People of all ages have eyelid surgery. Younger patients have the surgery because of an inherited condition in which fat cushions of the eye push forward, causing a bulging appearance. Older patients generally have eyelid surgery to reduce these bulges as well as sagging eyelid skin. Droopy eyelids can make a person look older and, in some cases, impair vision. Eyelid surgery can improve these problems, resulting in a refreshed appearance, with a more youthful eye area.

During a personalized consultation, you will be asked questions about your vision, tear production, use of contact lenses, and, last but not least, your expectations. This results of this examination, plus age, skin type, ethnic background, and degree of visual obstruction is useful to determine the best course of treatment. Eyelid surgery does not normally reduce wrinkling around the eye area, nor does it lift a drooping brow; therefore, many patients decide to combine eyelid surgery with a forehead and/or brow lift and skin resurfacing to achieve the best overall result.

Eyelid surgery is usually performed at our facility with local anesthesia or under oral sedation. The procedure normally takes one hour. Upper and lower eyelid surgery may be performed at the same time; however, either can be done independently.

Upper eyelid surgery is performed by making an incision in the natural skin crease of the eyelid. Excess skin and fat are removed through the incision, which is closed with fine sutures thereby minimizing the visibility of any scar. In lower eyelid surgery, the incision is made in an inconspicuous site inside the lower eyelid or occasionally along the margin of the lower lash line. Once excess tissue, and fat has been removed, the eyelid is carefully repositioned back to its natural position. Typically no visible scar result from this procedure.

Most patients experience little or no discomfort following eyelid surgery and find that taking a mild analgesic relieves any discomfort. We provide thorough instructions on cleaning the incisions and the application of antibiotic eye ointment, when indicated.

Some swelling and bruising may develop after the procedure. Cold compresses, as well as head elevation when lying down, enhances healing and relieves discomfort. As time passes, the incisions for both the upper and lower eyelids blend in with the surrounding skin and are easily camouflaged.

If there are sutures used to close the incisions in the upper and lower eyelids they are removed approximately five days after surgery. The sun may darken maturing scars; therefore, sunscreen, sunglasses, or a hat is recommended to protect incisions in the upper and lower eyelids as they heal.

Most patients can return to near normal activity within a few days of the surgery. However, as the incisions heal, it is important to restrict activities that may put pressure on the eyes. You should avoid lifting, bending, and straining for up to two weeks. Aerobic or heavy exercise should be avoided for at least three weeks following surgery.

Most patients can anticipate a marked improvement in the appearance of the eyes. This improved appearance is occasionally accompanied by a feeling of tightness in the eyelids that may last a few weeks or months. Bags and bulges are significantly reduced, if not completely eliminated. Some patients may actually experience slight improvement in their eyesight or peripheral vision as a result of the removal of excess skin.

We invite you to call our office to determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure or any other services that we may be able to provide.

At your Initial Consultation you will be introduced to Dr. Yannis and he will explain the different options for you in detail. He will also take a complete medical history in order to evaluate your general health. Cosmetic surgery is an elective surgery and your surgeon wants to ensure that you are in the best health to undergo anesthesia and the recovery process of such surgery. Dr. Yannis requires a complete history and physical performed by your family physician that includes some lab tests to ensure that you are medically cleared to undergo anesthesia and the surgery.

Visit our plastic / cosmetic surgery office located in Arroyo Grande, California (CA), conveniently near the San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach and Santa Maria, CA area.