Removal of excess upper eyelid skin and improvement of lower eyelid "bags" is probably the most useful way to improve the aging face, and certainly the best "bang for the buck."

The surgery is done as an outpatient procedure, and can be done under local anesthesia with some mild sedation. The procedure takes about 45 minutes for the upper eyelids, and about 60 minutes for the lower eyelids.

There is about a 50% chance of getting "black eyes" or bruising following the procedure, and there is always some swelling which may take one to two weeks to resolve. There is some chance of excess tearing during the swelling period.

Most people are able to resume full normal activities fairly quickly, within the constraints of having bruises around the eyes.

The lower eyelid can often be improved without visible scars, with an incision on the inside of the lid. No stitches are required with this approach. Upper eyelid sutures are placed in the lid fold and are thus well hidden. They are removed in three to five days.

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Facial Aesthetic Surgery Links:
American Society of Plastic Surgeons - Eyelids
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

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Facial Aesthetic Surgery Procedures:
   Facelift
   Eyelid Surgery
   Browlift
   Rhinoplasty
   Otoplasty / Ear Surgery