Eyelid surgery will correct the signs of aging that appear with time. Sagging of the upper eyelid causes drooping and takes away the radiance of one’s look. Bags or folds will appear on the lower eyelid and make one look tired.

This surgery can be performed under local or general anesthesia. General anesthesia is preferable for stressed patients or when both the upper and lower eyelids are being treated at the same time.

Upper eyelid surgery

First, the incision patterns are drawn in order to evaluate the cutaneous resection to be performed. Following cutaneous resection, a strip of the orbicularis oculi muscle can be removed which will make it possible to raise the eyelid. In some cases, if the patient wants a more occidental look for an Asian eyelid, the surgeon can favor the appearance of a superior palpebral furrow by creating small adhesions 7mm from the margin between the superior palpebral incision and the levator muscle of the eyelid.

Lower eyelid surgery

If cutaneous resection for retightening must be performed, an external incision next to the margin will be made. If cutaneous resection is not required, an internal invisible incision by trans-conjunctival approach will be made.

The operation consists in removing the suborbital fat to eliminate the bags. Cutaneous resection to eliminate the subpalpebral creases can be associated.

Postoperative period

Bruises will persist for 5-7 days. Pain will be tolerable and calmed by classic analgesics (paracetamol). Application of cold compresses two or three times a day is recommended to decongest the eyelids. The patient must sleep in a half-sitting position to avoid reaction edema which is greater on wake-up in the morning. Stitches will be removed on the 7th day postoperatively. Results can be seen immediately and the final results will be obtained in 4 to 12 weeks.