Eye Lift

Blepahroplasty, commonly referred to as an eye lift, is a surgical procedure that involves molding the upper and/or lower eyelids to a specified shape.

Procedure for Blepharoplasty

Upper and/or Lower Eye lift surgery is usually completed within one to three hours. Local or general anesthesia is administered on the patient/client and the operation is conducted by a cosmetic or plastic surgeon in an outpatient clinic. The surgeon conducting the eye lifting procedure will make incisions along the eyelids marked before the surgery is carried out. Ensuing scars will be covered by natural folds of the skin. Eye lift plastic surgery is aimed at reshaping the lower and upper eyelid by suctioning out or reshaping excess tissues of fat in the tendons and muscles.

Eye Lift Surgery Costs

The average national costs of eye lift surgery is from $ 1,200 to $ 4,500, with variations on physician and location. This is the total cost of the whole procedure including professional fees of surgeon and anaesthesiologist and hospital costs.

Post-Operation Recovery

There would be some swelling and bruising around the area after the operation. An ice compress applied to the affected area and elevating the head when sleeping will ease these symptoms. Application of facial make up will be allowed two weeks following the operation. Forward bending and driving are not allowed within that period, along with wearing contact lenses. In a month’s time, the patient will be allowed to resume physical activities. A longer time, 6-8 weeks, is prescribed for wearing sunglasses and hats and keeping out of direct sunlight.

Risks and Complications

Probable complications to blepharoplasty will include: dry eyes, because the procedure disturbs the normal tear film; loosening of the eyes’ lower edges, possibly causing a realignment of the lower lid; and protrusion of the eyes with reference to the cheek area, thereby causing the lower lid to be disarranged. Consequential risks could be excessive bleeding, slow healing and drawn or lopsided look to the face.

Asian Blepharoplasty

Asian blepharoplasty, very popular among Southeast Asians, is the term given to upper eye lift surgery administered on East Asian natives. Typically with creaseless upper eyes, this procedure forms an artificial crease or fold above the eye. Photo images of double eyelid surgery can be viewed at this website: http://www.asianeyelid.com/faq.html.

Non-Surgical Alternatives

Not all eye lift procedures are surgical. Dermal fillers, botox, chemical peels and laser treatments are now being resorted to as a countermeasure against signs of aging. These procedures are faster, cheaper and safer than eye lift plastic surgery.

Kalona Karrington is a writer and researcher for Cosmetic Surgery Today.