Who is a candidate for eyelid surgery?
Those people who have loose skin and/or bags around their eyes, and would like to put the skin back to the proportion it was when they were younger. Also those people that would like to look less tired and/or sad.

How long will it last?
It sets the clock back five to ten years, and then the gravity process associated with aging begins again.

Do you have to have all four eyelids done?
No, you can do just the upper lids or just the lower eyelids as well as both combined. The physician will discuss what is best for your particular situation. The best procedure for you may be a combination with something else more non-invasive.

Is the procedure done in the office?
For safety purposes it is performed in a surgical facility as an outpatient. The physicians usually request the procedure to be performed by local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. You would go home an hour or so after the surgery.

Are there any restrictions after surgery?
Keeping the head elevated is a must the days after surgery. You would need to sleep in a recliner or pile pillows up to keep the head above the heart. You will not be able to wear contacts for at least a week following surgery. Lifting will be restricted to ten pounds for at least a week depending on how you heal. It is important not to raise your heart rate or blood pressure to keep the amount of swelling and bruising to a minimum.

What are the risks or complications?
There is a possibility of persistent dryness of the eyes, corneal abrasion or irritations, ectropian (lower lid retraction), incomplete closure, and visual disturbances. These are the risks and complications that occur infrequently and are specific to this operation. There is always the risk of bleeding and infection with all surgeries. If you are a smoker you must quit for at least two weeks before surgery because of a greater risk of scarring, poor healing, and skin loss.

Will insurance pay for this procedure?
The lower eyelid surgery is never covered by insurance. On rare occasion the upper eyelids may be covered by insurance if a taped and un-taped Visual Fields test performed by an eye doctor proves your vision is impaired by your upper eyelids.