The Eyelid Lift (Upper And Lower)
The eyes are one of the most important features of the face. Often referred to as “the windows to the soul”, they help us to express ourselves. The eyes are also the first place on the face that begin to show signs of aging. If the eyelids sag or droop, it can cause the eyes to look tired and the individual may also appear older. Blepharoplasty, or eyelid lift surgery, can remove bags under the eyes and excess or sagging skin or tissue on the upper or lower eyelids to give them a more youthful, energetic appearance.
Female patients tend to get eyelid lifts as early as their twenties, because when they apply eyeshadow, they notice laxity of skin and excess fat in their eyes sooner than male patients. In men, the procedure is popular in their late 30s and 40s. After an upper and/or lower blepharoplasty, patients go from looking tired to looking like they just came back from vacation.
Dr. Maia is an award-winning, board certified plastic surgeon in the Washington D.C. area who specializes in eye rejuvenation. Her approach to the eyelid lift incorporates meticulous measuring and advanced surgical techniques to ensure symmetry in the eyes, and an inconspicuous scar hidden in the natural crease of the eyelid and/or the lower eyelid.
Dr. Maia is a fantastic doctor-I.A.“I did my blepharoplasty with her and I’m very happy with the results! She made me feel comfortable the whole time and also her staff were amazing and very helpful.”
Read Full Review HereLife is too short now to feel comfortable in your skin!-U.S“I am 48 years old and was so over my eyeliner & mascara always leaving marks on my eye orbits! Also, that I always looked exhausted. It was definitely time for a refresh! Dr. Maia did an amazing job!! I look more rested & like I did in as my younger self. My recovery was great!…”
Who Is a Good Candidate?
The Upper Eyelid Lift
The upper eyelid skin is delicate and prone to stretching and drooping. When the upper eyelid is sagging, it can create a droopy, hooded eye that looks tired and inattentive. With an upper blepharoplasty (eyelid lift), the excess skin and fat is removed, and the eyelid is tightened. This can open up the eye, creating a more energetic and youthful appearance. An upper eyelid lift is often paired with a brow lift to revitalize the entire upper face. If the skin and tissue on your upper eyes sags or droops, an upper blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) procedure can rejuvenate the eyes for a brighter, rejuvenated look.
The Lower Eyelid Lift
Under-eye bags are a natural part of the aging process. The lower eyelid can be prone to stretching and sagging with age. While genetics have a part to play in the firmness of the lower eyelid, aging can allow the thin skin to become less elastic and droop. This can result in under-eye bags and sad, tired eyes. Additionally, lifestyle and environmental factors can exacerbate the appearance of bags under the eyes. Under-eye bags can have an impact on your confidence and overall appearance. Lower blepharoplasty is the most effective under-eye bag removal procedure designed to address this common concern. If the skin and tissue on your upper or lower eyes sags or droops, a blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) procedure can remove bags under your eyes and rejuvenate the eyes for a refreshed appearance.
| Procedure Summary | |
|---|---|
| Pain Level After Surgery | Mild |
| Anesthesia | General or local anesthetic |
| Duration of Surgery | 30 minutes (Upper Eyelids). 1 hours (Lower eyelids) 1.5-2 hours (Upper and Lower Eyelids) |
| Scars | Minimal scar in the upper eyelid crease (Upper Eyelids) or minimal scar under the lower lashes (Lower Eyelids) |
| Downtime | 1-2 weeks (Upper Eyelid) 2-3 weeks (Lower Eyelids) |
| Return to Regular Activity | 1-2 weeks |
| Resume Exercise | 4-6 weeks |
BENEFITS OF UPPER EYELID SURGERY
- Simple, safe, and effective procedure
- The scars are discreetly hidden in the natural crease of the eyelid (upper eyelids) or under the lower lashes (lower eyelids). Nobody will ever know you had a procedure done
- An Upper Eyelid Lift or Lower Eyelid Lift (skin only) can be done in-office, under local anesthesia with 1-2 weeks downtime
- Patients look natural, still much like themselves but more awake and refreshed
WHAT TO EXPECT
During your consultation, our Nurse Practitioner or Dr. Maia will evaluate your goals and determine if you are a good candidate for eyelid surgery.
Upper Eyelid Lift Procedure
There are three categories: Excess fat on the upper eyelids, excess skin of the upper eyelids, or both. The procedure is simple and straightforward. Dr. Maia meticulously measures and marks for the removal of the excess tissue to ensure symmetry. The patient is given antibiotics and local anesthesia is injected. The excess skin and fat is removed from the upper eyelid as needed. The incision is closed, leaving a thin scar in the natural crease of the lid that fades beautifully with time. Dr. Maia takes care to not remove too much fat, but keep a natural-looking amount.
Lower Eyelid Lift Procedure
Individuals often seek lower eyelid lifts to enhance the appearance of “bags” beneath their eyes, typically caused by pockets of fat. The procedure offers two options: one involving the removal of fat alone, and the other involving the removal of both fat and skin.
In the case of fat removal only, the process is relatively straightforward. The patient undergoes anesthesia, and a discreet incision is made on the inner side of the lower eyelid. Fat removal is executed, leaving no visible scars on the eyelid skin.
For those requiring both skin and fat removal, a different approach is taken. An incision is made beneath the eyelashes, running along the eye’s length. Excess skin is excised, and fat is removed from the lower lid. The resulting scar typically heals well, proving challenging to detect. If there’s laxity in the lower eyelid, a canthopexy procedure tightens the outer corner of the eye.
Performed under anesthesia, this eyelid lift technique necessitates about a week off work for either the upper eyelids or the lower eyelids alone. If both upper and lower eyelids undergo the procedure simultaneously, a two-week recovery period may be recommended. Swelling and bruising typically diminish significantly after a week, allowing the patient to resume social activities.
WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE DR. MAIA FOR MY EYELID SURGERY?
Dr. Maia is a renowned plastic surgeon and has earned a stellar reputation as one of the top plastic and cosmetic surgeons in the DC area, offering a compassionate approach and creating stunning, natural outcomes for her patients. Not only is she incredibly skilled at her craft, but her professionalism and ability to put her patients at ease is exceptional.
- Board-certified Harvard fellowship-trained plastic surgeon
- 15 Years of Experience
- Meticulous attention to detail and incredible results
- Minimal scarring and minimal downtime
- Friendly, welcoming environment