Lower lid surgery (tear sac surgery, eyelid lift)
The eyes are essential for making facial expressions. The first visible signs of the natural ageing process in the face are the accumulation of skin folds and swelling around the eyelids in the morning. Puffiness in the upper lids and folds of skin causing drooping eyelids, as well as dark circles around the eyes, tear sacs and deep creases in the lower lids, may create a bleary-eyed, sad or tired expression. Sufferers are found to raise their eyebrows to minimize the pressure in their eyelids, meaning drooping eyelids may eventually also lead to lines developing in the forehead.
Eyelid surgery (eyelid lift) aims to eliminate tired or sad expressions, whilst simultaneously enhancing facial harmony. To ensure this is possible, the patient’s eyebrows and forehead may need to be treated at the same time. It is enough to correct the upper eyelids and lower eyelids alone if they are the sole area betraying a patient’s true age in an otherwise youthful face.
If the upper eyelids and lower eyelids display the same signs of ageing, both parts should be treated to avoid facial disharmony. If patients have been suffering from drooping eyelids for a long time, they often have strained forehead muscles. These muscles relax following upper eyelid surgery, potentially leading to the eyebrows sinking and crows’ feet becoming more prominent. Undergoing a forehead lift (brow lift) at the same time may prevent these undesirable side effects.
An eyelid lift or upper lid surgery and lower lid surgery conducted by a qualified specialist doctor results in a fresher, rejuvenated face without altering your overall appearance. The specific operation or combination of operations which will lead to the best results are explained and discussed in full during your initial consultation.
The lower lid procedure is performed via an internal incision through the inner side of the lower lid or through an incision made to the exterior of the eyelid. No visible scarring occurs if an internal incision is made. If the operation is performed externally, the incision is made directly under the eyelashes so that the scar is barely visible following the procedure. Excess skin and fat pockets can be removed during lower lid surgery. The excess fat is often used to fill deep creases between the lower lids and cheeks. Additionally, slackened lower lid muscles are tightened if necessary, leading to a firmer upper cheek area. A laser is used to lighten dark patches under the eyes and smooth surface wrinkles. Crows’ feet may be removed or minimized either through a forehead lift or muscle relaxants.