Eyelid Surgery Overview
Blepharoplasty is the surgical removal of fat, excess skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. Eyelids surgery can improve the appearance of the eye area by eliminating heavy, hooded lids and baggy under eyes to create a rested, youthful appearance. Eyelid surgery can be performed on the upper eyelids (upper blepharoplasty) or lower eyelids (lower blepharoplasty), or both the upper and lower eyelids, depending on each patient’s individuals goals.
Reasons for Eyelid Surgery
What does eyelid surgery do? Patients interested in pursuing eyelid blepharoplasty often seek to:
- Eliminate fat pockets in upper and lower lids
- Remove excess skin in the upper and lower lids
- Remove excess skin and wrinkles from the lower eyelid
- Restore a youthful appearance to the eyelids
- Reduce the extent and depth of crow’s feet
- Improve confidence
Eligibility and Candidacy
You may be an ideal candidate for upper and lower blepharoplasty procedures if you have one or more of the following conditions:
- Fat pockets in upper and/or lower eyelids
- Excess skin in the upper and/or lower eyelids
- Excess wrinkles in the lower eyelid
- Tired or sad appearing eyes
- Long lower lid length
Upper vs. Lower Eyelid Surgery
There are different techniques that may be employed during your eyelid lift surgery. Upper or lower blepharoplasty, or both, will be recommended depending on which areas require correction. The surgical technique used for the lower blepharoplasty will be determined by the extent and degree of skin laxity of the lower lid. The two lower lid blepharoplasty techniques employed by Dr. Barr are the transconjunctival lower lid blepharoplasty and the subciliary lower lid blepharoplasty. The upper blepharoplasty is performed through an incision hidden within the upper lid crease. Each patient has unique facial characteristics and Dr. Barr customizes upper and lower lid surgery to each patient’s aesthetic needs to create an optimal outcome.
Eyelid Surgery Procedure
Transconjunctival Lower Lid Blepharoplasty
This procedure is usually performed on younger patients with excessive eyelid fat but minimal skin laxity. A small incision is made within the pink (conjunctival) tissue, inside the lower lid. Through this incision, excessive fat can be easily removed or repositioned. It is often repositioned into the depression by the nose (often referred to as the tear trough) or into the cheek to smooth the transition from the lower lid to the cheek resulting is a very youthful mid face appearance.
Subciliary Lower Lid Blepharoplasty
Patients who have excessive lower eyelid skin in addition to excess muscle and fat are the best candidates for the subciliary surgical method. During this procedure the incision is made in the natural crease, just below the eyelashes. Through this approach, excess muscle, fat and skin is removed or repositioned. The lower lid is then secured to the tissues overlying the lateral orbital bone resulting in a smooth, youthful lower lid appearance.
Upper Blepharoplasty
During this procedure, a small incision is hidden in the natural upper eyelid crease. Excessive skin, muscle and fat are removed or repositioned using this technique. Fat can also be repositioned to create an aesthetic fullness in the upper lid. Upper blepharoplasty is a frequently pursued, and some refer to is as eye surgery for droopy eyelids.
Risks and Complications
Plastic surgery on eyes is very safe and there are very few risks related to these procedures. It is commonly performed under light sedation and local anaesthesia. Although the majority of blepharoplasty patients do not experience any complications, these will be discussed in consultation with Dr.Barr to ensure each patients awareness and comfort prior to choosing to pursue eyelid blepharoplasty.
Eyelid Surgery at Barr Plastic Surgery
As a plastic surgery eyelid specialist, Dr. Barr has performed upper and lower eyelid surgery on thousands of patients from Ontario and across Canada for over 29 years. When considering any plastic surgery procedure, it is important to consult a qualified surgeon.
- Confirm that your prospective surgeon is a member of the Canadian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons and a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. This ensures that your surgeon has extensive experience and proper training required to perform cosmetic / aesthetic surgery.
- Confirm with your provincial college of physicians and surgeons that your prospective surgeon is licensed and whether disciplinary action has been taken against him/her.
- Confirm credentials and training. While many cosmetic surgeons advertise they are “board-certified ” requirements vary greatly depending on which professional board is cited. In Canada, only the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons certifies physicians and surgeons in medical specialties.
- Peruse your prospective surgeon’s website and review their Before/After gallery to see their work.
- Just as important as verifying credentials and reviewing their work, you must meet and feel comfortable with the surgeon you have selected. Be thorough when discussing your expectations with your prospective surgeon. Proper communication before surgery is key to achieving the best possible surgical outcome.
