Double Eyelid Surgery - What Does it Involve?

Age and genetics can affect a person's eyelids and lead them to believe they need to correct the functional and cosmetic problems with their eyelids through Double Eyelid Surgery. Eyelids sag as a person gets older and may look better with cosmetic surgery, but some people are born with droopy eyelids and can opt for a cosmetic correction operation while still quite young. An option called blephaloplasty can correct the problem. The process involves removing the extra fat and skin that is causing the eyelid to droop and sag, and will reshape the upper and lower protective covering by reinforcing the existing muscles and tendons in the area.

Sagging eyelids can pose functional problems for the patient and may require correction in order for the patient to be able to see and read clearly. Impaired vision is one of the key reasons people get surgery on their upper eyelid. Double eyelid surgery is normally cosmetic only in nature. Some people find the 'bags' under their eyes to be extremely unattractive, and look to this procedure to be rid of them.

How is it performed?

After administering a local anesthesia, incisions are made to the numbed eye area while the patient is fully awake. Patients are usually given medication to calm anxiety during the procedure. After removing the excess tissue, the surgeon will close the incision using removable or absorbable stitches or surgical tape.

Your surgeon should have at least five years of general training and two years of practice in plastic surgeries and be board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery before you consider letting him operate on you.


Who is a candidate for the operation?

Anyone who experiences functional or cosmetic problems with their protective folds is a candidate.


What are the risks and benefits of the procedure?

The risks of this operation are relatively minimal but should still be considered carefully. It's possible that after the operation, you may experience redness, swelling, permanent disfigurement and infection. But barring these rare complications, the operation should be quite simple and rewarding. The protective fold of your eyes should heal within a few weeks, and the results should be permanent. Insurance companies will sometimes cover part or all of the cost of the procedure, but only if it is for functional instead of cosmetic reasons.

Before deciding on the procedure, it's important to talk to your doctor and weigh your options.