Surgical Procedures

 
 
   

Eye Lift

 

The single most important cosmetic feature of the face is the eyes and eyelids.

 

Aging eyelids produce a tired, worn out and dissipated look that no amount of sleep, cosmetics or creams can remove.

 

Eyelid surgery ( blepharoplasty) deals with excess skin and puffiness around the eyes. It is very effective with a very high patient satisfaction rating. It is permanent and a great option for men as well as women.

 

It is the single most effective cosmetic facial procedure because eye's central role in facial expression and communication.

 

The upper lids
The upper eyelids lose their elasticity (Blepharochalasis) and sag or descend (see the Three "D's" of facial aging) (Blephoptosis) with age. As a result there is a collection of thin crepey skin that accumulates on the upper lid sometimes to the point of obstructing vision. As the eyelid skin sags further and further the individual will, unconsciously, raise their eyebrows by contracting their forehead muscles. This produces multiple transverse forehead lines and an appearance of being cross or stern.   

 

Upper eyelid skin excess is usually treated with excision of skin and small amounts of excess fat. The incision is placed into the upper lid fold and usually heals inconspicuously. Usually a small amount of fat at the nasal side of the eyelid is also removed as it can produce a puffy appearance.

 

It is important to recognize the contribution that low brow position has on the apparent amount of excess upper eyelid skin. As the brow descends it delivers tissue to the upper eyelid region. This is called hooding. The true amount of actual upper eyelid tissue excess can only be determined when the brow is raised to its normal position. I the brows are very low then a Browlift may also be required.

 

The lower lids

The lower lids also become thinner and lose tone with age. Unlike the upper eyelid lax lower lids fall away from the eye. The procedure involves an incision along the lash margin (where eyeliner goes) and obliquely laterally along a crows foot. This allows removal and tightening of the excess lower eyelid skin. It also exposes the excess lower eyelid fat pads. Lower eyelid surgery usually requires partial removal of displaced fat pads as well. Removal of too much of the lower eyelid fat can result in a gaunt, hollowed appearance. Removing eyelid fat is permanent as it will not regenerate. That is why surgical experience is a critical factor in successful eyelid surgery.

 

Eyelid surgery is done using sedation or general anesthesia so that you will be completely comfortable and unaware of the procedure. Upper eyelids take about an hour to do and all four eyelids about twice as long. There is always some bruising associated with the procedure. This is usually gone in about ten days. There is very little discomfort associated with the procedure and it is easily controlled with mild analgesics. The incisions follow natural creases and are usually inconspicuous when healed. You will be up and about the day after your procedure.

 

The upper eyelid incisions are closed with dissolving sutures placed under the skin. Lower eyelid incisions are closed with dissolving sutures that we will remove usually within a week. There is always some bruising associated with this procedure. This can be minimized with adequate blood pressure control, ice and elevation.

 

Eyelid surgery is a long-lasting, highly effective, facial rejuvenation procedure. Recovery time is very fast. It is an ideal operation for men and women. It is probably the single most effective cosmetic facial procedure.

 

 

Consider Eyelid Surgery:

Questions about:

 

Local anesthesia  with or without oral sedation can be used for upper eyelid surgery only.

 

Monitored Sedation or General Anesthesia is required if the lower or all four eyelids are being treated.  If you are not healthy enough for an anesthetic we will not proceed. Anesthesia standards require that you are seen by an appropriate medical doctor prior to the procedure. All of our anesthetists are fully trained and certified.

 

Bleeding can occur after any operation. If it happens it will occur in the first 24 hrs. It is important to stop taking any medication (aspirin!) or supplements (green tea!) at least 10 days prior to any surgical procedure as many of these products act as blood thinners. Bleeding is very rare following our eyelid procedures. 

 

Infection can occur after any operation. A surgically clean environment, careful surgical technique, healthy patients and suitable antibiotic coverage will minimize the risk of infection. We have not had an infection following a eyelid procedure.

 

Scars are a necessary part of any eyelid procedure. The incision and resulting scar is placed in naturally occurring eyelid folds and are usually not visible when healed. We work hard to give you the very best outcome

 

Ectropion is a downward pulled lower eyelid usually due to (inexperienced) excessive removal of lower eyelid skin. This is a correctable problem but we prefer to prevent it by careful surgical judgment. We have no ectropions at the Centre.

 

Altered Vision or Blindness is a theoretical risk following any procedure involving the eye or eyelids. We have had no episodes of this in 25 years. Temporary blurring, tearing, dry eye and light sensitivity are common and resolve in about 10 days. Individuals in the eyelid surgery age group commonly have a variable amount of dry eye syndrome that they may or not be aware of. Eyelid surgery does not cause dry eye syndrome as no tear glands are removed during this procedure. Dry eye syndrome is treated symptomatically with eye drops.

 

Hooding or lateral  upper eyelid skin excess, is due to a too low brow position. It cannot be corrected by removal of upper eyelid tissue. Correction of hooding requires a brow lift.

 

 

From Initial Phone call to Post Op Visits: How it Works

Your initial contact with the office will be with Trish, our Patient Coordinator. She will guide you through the process. You will then meet with Dr. Weiglein to determine the best solution to your particular problem. This initial meeting is designed to be an information and educational meeting. It is actually a time when you "audition" us and we "audition" you. With your input a recommendation will be made and all questions answered. We have numerous pre and post operative photos for you to see. There are always former patients available to speak with you about their experience. We welcome friends / husbands/ others to this meeting.

You will then meet with Trish again to discuss costs, scheduling and logistics. If you require more time to consider your options, or wish another appointment, we will arrange it. If you wish to finance the procedure we will assist you.

We encourage you to see us as a second opinion.

If you elect to proceed you will then meet with one of our nurses for your pre operative visit. She will review the procedure and expectations. Any necessary lab reports will be reviewed. Anesthesia standards require a pre operative physical from a family doctor.

We will provide you with full written post operative care instructions, your prescriptions, follow-up appointment dates, contact telephone numbers and instructions for care-givers at your pre operative appointment. No question will be unanswered.

Need more information?
Please contact us if you have questions. 

We are one of the leading cosmetic surgery practices in Canada so you can rely on our expertise.