MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Eyelid lift or repair

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Eyelid lift or repair

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition Description	Indications Risks Expectations after surgery Convalescence

Illustrations

Blepharoplasty - series

Alternative names Return to top

Blepharoplasty

Definition Return to top

Eyelid lift surgery, also called blepharoplasty, is done to repair sagging or drooping upper eyelids (ptosis).

Description Return to top

Sagging or drooping eyelids occur naturally with increasing age. However, some people are born with it or develop diseases (such as myasthenia gravis) that cause eyelid drooping. Most blepharoplasties are done to improve appearance, but some people have excessive eyelid drooping that actually interferes with vision. For these people blepharoplasty is required to improve eyesight.

Eyelid repair is usually optional (elective) cosmetic surgery. It is usually done while the patient is awake or sleepy (sedated) but under local anesthesia. The incisions are made in the natural creases or folds of the eyelids. Loose skin and extra fat tissue is removed. The eyelid muscles are tightened and the incision is stitched closed.

Eyelid repair surgery rarely requires hospitalization. The surgery is done in a surgeon's office or as outpatient surgery in a hospital or surgical center.

Indications Return to top

Eyelid surgery is used to correct drooping upper lids that make the patient look older or tired or that interferes with vision. Eyelid repair (blepharoplasty) is sometimes done alone or with other facial surgery such as a browlift or facelift. Eyelid surgery will not remove wrinkles around the eyes, lift sagging eyebrows, or eliminate dark circles under the eyes.

Medical conditions that make blepharoplasty more risky are:

thyroid problems such as hypothyroidism and Graves' disease
dry eye or lack of sufficient tears
high blood pressure or other circulatory disorders
heart disease or disorders of the blood vessels
diabetes
retinal detachment
glaucoma

Risks Return to top

The risks for any anesthesia are:

reactions to medications
problems breathing

The risks for any surgery are:

bleeding
infection

Additional risks of eyelid repair include:

double or blurred vision
temporary swelling of the eyelids
uneven healing or scarring
tiny whiteheads (milia) after removal of the stitches
difficulty closing the eyes while sleeping; rarely permanent
slowness in healing

Expectations after surgery Return to top

Scars may remain slightly pink for 6 months or more after surgery. They will fade eventually to a thin, nearly invisible white line. The more alert and youthful look usually lasts for years. These results are permanent for many people.

Convalescence Return to top

The patient can usually leave the hospital the day of surgery. The eyes and eyelids will be covered with ointment and a bandage. They may feel tight and sore as the anesthesia wears off, though the discomfort is easily controlled with pain medication. The head should be kept elevated as much as possible for several days and cold packs applied to reduce swelling and bruising. Eyedrops may be recommended to reduce burning or itching of the eyes.

Patients should be able to see well after 2 to 3 days. Contact lenses should NOT be worn for at least 2 weeks and may feel uncomfortable for longer. Keep activities to a minimum for 3 to 5 days, and avoid strenuous activities that raise the blood pressure, including lifting, bending, and rigorous sports for about 3 weeks.

The stitches will be removed 2 to 7 days after surgery. The amount of bruising depends on the amount of surgery done and the person's general health but usually reaches its peak during the first week and lasts from 2 to 4 weeks. The patient may notice increased tears, increased sensitivity to light and wind, and temporary vision changes (such as blurring or double vision) for the first few weeks.

Update Date: 7/21/2003

Updated by: Raymond S. Douglas, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Ophthalmology, UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.