Eye Lift

The cosmetic and plastic surgeons at UT Southwestern Medical Center have advanced training and extensive experience in a wide variety of procedures, such as eye lifts. Using the latest technology and techniques, our teams perform eyelid surgery to enhance our patients’ appearance and improve their vision.

Expertise in Eye Lifts

An eye lift, also called eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the upper lids, lower lids, or both. An eye lift tightens sagging upper eyelids and removes excess skin and fat from upper and/or lower lids, resulting in a younger, more alert appearance.

As a leading center for cosmetic and plastic surgery, UT Southwestern offers patients exceptional care from nationally recognized experts. Our cosmetic and plastic surgeons have extensive experience in the latest techniques for eye lift surgery and provide the best possible outcomes. We work to not only improve our patients’ appearance but also address functional problems with the eyelids to rejuvenate the eye area and improve vision.

Candidates for Eye Lifts

In many people, the eyelids sag as a result of aging. Other people are born with or develop disorders that cause eyelid drooping. Eye lifts can help people who have:

• Sagging or droopy upper eyelids
• Excess skin on the upper eyelids that interferes with peripheral (side) vision
• Excess skin on the lower eyelids
• Bags under the eyes

Options for Eye Lifts

Our cosmetic and plastic surgeons can perform eye lifts alone or at the same time as other facial procedures, such as a face lift or forehead lift.

At UT Southwestern, our options for eye lifts include:

• Upper lid lift to remove excess skin, remove or move fat deposits, and tighten muscles
  
• Lower lid lift to remove excess skin or bags under the eyes, or remove or move fat deposits
  

What to Expect From Eye Lifts

An eye lift is an outpatient procedure, and patients can go home the same day. In the first step, our surgeons discuss anesthesia options with patients to provide comfort during the procedure. Anesthesia options include:

• General anesthesia
• Sedation

The second step begins with the surgeon making small incisions within the creases of the upper eyelid and/or the lash line of the lower eyelid. Depending on the patient’s desired goals, the surgeon performs an upper or lower lid lift.

In the third step, the surgeon closes the incisions using sutures or skin adhesives.

During their recovery, patients can expect to:

• Receive medication to relieve pain and/or reduce the risk of infection for a few days after the procedure
  
• Have some swelling, bruising, irritation, and dry eyes that can be relieved with medication, cold compresses, and lubricating ointment; most swelling goes away in about two weeks, and some minor swelling can last longer
  
• Return to work and most activities within a week
  
• Resume more strenuous activities after a few weeks