Swelling of the eyelids is common in the morning, but as the patient ages, the fullness extends longer and longer each day. Progressive upper eye lid fullness over an extended period produces overhanging skin folds that result in partial visual obstruction. Other conditions leading to problem eyelids are repeated swelling due to allergic or related systemic problems, and a variety of genetic anatomical characteristics.

Eyelid surgery may be performed under local or general anesthesia. Surgical incisions are placed in inconspicuous positions so that they will hardly be visible after a few months.
The excess skin and any overstretched muscle fibers are removed from the upper lids along with the protruding fatty tissue. Similar correction is performed for the lower eyelids; in this area, however, specific attention is directed to the elimination of excess skin without undue tension on the lid margin. Repair of the incisions is performed with very fine suture material.

The shape of the eye itself is not altered except in unusual conditions. Eyelid surgery usually takes between 1 and 3 hours.

Both the eyes and eyelids will look healthier and more youthful. While there are many aesthetic benefits to eyelid surgery, there are many necessary and functional benefits as well. Peripheral vision can be improved, as well as overall vision which was impaired by excess skin.

Cost of the Procedure

Risks of the Procedure

Sutures are removed on the third or fourth day following surgery. You will usually remain in the hospital for one day and full recovery may take up to five days. Rigorous activity is not allowed after your surgery. Your vacation with physical activities should be planned before the surgery takes place.

Are travel and vacation activities compatible with surgery?

Botox is an outpatient procedure that requires very little recovery time so most vacation activities are compatible. After Botox, the patient is able to drive the same day. As soon as the injections are completed, the patient may resume regular activities. Strenuous physical activity should be avoided for the first 24 hours. Mild swelling may occur for the first 4-24 hours so the patient must refrain from bending or lying down for approximately four hours after injections, allowing the toxin time to attach to the muscle.

Preparing for the procedure

Eyelid surgery may be performed under local or general anesthesia. Surgical incisions are placed in inconspicuous positions so that they will hardly be visible after a few months. The excess skin and any overstretched muscle fibers are removed from the upper lids along with the protruding fatty tissue. Similar correction is performed for the lower eyelids; in this area, however, specific attention is directed to the elimination of excess skin without undue tension on the lid margin. Repair of the incisions is performed with very fine suture material. The shape of the eye itself is not altered except in unusual conditions. Eyelid surgery usually takes between 1 and 3 hours.

Planning for my recovery

The surgery is mostly done on an outpatient basis except for rare complex cases where a short stay in hospital is required after surgery. Some swelling and discoloration around the eyes is seen. Eyelids may feel tight and sore as the anesthesia wears off, which may relieved by pain medication prescribed the surgeon. The surgeon lubricates the eye with an ointment and may apply a bandage. An antibiotic ointment is applied to the line of stitches for several days after surgery. Antibiotics are prescribed to prevent infection. The patient is instructed to keep the head elevated for several days Ice-cold compresses are applied to the eyes continuously for the first day following surgery, and several times a day for the next week to reduce swelling. The stitches are removed a few days after surgery after which the swelling and bruising may reduce considerably.