Eyelid Surgery
The eyes are our most expressive feature, and can also be one of our most attractive. A loss of skin elasticity and thinning facial tissue due to age can obstruct the beauty in and around our eyes, leading to sagging eyelids, under-eye bags and a constantly tired expression. Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, can remove droopy eyelid skin and fatty deposits around the eyes.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jennifer Harrington prides herself on her attention to detail when performing delicate facial surgeries like blepharoplasty. During your consultation, we will work with you to determine the best facial rejuvenation plan for your unique needs.
Contact us online or call our Plymouth office today at 651-290-7600 for more information about eyelid lifts, including pricing. Harrington + Associates Plastic Surgery has helped women and men from Minneapolis-St. Paul, Wayzata, Minnetonka and beyond with upper and lower eyelid surgery.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
Men and women combating early to advanced signs of aging around the eyes may be good candidates for eyelid surgery. Some of the most common reasons to consider an eyelid lift include:
- Loose skin or bags around the eyes
- Puffy upper or lower eyelids
- Excess eyelid skin that detracts from the appearance of your eyes
- Droopy eyelashes
- A permanently tired or aged look
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Blepharoplasty Incisions
Eyelid lift incisions are typically very small and hidden within natural eye creases or the lash lines. For an upper eyelid lift, Dr. Harrington makes tiny incisions inside the natural crease of the upper eyelid. Through these incisions, she tightens the upper eyelid skin, removing any extra. For a lower eyelid lift, Dr. Harrington makes incisions inside the lower eyelash line to allow for optimal healing. She uses these incisions to remove and tighten loose skin, as well as reallocate fatty tissue just below the eyes to minimize under-eye bags.
Your Eyelid Lift Procedure
Eyelid surgery is a same-day procedure that is performed under general anesthesia. Patients that have sensitivities to narcotic medications, may benefit from our
opioid-free or reduced surgery and recovery customized approach. The surgery itself usually takes from 1 to 2 hours and takes place at our
accredited surgery center.
You should arrive at the surgical facility 1 hour before your procedure begins. If you are put under general anesthesia, you will need to stay in a recovery room for 1 hour after your surgery is over, and a friend or family member will need to drive you home. An adult should plan to stay with you for 24 hours after your eyelid lift.
Depending on your appearance goals, Dr. Harrington may suggest combining your eyelid surgery with additional procedures. Because eyelid surgery does not improve the appearance of crow’s feet, Dr. Harrington may recommend BOTOX® injections.
Eyelid Surgery Recovery
Most people who have eyelid surgery take 5 to 7 days off of work and other normal activities. Post-surgical swelling and bruising is to be expected, but should steadily decrease after the first few days.* Dr. Harrington may ask you to use ice compresses or a topical treatment during the initial stage of your recovery to aid the healing process.* You should also protect the skin around your eyes from direct sun exposure for at least 6 months following your surgery.
Although individual experiences vary, final results typically take up to 3 months to fully develop.
It’s important to discuss potential complications and risks of blepharoplasty with Dr. Harrington prior to your procedure. If you notice a sudden increase in swelling or sharp pain, notify our office immediately.
Eyelid Surgery FAQ
How do I choose the best eyelid surgery plastic surgeon near me?
When choosing an eyelid plastic surgeon in your area, ensure that each candidate is certified with the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has ample experience performing facial plastic surgeries such as blepharoplasty. Reading online reviews, viewing before and after eyelid surgery photos and asking friends and family for referrals are great next steps to narrow your search. Finally, schedule a consultation with your top one or two picks.
What is the best age for eyelid surgery?
While there is no single “best” age to get eyelid surgery, the majority of people who opt for this procedure are over 40. Many people choose to wait until their 40s, 50s and 60s to get eyelid surgery since nonsurgical treatment options like injectables can often be very effective for mild eyelid sagging and eye-area wrinkles.
Is eyelid surgery painful?
Pain and discomfort after eyelid surgery are typically mild and easily managed with cold compresses and over-the-counter or prescription pain medication. Swelling, bruising and temporarily blurred vision are common side effects after blepharoplasty, though these effects generally dissipate fairly quickly over the next several days.
How long does it take to recover from eyelid surgery?
Most swelling, bruising and discomfort associated with eyelid surgery should dissipate within a week after your procedure. For this reason, most people plan to take 5 to 7 days off of work and social activities. While you may notice gradual improvements over the next days and weeks, it can take around three months for final eyelid surgery results to be visible.
How long do results from eyelid surgery last?
On average, upper eyelid surgery results can last up to seven years, while results of lower eyelid surgery are very long-lasting and may never need to be revised. You can help to prolong your eyelid surgery results by wearing daily SPF and avoiding prolonged sun exposure, managing stress, eating a healthy diet and following a consistent anti-aging skincare regimen that has been customized for your skin’s unique needs.
Next Steps
An upper or lower eyelid lift can treat excess skin around the eyes that contributes to a prematurely aged appearance. If you have questions or would like more information, please
contact us online or call our Plymouth office at 651-290-7600 to request your eyelid surgery consultation and learn more about how to enhance your natural appearance.
