American Medical Association Family Medical Guide - American Medical Association [773]
During surgery on the upper eyelids, the surgeon marks the natural creases and folds of the eyelids so he or she can make the incisions along those lines, hiding the scars in the folds. He or she makes the incisions and removes or repositions the surplus fat, muscle, and skin. When working on the lower eyelids the surgeon makes an incision either along the eyelash line or inside the lower lid, which leaves no visible scar, and trims away the excess fat, muscle, and skin. He or she then uses fine absorbable stitches (which do not have to be removed) to sew the incisions closed. Scarring from the incision will be hidden in the natural folds of the lids.
After Surgery
If you have had eyelid surgery, you can expect to have bruising and swelling, especially at the corners of your eyes, for about 2 or 3 weeks. A feeling of tightness in the eyelids is normal, and some people feel as if their eyelids are so tight they cannot close their eyes, but this feeling usually goes away in a few weeks. You will probably have some pain or discomfort. Your eyes may feel dry and may burn and itch for a few weeks, and you may have double vision or blurred vision during the recovery period. You may also have increased tearing and sensitivity to light and wind. In very rare cases, the lower eyelid can pull down and turn outward, requiring further surgery or longer recovery time to correct. The main risk after eyelid surgery is infection. Your doctor may prescribe an eye ointment to relieve drying, and pain medication to minimize your discomfort.
To immediately relieve some of the swelling, gently apply cold, wet cloths to your eyes. Keep your head elevated at all times—even while sleeping. Carefully clean your eyes every day as your doctor recommends to get rid of any sticky residue and to prevent infection. Don’t wear contact lenses for at least 2 weeks after surgery or until your doctor says it is OK to do so. You probably can begin to read or watch TV 2 or 3 days after your surgery and you will probably be able to return to work within a week. But avoid strenuous activity, such as jogging, until 1 or 2 weeks after the procedure.
Eyelid Surgery
Upper eyelid surgery
Upper eyelid surgery can improve the appearance of drooping eyelids (left). The surgeon makes the incisions along the natural folds of the lids to hide the scars as much as possible and then removes excess skin, fat, and muscle (center). He or she then closes the incisions with fine absorbable stitches (right).
Lower eyelid surgery
During lower eyelid surgery, the surgeon makes an incision along the lash line or in a crease under the lower lid (left). (Some surgeons make the incision inside the lower lid, leaving no visible scar.) He or she then trims away the excess skin and fat (center) and closes the incision with absorbable stitches (right).
The improved appearance of the eyelids usually lasts for several years; for some people, the effects are permanent.
Forehead Lift
Forehead lift surgery, also known as a brow lift, is performed to alter the deep creases in the forehead, sagging of the brow over the eyes, and frown lines above the nose that often accompany aging. In a forehead lift, surgeons remove excess tissue from the forehead and redrape the skin to smooth out the forehead and decrease the presence of frown lines.
Most people who have forehead lifts are in their 40s, 50s, or 60s, although younger people may be good candidates if their brow droops excessively.
The Procedure
Surgeons can perform a forehead lift in two ways—endoscopic surgery or open surgery. Endoscopic surgery is the technique used most often. During the procedure, the surgeon makes several small incisions just behind the hairline and inserts a flexible viewing instrument called an endoscope into each incision. He or she then passes tiny surgical instruments