Introduction to Eyelid Surgery

With age, eyelids stretch, and the muscles supporting them weaken. As a result, excess skin and fat can gather above and below your eyelids. This can cause sagging eyebrows, droopy upper lids, and bags under the eyes. Besides an aging appearance, severely sagging skin around the eyes can reduce peripheral vision, especially the upper and outer parts of the visual field. Eyelid Surgery can reduce or get rid of these vision problems. Dr. Collier Pace performs Eyelid Surgery in Greensboro, NC for his patients to help make their eyes look younger and more alert.

What is Eyelid Surgery?

Medically referred to as a Blepharoplasty, Eyelid Surgery is a procedure that removes excess skin from the eyelids. This can be performed on both the upper eyelid as well as the lower.

Surgical correction is appropriate for all age groups, it’s not just limited to older patients, as many individuals can inherit a predisposition toward the development of fat pouches at an early age. Excess skin is treated by excision or occasionally by laser resurfacing. If excess fat is present, it can be removed simultaneously.

Eyelid surgery can be used to correct the following conditions:

  • Loose or sagging skin that creates folds or disturbs the natural contour of the upper eyelid, sometimes impairing vision.
  • Fatty deposits that appear as puffiness in the eyelids
  • Bags under the eyes
  • Drooping lower eyelids that reveal white below the iris
  • Excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelid
woman in white shirt with arms above head and under chin smiling

What are the benefits of Eyelid Surgery?

This cosmetic surgery can improve the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. The goal of blepharoplasty is to give the eyes a more youthful look so you look more rested and alert. Some of the other benefits we have noticed our Greensboro Eyelid Surgery patients experience include:

  • Gets rid of the “angry” look
  • Increases confidence
  • Long-term results
  • Reduces impaired vision
  • Scars are well-hidden

The overall effect is to give your eyes a makeover that enables you to look younger and refreshed. There may be other areas of concern you can discuss with Dr. Pace when thinking about Eyelid Surgery.

Who are the best candidates for the Eyelid Surgery procedure?

Eyelid Surgery in Greensboro is a delicate procedure that may not be suitable for everyone. Typically, these are the following traits we look for when evaluating patients for Blepharoplasty:

  • Healthy individuals with no medical conditions that can impair healing
  • Nonsmokers
  • Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic goals
  • Individuals without serious eye conditions

Drooping eyelids or sagging skin can also be related to issues elsewhere on the face, such as the forehead, which Dr. Pace will assess before giving you the green light. Every eyelid surgery patient is evaluated individually to assess whether or not they are a good candidate.

What to expect on the day of Eyelid Surgery

On the day of your Eyelid Surgery, you will be administered a type of anesthesia to minimize discomfort and pain. Dr. Pace will make an incision on either the upper and/or lower eyelids. The incision lines for eyelid surgery are designed so the resultant scars will be well concealed within the natural structures of the eyelid region.

When working on the upper eyelid, Dr. Pace will make the incision in the natural crease of the lid, which is the best place to hide any scarring. The lower eyelid incision is usually made just below the eyelash line to appear natural. Once the incision is made, the fatty tissue will be removed and the incision on the eyelid is closed. Eyelid incisions typically are closed with sutures. Sutures are removed within one week, if necessary.

Once the surgical component is complete, Dr. Pace and his team will move you into an area to rest and recover, before returning home. Because of the delicate nature of this surgery, you will require help getting to and from the surgical facility, as your vision will be impaired with bandages during recovery.

Eyelid Surgery Recovery

During the recovery period, it is very important to rest and avoid strenuous activities, especially looking at a screen for too long. Some patients are given gauze to cover the eyes after surgery, which allows for a better healing process and prevents any intrusion into the surgical area. Bruising and swelling generally lessen slowly in about 10 to 14 days. Scars from the incisions may take a few months to fade. Take care to protect your delicate eyelid skin from sun exposure. Dr. Pace and his team will ensure you are given a detailed list of do’s and don’ts during your recovery period.

It is advisable to use a cool compress to gently press onto the eyes if you experience discomfort. You can use over-the-counter medication to alleviate pain. Occasionally, prescription medication is needed. Sunglasses are recommended for any outdoor activities.

Why choose Dr. Pace?

As a board-certified cosmetic and plastic surgeon with the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), you are in good hands with Dr. Collier Pace. He is an expert in his industry, specializing in Aesthetic/Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, Hand, Facial Plastic, and Reconstructive Surgery. With years of experience and a passion for helping you look and feel your best, there is no one else you should trust with your cosmetic needs in Greensboro, NC. Dr. Pace treats every patient as an individual and will work to ensure you are happy with your treatment plan and satisfied with your results. He is an active member of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, which is one of the most prestigious Plastic Surgery societies in the US.

Dr. Pace sitting on a chair smiling.
Portrait of Dr. Pace at his practice in Greensboro. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Collier Pace | Greensboro Plastic Surgery.

Schedule your consultation

If your eyelids are causing you difficulties with your vision, we encourage you to contact Greensboro Plastic Surgery today! You can schedule your Eyelid Surgery consultation by either calling us directly or requesting an appointment through our website.

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Patient resources

At Greensboro Plastic Surgery, we believe that knowledge is power, which is why we are open and upfront about every aspect of your procedure. We have created a page to address any of your concerns and help you make the best decisions for you and your body. Please read through the materials below, and don’t hesitate to reach out and set up your consultation to learn more about what we can do for you.