Upper Eyelid Surgery Eliminates Hooding By Nimit D on April 11, 2018

Unfortunately, the skin around the eyes is especially delicate, and is routinely exposed to sunlight and other harsh environmental elements. As a result, the eyes tend to show signs of aging much earlier than other areas of the body.

Eyelid surgery tightens the skin around the eyes to smooth out wrinkles, eliminate puffiness, and restore a more alert and youthful appearance. At his facial plastic surgery practice, Dr. Peter Brownrigg can perform upper or lower eyelid surgery depending on each patient’s needs. 

Upper eyelid surgery is specifically meant to remove excess fat and tissues from above the eye to reduce puffiness and create a more defined lid. Upper eyelid surgery for hooding allows our Ottawa, ON patients to reverse signs of aging and renew the appearance of the eyes.

The Problem with Hooding

Hooding is a term used to describe puffy, droopy tissue on the upper eyelids. The reason it is called hooding is because this skin actually tends to extend over the eye and create a type of hood. 

Hooding is a problem for many reasons. Hooding pushes the skin of the upper eyelids down and makes the eyes look smaller. Hooding ages a patient beyond their years and gives the impression that they are constantly tired or upset. 

In addition, this condition can actually interfere with vision. If the upper eyelid skin pushes down too far on the eyes or extends too far over the lid, it can create a visual obstacle. Many patients with advanced hooding report that the field of vision is obstructed by the excess skin on the upper lids. 

Fortunately, upper eyelid surgery can eliminate hooding to improve the appearance of the eyes and remove visual obstructions.

The Procedure

Upper eyelid surgery is an outpatient procedure that is performed with the patient under the effects of anesthesia. During the procedure, Dr. Brownrigg makes an incision within the natural crease of the upper eyelid. 

Through this incision, which is crescent-shaped, Dr. Brownrigg is able to remove excess skin and fatty tissues from the upper eyelid. When the appropriate amount of tissues has been removed, Dr. Brownrigg will bring the skin together to close the incision. This will smooth out the skin of the upper eyelid and create a more defined lid that does not puff or droop down over the eye. 

Because the incision is placed within the natural crease of the eyelid, it will be virtually invisible once the skin heals.

Recovery

Eyelid surgery results in minimal side effects and offers one of the shortest recoveries of all plastic surgery techniques. 

Though the patient may experience symptoms such as dry eyes, discomfort, or excessive tearing in the first few days after surgery, most of these resolve within about a week. 

Swelling is likely to be more persistent, but with cold compresses, patients should be able to keep inflammation under control. 

On average, patients are able to return to work and most other regular activities within just a week after eyelid surgery.

Contact Us

Eyelid surgery can address aging around the eyes to restore a more alert and youthful appearance. Whether you are dealing with hooded lids or under eye bags, blepharoplasty may be right for you. Contact us at your earliest convenience to learn more about this plastic surgery procedure.

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