Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid ptosis occurs when the muscle responsible for lifting your upper eyelid weakens or stretches, causing the lid to droop and potentially block your vision. This condition can develop due to aging, congenital factors, nerve disorders, injuries, or neurologic problems. The drooping may worsen throughout the day as the muscle fatigues, and you might find yourself tilting your head back or raising your eyebrows to see more clearly. Surgical correction involves tightening or reattaching the levator muscle to restore proper eyelid position and function.

Sometimes what appears to be an eyelid problem actually stems from sagging eyebrows that push down on the upper lids. As we age, the ligaments supporting the brow relax and stretch, causing the eyebrow to descend and create the appearance of excess eyelid skin. Many patients come in seeking eyelid surgery only to discover that a brow lift would better address their concerns. We perform direct browplasty, which involves making precise incisions above the brow to lift and secure it in a more youthful position, relieving the weight on your upper eyelids.

Ectropion causes your lower eyelid to sag or turn outward, leaving your eye exposed and vulnerable to drying and irritation. You may notice your eyelid edge appears red, your eye produces excessive mucus or tears, and you experience discomfort, light sensitivity, or blurred vision. While aging is the most common cause, ectropion can also result from stroke, Bell’s Palsy, facial tumors, or trauma. Without treatment, chronic exposure can lead to serious complications, including corneal infections, scarring, and permanent vision loss, making timely surgical correction essential for protecting your eye health.

Entropion is a condition where your lower eyelid rolls inward, causing your lashes to rub against the surface of your eye. This constant friction creates redness, irritation, excessive tearing, and sensitivity to light and wind. The condition may develop from aging, inflammation, scarring, disease, trauma, tumors, or may be present from birth. Left untreated, the ongoing irritation can progress to serious complications, including eye infections, corneal damage, impaired vision, and potential loss of the eye, making surgical intervention critical to preserve your ocular health.

Benign essential blepharospasm causes involuntary spasms of the muscles around your eyes, leading to uncontrollable blinking or forced closure of your eyelids. While the condition doesn’t damage your eyes directly, severe cases can functionally blind you by preventing you from keeping your lids open. The symptoms typically affect both eyes and often worsen over time, though the exact cause remains unclear. Treatment primarily involves Botox injections to relax the overactive muscles, though some patients may benefit from oral medications or surgical procedures to reduce the severity of spasms and restore their ability to see normally.

You may qualify for eyelid surgery if you have excess eyelid skin, bags under your eyes, or drooping eyelids that affect your appearance or function. When drooping eyelids significantly obstruct your field of vision, the procedure may be considered medically necessary and covered by insurance. During your consultation, we’ll evaluate your eyelid structure, test your vision, and determine whether you’re a good candidate for surgical correction.

Most patients experience noticeable swelling and bruising for the first one to two weeks after eyelid surgery. You can typically return to work and light activities within seven to ten days, though you should avoid strenuous exercise for at least two weeks. Complete healing and final results usually become apparent within several months as residual swelling resolves and incision lines fade into the natural eyelid creases.

The duration of your eyelid surgery depends on the complexity of your condition and whether we’re treating your upper lids, lower lids, or both. A straightforward upper eyelid blepharoplasty typically takes about one hour, while more complex procedures involving ptosis correction or lower lid work may require two to three hours. Most eyelid surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis, allowing you to return home the same day.

During your eyelid surgery, you won’t feel pain because we use local anesthesia to completely numb the area, often combined with sedation to keep you comfortable and relaxed. After the procedure, most patients describe mild discomfort rather than severe pain, which can be managed effectively with over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication. Any significant discomfort typically subsides within the first few days as swelling decreases and your tissues begin to heal.

Avoid rubbing your eyes, wearing contact lenses, or applying makeup near your incision sites for at least two weeks following surgery. Don’t engage in strenuous activities, heavy lifting, bending over, or anything that raises your blood pressure, as these actions can increase swelling and bleeding. Also, refrain from smoking and alcohol consumption, as both can impair healing, and stay out of direct sunlight without proper eye protection to prevent irritation and protect your healing skin.