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Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) in Toronto, Ontario

Eyelid surgery is a versatile procedure that can address a variety of concerns. Whether you are looking to reduce the signs of facial aging or improve your vision due to excess or drooping skin above your eyes, Dr. Chivers can help you achieve a clear and alert look through expertly performed eyelid surgery in Toronto. During your consultation, he will assess your specific needs and develop a customized treatment plan that aligns with your desired outcome. With Dr. Chivers' expertise and attention to detail, you can enjoy natural-looking and long-lasting results that enhance your overall appearance and boost your self-confidence.

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) at a Glance

  • Length

    1-3 hours

  • Anesthesia

    Usually local

  • In/Outpatient

    Usually outpatient

  • Side Effects

    Temporary side effects of eyelid surgery may include discomfort, tightness of lids, swelling, and bruising. Patients may also experience temporary dryness, burning, or itching of the eyes, as well as excessive tearing and sensitivity to light during the first few weeks of recovery. These side effects are typically mild and resolve on their own as the healing process progresses. Dr. Chivers will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to help minimize these side effects and ensure a smooth recovery. If you have any concerns during your recovery, Dr. Chivers and his team are always available to address any questions or issues that may arise.

  • Recovery

    After eyelid surgery, patients can typically resume reading within two to three days and return to work within seven to ten days. Patients who wear contact lenses may need to wait at least two weeks before using them again. Strenuous activities and alcohol consumption should be avoided for about three weeks to allow for proper healing. Bruising and swelling can take several weeks to fully subside, but patients can expect to see noticeable improvements in their appearance during this time. Dr. Chivers will provide you with specific recovery guidelines tailored to your individual needs to help ensure a safe and smooth recovery.

  • Duration of Results

    Several years. Sometimes permanent.

Common Goals and Benefits of Eyelid Surgery: What You Need to Know

If you're considering eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, it's important to understand what this procedure can and cannot achieve. Eyelid surgery is designed to remove excess fat, skin, and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids, improving the appearance of drooping upper lids and puffy bags under the eyes. This can help you look more refreshed, alert, and youthful. However, it will not eliminate crow's feet or other wrinkles, dark circles under the eyes, or sagging eyebrows. While blepharoplasty can create an upper eyelid crease for Asian eyes, it cannot erase your unique ethnic features. Dr. Chivers offers personalized consultations at his Toronto office to help you understand your options and achieve your desired results. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

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The ideal candidates for eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)

For those considering eyelid surgery, it's important to be in good physical and mental health and have realistic expectations about the procedure. The best candidates are typically over 35, but genetics may make some individuals suitable for the procedure at a younger age.

Certain medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism, Graves' disease, dry eye, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and detached retina or glaucoma may increase the risk of complications. Dr. Chivers recommends consulting with an ophthalmologist prior to undergoing eyelid surgery to ensure the best possible outcome.

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A woman in her 50s looking very rejuvenated after an eyelid surgery

Dr. Chivers' Approach to Eyelid Surgery: Procedure, Anesthesia, and Incisions

Blepharoplasty usually takes one to three hours, depending on the extent of the surgery. If you're having all four eyelids done, Dr. Chivers will probably work on the upper lids first, then the lower ones. This is an outpatient procedure, so you'll be able to return home on the day of your surgery, though you will need someone to drive you.

Upper eyelid surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia—which numbs the area around your eyes—along with oral sedatives if desired. You'll be awake during the surgery, but relaxed and insensitive to pain. (However, you may feel some tugging or occasional discomfort.) If Dr. Chivers decides to use general anesthesia, you'll sleep through the operation.

In a typical procedure, incisions are made following the natural lines of your eyelids; in the creases of your upper lids, and just below the lashes in the lower lids. The incisions may extend into the crow's feet or laugh lines at the outer corners of your eyes. Working through these incisions, Dr. Chivers will separate the skin from underlying fatty tissue and muscle. Excess fat will be removed, and any sagging skin and muscle will be trimmed away. The incisions are then closed with very fine sutures. If you have a pocket of fat beneath your lower eyelids but don't need to have any skin removed, transconjunctival blepharoplasty may be an option. In this procedure the incision is made inside your lower eyelid, leaving no visible scar. It is usually performed on younger patients with thicker, more elastic skin.

After your blepharoplasty

After the blepharoplasty procedure, Dr. Chivers will likely apply a bandage and lubricate your eyes with ointment. As the anesthesia wears off, you may experience tightness and soreness in your eyelids, but any discomfort can be managed with pain medication prescribed by the surgeon. If you experience severe pain, it's important to contact your surgeon immediately.

To reduce swelling and bruising, your surgeon may instruct you to keep your head elevated and use cold compresses for several days. Bruising varies among patients and can last up to a month. During the first few weeks, you may also have excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, and temporary changes in your eyesight, such as blurring or double vision.

You'll be given instructions on how to clean your eyes, which may be gummy for a week or so. The stitches will be removed between two days and a week after surgery. As the swelling and discolouration subside, which usually takes a few weeks, you'll begin to feel and look much better.

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