in wrinkles and restore volume around the eyes.