Eyelid surgery aims to rejuvenate the eye by removing excess skin, fat, and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. The surgery can transform tired appearing, baggy, poorly defined eyes into crisper, more youthful appearing eyes. However, it won't remove crow's feet or other wrinkles, eliminate dark circles under your eyes, or lift sagging eyebrows.

The Procedure

The upper eyelid incision is well camouflaged in the natural fold and contour of the upper eyelid through which excess fat, skin, and muscle may be removed. The procedure is approximately one hour in length and is performed as an outpatient in an accredited surgery center.

The lower eyelid incision is well concealed in the lash line of the lower eyelid through which excess fat, skin, and muscle are removed. In addition, a lax lower lid can be tightened through this incision. If you only need to have excess fat removed, this can be performed through an incision along the inside of the eyelid without an external incision. The procedure is one hour in length and is performed as an outpatient in an accredited surgery center.

Who is a Candidate?

The best candidates for eyelid surgery are men and women who are both physically and psychologically healthy, and realistic in their expectations. Most are 35 or older, but if droopy, baggy eyelids run in your family, you may elect to have eyelid surgery at a younger age.

A forehead lift or "browlift" is a procedure that restores a more youthful, aesthetic position to the brows. It will soften horizontal forehead lines, furrows, and frown lines, and reduce the lateral hooding of the eyes. The effect is a smooth, youthful, and refreshed appearance to the area surrounding the eyes.

The Procedure

A brow lift can be performed using a variety of surgical techniques. The technique used will depend upon your forehead height, hairline location, and the amount of brow elevation required. The various techniques include endoscopic, coronal, anterior hairline, or a limited temporal technique. All of the incisions will be well camouflaged with either the open or endoscopic technique. Dr. Lawton will review the options in detail in addition to the associated risks and benefits of each. Each technique will yield a smoother more youthful appearance.

Recovery

Expect to have mild discomfort that is well controlled by oral pain medication. Depending on the technique used, you may experience forehead numbness and itching which will improve with time. The majority of forehead swelling will resolve in one week allowing return to light work and social activity. Vigorous physical activity is not recommended for 3 weeks including jogging, frequent bending, sex or any activity that raises your blood pressure.