Eyelid repair
Alternative names:
blepharoplasty; eyelid lift
Definition:
Surgery to repair sagging or drooping upper eyelids (ptosis).
Description:
Sagging or drooping eyelids occur naturally with increasing age, though some people are born with it or develop diseases (such as myasthenia gravis) that cause eyelid drooping. Most people choose to have their drooping eyelids repaired to improve their appearance, but some people have excessive eyelid drooping that actually prevents the eye from opening completely, interfering with their vision.
Eyelid repair is optional (elective) cosmetic surgery. It is usually done while the patient is awake or sleepy (sedated) but pain-free (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 (sutured) 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:
Eyelid surgery is used to correct "puffy bags" below the eyes and drooping upper lids that make the patient look older and 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:
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