Eyelid surgery is performed on the upper eyelid to remove excess folds of skin, and on the lower eyelid to remove pockets of fat, which can accumulate under the eyes. These procedures are called upper and lower blepharoplasty.
The eyelids are important emotional indicators – we look older when our eyelids are loose and droopy, and if we have bags under our eyes we look tired and weary. No wonder eyelid surgery is very popular with both men and women looking for a more youthful appearance.
Droopy eyelids can be one of the first signs of aging, due to loss of skin elasticity and stretching, which is irreversible. Our facial skin changes as we age – our eyebrows shift downward, causing extra folds in the skin of the eyelid and bagginess under the eyes. As the condition worsens, the folds of skin may even impair eyesight.
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is a procedure that rarely needs to be repeated, so as soon as droopy eyelids are evident, have a talk with your doctor about the pro and cons of eyelid surgery. It can take from one to two hours and, depending on the doctor, is done as day surgery or may include an overnight stay in hospital.