Your eyes are one of your most expressive features, and you may miss their youthful brightness as time passes and age takes its toll. If your eyelids have started to droop or under-eye bags make you look older than you are, it may be time for an eyelid lift.
What is an Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty)?
An eyelid lift is a cosmetic surgery that rejuvenates the appearance of the eyes by correcting drooping, sagging, or puffy eyelids. Also called blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery, the procedure involves removing excess skin and fat around the eyes, which can cause a tired or aged appearance.
Dr. Stein performs blepharoplasty for the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. He also often combines an eyelid lift with laser resurfacing to tighten the skin or other facial procedures, such as a facelift or brow lift, for comprehensive results.
Upper Eyelid Lift vs. Lower Eyelid Lift
Some patients are more concerned about signs of aging in their upper or lower eyelids, while others want to rejuvenate the entire eye area. Whatever your specific goals, Dr. Stein will tailor the procedure to your needs.
Upper blepharoplasty uses an incision within the natural crease of the eyelid. An upper eyelid lift can address aging concerns like:
- Droopy, downturned, or hooded eyelids
- Wrinkles in the upper eyelid
- Skin laxity and sagging
- Puffiness above the eyes
- Obstructed vision because of drooping eyelids
Alternatively, lower blepharoplasty addresses the area underneath the eye. Using an incision within the lower lash line, a lower eyelid lift can treat:
- Wrinkles below the eyes
- Under-eye bags
- Puffiness under the eyes
- Dark circles
Results and Recovery After an Eyelid Lift
Your exact recovery and results will depend on your unique procedure and whether you had upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or both. Dr. Stein’s experience and advanced techniques ensure optimal results with the least downtime. Most patients return to work just a few days after eyelid surgery. You’ll have some bruising and swelling after the procedure, but discomfort should be minimal.
The results of your eyelid lift will become apparent as the swelling fades, so you’ll start seeing improvements within a couple of weeks. The final results are visible after a few months. An eyelid lift lasts several years, though lower blepharoplasty may last longer than upper blepharoplasty.
Am I a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
If puffiness and sagging skin have stolen the youthfulness of your eyes, you may benefit from an eyelid lift. An upper eyelid lift may also improve your field of vision. Dr. Stein will evaluate your eyes and discuss your goals to help you determine if you need an upper, lower, or combined blepharoplasty. Ideal candidates should be healthy non-smokers with realistic expectations.
Take the Next Step
Are you interested in an eyelid lift? If you would like to schedule an in-person consultation, please fill out the form on this page or call (919) 261-7099, and one of our knowledgeable medical staff members at Stein Plastic Surgery will reach out to you promptly.
Stein Plastic Surgery is located in the Raleigh, Durham, and Southeast NC areas serving patients.