Because we communicate so much through our eyes, eyelid surgery is one of the most powerful ways you can improve your facial appearance. There are many specialized types of eyelid surgery and just as many reasons to seek surgery, including both medical and cosmetic reasons. Eyelid surgery has the potential to rejuvenate your looks, help you appear more alert and bright, increase eyelid functionality, and address the physical signs that come with aging.

Cosmetic eyelid surgery is also commonly termed “eye lift,” “lidlift,” or blepharoplasty. A blepharoplasty involves the removal of excess skin and fatty tissue around the eyes, while allowing the surgeon to correct loose skin, drooping lids, fat deposits, asymmetry, and a range of other issues that vary between individuals. There are many specific types of eyelid surgery, and the nature of the surgery will all depend on the presentation of your concerns. For example, fine wrinkles and lines beneath the eyes can be improved by a lower blepharoplasty, while upper eyelid “puffiness” that makes the eyes look tired or “old” can be improved by an upper blepharoplasty. Sagging eyelashes can be addressed by precise correction of the skin tension; an upper eyelid crease can be created to enhance they eyelid’s natural contour; while ptosis that interferes with peripheral vision or causes an asymmetrical appearance can transform your appearance. These are just a few of the aesthetic concerns that can be addressed by specialized types of eyelid surgery.

The key to a successful surgery will be in a carefully planned procedure that is uniquely designed for your own facial features, under the care of the very best oculoplastic surgeon possible.

Choosing a Surgeon

With eyelid surgery, precision and attention to detail are key, because even very subtle aspects of the eyelid contour are perceived, including small asymmetries and irregularities. With our brain’s amazing facial recognition abilities and the expressiveness conveyed through the eyes in every face-to-face interactions, it is no wonder why fine refinements can have a big impact in how we look. Simply put, the eyes are centrally important not only to our vision, but also to our appearance and interpersonal relationships.

Each eyelid surgery must be very specific for a unique set of eyes. Successful treatment that naturally compliments your features (rather than the overly “surgical” look sometimes circulated in tabloids) can be attained by finding an oculoplastic surgeon who specializes in eyelid surgery, rather than a generalist. He or she should have extensive training and demonstrated success, evidenced by unretouched before-and-after photos. He or she should also be regarded in high respect by both other leaders in the field and those receiving cosmetic treatment in their care, and he or she must have an extremely high level of skill and experience.

A consultation with an eyelid surgeon is your opportunity to ask questions, learn more about the right approach for addressing the issues specific to your eyes, receive recommendations regarding how to achieve the look you desire, and understand what to expect before, during, and after surgery. At this time you can also get a feel for your confidence in this surgeon, who should be caring, attentive, honest, and easy to talk to. Your doctor’s recommendations should make sense to you, and he or she should seem like the right “fit” for your needs. When choosing a surgeon, be sure to look into each doctor’s credentials, education, experience, and leadership positions. With our eyes being so fundamental to our appearance, identity, and interactions, an eyelid surgery planned by the right oculoplastic surgeon is an important and positive investment that can greatly improve your facial aesthetic.