This surgery is usually done for cosmetic reasons. It’s also an effective way to improve sight in older people whose sagging upper eyelids get in the way of their vision.

An eye lift won’t get rid of dark circles under the eyes, crow’s feet, or other facial wrinkles. It’s often done along with other procedures such as laser resurfacing, filler injections, or forehead lifts.

As skin ages, it gradually loses its elasticity. A lack of elasticity plus the constant pull from gravity causes excess skin to collect on the upper and lower eyelids.

Excess skin on the lower eyelid causes wrinkles and bulges. On the upper eyelids, an extra fold of skin can hang over the eyelashes and get in the way of seeing.

The fat that cushions the eyeball from the skull can also cause bulges in the upper and lower eyelids. The thin membrane that holds the fat in place weakens with age, letting the fat come forward into the lids like a hernia.

The best candidates for an eye lift are people who are in good health and who have a realistic idea of what they want. Most are 35 years or older, but if baggy eyelids or droopy eyelids run in your family, you may decide to have the surgery done sooner.

Eyelid surgery can improve your appearance and help build your confidence. However, it may not result in your ideal look or alter your facial structure. Before you decide to have surgery, think about your goals and discuss them with your surgeon.

You’ll need to arrange for another person to drive you home after your surgery. You should also have someone stay with you the night of the procedure.

Expect and plan to stay home from work and limit your activities for several days after surgery while your eyelids heal. Some people have dry eyes after surgery, but that rarely lasts more than 2 weeks. If you have dry eyes lasting more than 2 weeks, contact your doctor.

At home, you should have the following items ready:

Ice cubes
Ice pack (or you can use freezer bags filled with ice, frozen corn, or peas)
Small gauze pads
Eye drops or artificial tears (ask your doctor to recommend the proper type to meet your particular needs)
Clean washcloths and towels
Over-the-counter painkillers (which your doctor can recommend)

An eyelift usually takes about 2 hours if both upper and lower eyelids are done together. Your doctor will most likely use local anesthesia (a painkiller injected around the eye) with oral sedation.

If you are having the procedure done at a hospital or surgical center, you’ll most likely receive IV sedation.

Your doctor will probably put ointment in your eyes to keep them moist and cover them with cold compresses while you’re in the recovery room. Right after surgery, you may have blurry vision from the ointment and be sensitive to light. Your eyes may feel dry or watery. 

It will help to put ice packs on your eyes and sleep with your head raised the first night after surgery. Your doctor will give you detailed instructions for taking care of yourself. 

Upper eyelid surgery is good for at least 5-7 years. Lower eyelid surgery rarely needs to be repeated. Of course, your eyes will still age after the procedure.

If your lids sag again, a forehead lift rather than another eye lift may be the preferred procedure