All three procedures are surgical procedures to the eyelids. Blepharoplasty is cosmetic surgery to either the upper or lower eyelids or both eyelids. It can reduce the signs of aging by removing excess skin and rearranging tissues around the eye.

Canthopexy is a procedure to tighten and strengthen the tendon that attaches the outer edge of the lower lid to the side of the eye socket. It can improve drooping eyelids and help a sagging, slightly baggy eye look young and refreshed again, and a surgeon will usually remove a bit of excess skin during the procedure. Canthoplasty is a more invasive procedure that cuts through the orbicularis muscle, removes the ligament, and then reattaches the lower eyelid to the side of the eye socket. Usually, excess skin is also removed, as with canthopexy.

Which eye lift surgery do I need?

Only your surgeon can tell you. He or she will examine your eyes and the rest of your face and tell you whether you only need some skin and tissue removed or if your lower lid can benefit from canthopexy or canthoplasty.

Who is an ideal candidate for an eye lift?

The ideal eye lift candidate is someone who has excess, baggy eyelid skin that, in severe cases, may even interfere with vision. Good eye lift andidates may also have puffy fat in the eyelids, sometimes just in the upper or lower, often in both. Computer imaging assists in discussing the desired results.

How is the eye lift procedure done?

Incisions are made where the natural crease exists in the upper lid and below or behind the eyelash line in the lower lid. Excess fat and/or skin are removed and, if needed, the muscles are tightened. The procedure is relatively simple and normally takes only one to one and a half hours for both eyes. Frequently it is done in conjunction with a facelift or forehead lift.

What is the recovery time for the eye lift procedure?

After your eyelift procedure, there will be minimal post-operative discomfort that is easily controlled with medication. Swelling and bruising subside rapidly over a week or two.