Am I a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery helps an individual improve the appearance of the eyelids. But eyelid surgery is not recommended for everyone, and the ideal candidates for eyelid surgery include:

  • Individuals who have no prior medical conditions that otherwise may slow down the healing process following surgery
  • Individuals who have not experienced any serious eye conditions
  • Non-smokers

Not all eyelid surgeries are identical, either. In fact, eyelid surgery is commonly used to address several conditions. These include:

  • Loose or sagging skin that disrupts the natural contour of the upper eyelid, creates folds or impairs an individual’s vision
  • Under-eye bags
  • Fatty deposits that make the eyelids appear puffy
  • Drooping of the lower eyelids that reveals white below the iris
  • Excess skin and fine wrinkles that form on the lower eyelid

In addition to treating the aforementioned conditions, eyelid surgery often helps patients overcome bulging or protruding eyes. This problem frequently occurs due to Graves’ disease, a condition that causes the thyroid gland to become overactive. Bulging eyes may make it tough for an individual to close the eyes correctly. Or, in certain instances, people who deal with bulging eyes blink less frequently than others, experience double vision or have trouble focusing on objects. And if the bulging is prolonged, the optic nerve may be stretched, which further inhibits an individual’s vision.

If an individual experiences bulging eyes or any other eyelid condition, there is no need to wait to address this problem. By scheduling a consultation with an oculoplastic surgeon, an individual can learn about various eyelid surgery options. Then, he or she can evaluate these options and select a surgical procedure designed to deliver the optimal results.

What Eyelid Procedures Are Available?

There are many eyelid surgery options available to help individuals enhance the appearance of the eyelids. Some of the most common eyelid procedures include:

  • Lower Blepharoplasty: Involves repositioning or removing excess sagging skin or fat via a small, hidden incision in the inner part of the eyelid.
  • Upper Blepharoplasty: Requires the removal of excess sagging skin or fat via a small, hidden incision in the eyelid crease.
  • Eyelid Malposition: Helps correct an inward- or outward-turning eyelid; depending on the severity of a patient’s condition, an oculoplastic surgeon may use both invasive and non-invasive techniques during an eyelid malposition procedure.
  • Eyelid Retraction: Addresses an eyelid that is either too high or too low due to Graves’ disease, botched surgery or eyelid trauma. In some instances, patients receive eyelid retraction after a lower blepharoplasty due to the formation of scar tissue.

Eyelid procedures are also available to treat eyelid tumors. For instance, basal cell carcinoma is a form of skin cancer that causes 90 percent of eyelid tumors. Basal cell carcinoma tumors on the eyelids are treatable, and these tumors can be removed by an oculoplastic surgeon. A patient may require reconstructive surgery after basal cell carcinoma tumor removal as well.

Meanwhile, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma lesions sometimes form on the eyelids. They are less common than basal cell carcinoma tumors and require surgery for safe, effective removal.

The eyelids are sensitive, and as such, eyelid surgery is a complex procedure. At La Peer Health Systems in Los Angeles, our team of expert oculoplastic surgeons helps individuals determine whether eyelid surgery is a viable treatment option. If patients qualify for eyelid surgery, our surgeons will teach them about the different types of eyelid procedures, how they work and their benefits.

What Should You Expect During an Eyelid Surgery Consultation?

The goal of an eyelid surgery consultation is to help an individual identify the right procedure to help him or her achieve the best-possible treatment results. As part of a patient consultation, an oculoplastic surgeon learns about a patient’s surgical goals, medical history and current prescription medications. He or she also performs a patient evaluation, examines a patient’s eyelids and recommends treatment options.

An eyelid surgery consultation is a learning experience for both a patient and an oculoplastic surgeon. At this time, a patient and surgeon can learn from one another and work together to determine the best course of action.

What Should You Expect Before, During and After an Eyelid Surgery Procedure?

Eyelid surgery is proven to be simple and effective. It involves the following steps:

  1. Use of anesthesia. An oculoplastic surgeon administers anesthesia to help a patient reduce pain during eyelid surgery. Generally, a patient receives intravenous sedation or general anesthesia, and an oculoplastic surgeon recommends the best choice prior to treatment.
  2. Incision to the eyelid. An oculoplastic surgeon makes an incision to the treatment area. He or she uses incisions designed to conceal scarring within the natural structures of the eyelid. For an upper eyelid procedure, a surgeon makes an incision within the natural crease of the eyelid. Comparatively, for a lower eyelid procedure, a surgeon makes an incision below the lower lash line.
  3. Closing of the incision. An oculoplastic surgeon uses sutures or skin glue to close any incisions. If sutures are used, they are usually removed within one week of surgery.

A surgeon may apply lubricating ointment and cold compresses throughout eyelid surgery and cover a patient’s eyes with gauze after treatment. He or she also provides a patient with specific after-care instructions to reduce the risk of infection.

Following eyelid surgery, patients may experience bruising, irritation, swelling, dry eyes and discomfort. Fortunately, these symptoms typically disappear on their own within a few days of treatment.

Most patients notice the results of eyelid surgery within 10 to 14 days of treatment. A surgeon requests follow-up appointments to ensure a patient’s recovery remains on track.

Like any surgery, there are risks involved with eyelid procedures. An oculoplastic surgeon teaches patients about potential complications before surgery. If a patient ever has concerns or questions about eyelid surgery, a surgeon is ready to address them at any time.

Why Should You Choose La Peer Health Systems for Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery may be performed for cosmetic or reconstructive reasons. Yet regardless of the reason for eyelid surgery, it is paramount to choose a procedure that is right for you.

La Peer Health Systems employs some of the top oculoplastic surgeons in Los Angeles, and our team wants to help patients achieve their eyelid surgery goals. Our oculoplastic surgeons dedicate time and resources to teach patients about eyelid surgery so they can make informed treatment decisions. They also help patients at each stage of treatment to ensure they can accomplish their treatment goals. To find out more about eyelid surgery, please contact us today or call 855.360.9119 to schedule a consultation with our team of oculoplastic surgeons.