Cosmetic Surgery: 5 Questions to Ask Before Getting an Eye Lift

With newer techniques, better technology and an enhanced understanding of what "looks good" and what doesn't (see some celebs who don't look good, e.g. Kenny Rogers), prospective patients need to do more homework than ever. Here are some questions that you need to ask in order to be fully informed before signing up for eyelid surgery.

Will the eyebrows also be lifted with the upper eyelids?

Eyebrow elevation is not automatically done. However, evaluation of the brow position and its influence on upper eyelid excess is essential. For females, the ideal brow position is at the bone level or slightly above. The brow should be arc-shaped. For men, the brow should sit at bone level or slightly below. The ideal time to deal with droopy brows is when the upper lids are being lifted. The doctor needs to check this out thoroughly at consultation.

My upper lids feel very heavy and it seems my vision may be affected. Will insurance help pay?
In the extreme, heavy upper lids can obscure vision. This needs to be confirmed by an eye specialist. When confirmed on testing, it is considered a medical condition and usually insurance benefits apply.

I wear contact lenses. How soon can I resume wearing them after surgery?

Contact lenses can be worn as soon as upper lid swelling has receded such that the lash-line sits at the normal position just above the iris colored portion of the eye); usually 5-7 days. Then, the contacts will not be pushed down by the heavy lids. After only lower lid surgery, the contacts can be inserted in one or two days.

Besides heavy upper lids, I have baggy lower lids. What is done for those?

Bagginess of the lower lids is usually caused by fat pads pushing forward. Correction via hidden incisions, behind the lid; the excess fat is removed or repositioned or both. If there is excess wrinkled skin, additional measures may be required.

I'm afraid of that surprised, startled look, the tell-tale sign of poor eyelid cosmetic surgery. Is that automatic? And, if not, what is done to avoid that unsatisfactory look?

No one likes to look like "a deer in the headlights". That startled look is the consequence of amateurish, overzealous surgery. Too much was done. Either the brows were lifted too high or too much overhanging eyelid skin and fat removed. Not easily corrected. Your best protection: Be sure to see lots of the doctor's before-and-after photos. Ask to see some former patients. Those surgeons who specialize in eyelid surgery, such as ophthalmic plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons who do more facial than body work are less likely to error. Always select the most specialized doctor who works from a short menu. Think superspecialist.