Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty) Review by Dermatologists

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Cosmetic Procedures :: Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty)

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Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty)

The Ten Minute Eyelift

Some degree of redundacy and laxity of the eyelids and underlying muscles can be considered a normal part the aging process. When severe, doctors refer to the condition as dermatochalasis, which is simply an excess of skin in the upper or lower eyelids that makes them appear droopy or "hooded." It most frequently begins in people over 50 and is quite common in the elderly. Genetics may predispose to its development, and frequent allergies, and occasionally prior pregnancy may also contribute.

Blepharoplasty is by no means a no-downtime lunchtime procedure. It is true surgery requiring stitches and often intravenous sedation. The surgery involves reshaping the upper or lower eyelid by the removal and/or repositioning of excess tissue as well as by reinforcement of surrounding muscles and tendons. It is performed through external incisions made along the natural skin lines of the eyelids, such as the creases of the upper lids and below the lashes of the lower lids, or from the inside surface of the lower eyelid.

Following a "bleph," there is often considerable initial swelling and bruising that may take as much as two weeks to resolve. Moreover, it usually takes at least several months until the final results of the surgery can be fully appreciated. Depending upon individual needs, the operation requires one to three hours to complete.

Several years ago, I developed what I dubbed the Ten Minute Eyelift for treating significant upper eyelid hooding. The technique is quite simple. With the patient seated upright, I first mark off the entire length of the lower third of the "underbelly" of the hooded portion of the lids on each side. Next, I numb these areas with a small amount of local anesthetic. Finally, I pass a cautery probe, which imparts an intense amount of heat energy, along the marked stretch of each lid.

Almost immediately, the skin contracts vigorously in response to the probe, drawing the hooded portion of the lid backwards over the surface of the underlying normal lid. As it does so, the underlying eyelid is exposed and restored. Each wound is then covered with only a small amount of antibiotic ointment and left to heal spontaneously.

The entire technique takes about five minutes per side. Healing is usually complete in seven to ten days. Slight bruising and mild swelling are common afterward and may take about a week before becoming less noticeable. Cold compresses can be used in the first 48 hours to minimize the bruising and swelling. This may be supplemented by the oral use of bromelain for three days. Bromelain, an enzyme, is a pineapple derivative that has demonstrated usefulness in preventing bruises and speeding their resolution. Pain medications are seldom necessary, but for some people who experience mild discomfort, acetominophen (Tylenol) is ordinarily adequate. Most people can return to work the following day.

One treatment is ordinarily all that is required. The results are permanent and can be fully appreciated in just two weeks. When fully healed, a faint, narrow, linear ivory or off-white line is often all that can be seen at the treatment site.

Learn more about the Ten Minute Eyelift from Nelson Novick, M.D. of New York City.

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