Eyelid surgery corrects functional discomfort and refreshes the facial expressions. Most patients undergo eyelid surgery between the ages of 40 and 60, but elderly patients are also common. The surgery is performed under local anaesthetic. In addition, the surface of the eye is anesthetized with eye drops. The surgery itself is pain free, but pressure and stretching can be sensed. The procedure takes about 45 to 60 minutes.
Before the operation the doctor marks the areas as to where and how to perform the operation, at this point the drawings are made with the patient being in a sitting position. This allows the wounds to be well placed on their own facial lines so that the scars become as discreet as possible. During the surgery some skin, muscle and if necessary also excess fat is removed. Usually both eyelids are operated at the same time.
If the eyebrows are heavily descended, operating them both during the same surgery may be considered. The easiest option is to attach the eyebrows through the same cut as the eyelid surgery with a few stitches to the surface of the bone (internal browpexy). Eyebrows can also be raised by a procedure in the forehead area (sector lift). Sector lifting involves local anesthetic with 4-5 cm long cuts by the hairline, removing some excess skin from the forehead. The cut can also be made directly above the eyebrows, where the skin is removed and the eyebrows raised (exterior browpexy). Brow lifting surgery should be carefully and individually considered. The eyebrow’s tendency to fall back down is quite common.
Cold gel packs are kept on the wounds for approximately 1 hour post surgery, before the patient is allowed to be sent home. Cold reduces bruising and swelling. It is recommended not to drive a vehicle for 24h after being operated on.