Eyelid Surgery Toronto | Blepharoplasty Toronto

What is eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)?

With age, the eyelid skin stretches, muscles can weaken and become redundant, and fat protrudes. This causes bags, droopy upper lids, and sagging eyebrows, making the eyes look tired or puffy.

In addition to aging the face, severely sagging skin around the eyes can reduce side vision (peripheral vision), especially the upper and outer parts of the visual field. Blepharoplasty can reduce or get rid of these vision problems. The surgery can also make the eyes look younger and more alert.

Our eyelid surgery in Toronto corrects the upper and lower eyelids to enhance the eye area. Blepharoplasty tightens the eyelid skin, smooths the transition between the cheek and lower eyelid, and opens and reframes the eyes. They appear younger and more vibrant by making the eyes look more open.

Eyelid Surgery Before & After

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What are the different types of eyelid surgery?

Upper eyelid surgery

Upper blepharoplasty uses an incision in the upper eyelid crease to remove excess skin and fat to refresh the appearance of the eyelids. Tiny sutures are used to close the skin incisions, which Dr. Brace will remove after one-week post-op.

Lower eyelid surgery

Transcutaneous lower eyelid surgery removes excess skin, muscle, and/or fat. It reshapes the lower eyelid and eliminates the separation between the eyelid and cheek to create a smooth contour and transition.

Transconjunctival lower eyelid surgery

Transconjunctival lower eyelid surgery repositions fat from the lower eyelid into the hollows below the eye. Or the fat may be removed if excessive; however, this approach does not address or remove excessive skin. A secondary procedure, such as laser resurfacing, may be necessary to tighten the skin. Fat grafting is the best option when the lower eyelid does not have enough fat to fill the hollows below the eye. The fat is harvested from the abdomen or thigh and injected under the eyelid into the hollows. Fat grafting blepharoplasty is rarely performed in isolation and requires up to twelve weeks to see the final result. Because all the transplanted fat may not survive, a second fat grafting procedure may be necessary to achieve the best results.

Am I a good candidate for eyelid surgery?

Whether you want to improve your appearance or are experiencing functional problems with your eyelids, you may be a good candidate for eyelid surgery in Toronto if you have any of the following:

Loose or sagging skin that creates folds
Fatty deposits that appear as puffiness in the eyelids
Bags under the eyes
Drooping lower eyelids
Excess skin and fine wrinkles around the lower eyelid

It is important to note that the appearance of a drooping upper lid may be caused by the disinsertion of an upper eyelid muscle, known as eyelid ptosis, or relaxation of the forehead skin and eyebrow, known as brow ptosis. These require different surgical treatments, which Dr. Brace will discuss with you. Eyelid muscle tone, eye position, and eyelid tendon integrity determine candidacy for lower eyelid surgery. A better option for some lower eyelids may be volume replacement with fat grafting and non-surgical skin tightening.

Your eyelid surgery consultation

During the consultation for blepharoplasty, several issues will be covered. Some of these include:

The patient’s surgical goals
Any medical conditions, allergies, or eye problems that the patient has had in the past
Any prescription medications or supplements that the patient is currently taking
Any alcohol, tobacco, or drug use
Surgeries that the patient has had in the past

On top of this information, we will ask the patient about their overall health and any pre-existing conditions they may have that put them at risk for complications during the surgery.

We then take photographs to serve as ‘before’ photos for the surgery. Based on the information gleaned from the assessment, we go over the eyelid surgery options with the patient and recommend a treatment based on our findings. Patients will be informed on all aspects of the procedure, including the type of anesthesia used, projected outcomes, and risks.

The consultation is the patient’s chance to ask any questions they may have regarding the surgery. We strive to make our patients feel comfortable and provide them with ample opportunity to express any concerns they have so that they can go forward with the procedure with full confidence.

Why choose us?

As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, certified by the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. Brace is committed to surgical excellence in eyelid procedures.

Dr. Brace serves as an adjunct faculty member in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery McMaster University, the University of Western Ontario, and the University of Toronto. He shares his knowledge and expertise with residents and fellow surgeons, contributing to the advancement of the field.

Patients seeking eye and brow procedures put trust in Dr. Brace's skilled hands and artistic eye to deliver natural-looking results with custom eyelid surgery. His commitment to personalized care and meticulous attention to detail allows for top-tier care from a leading expert in the field of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.

What is the procedure for blepharoplasty?

This surgery can be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s preference. The first step of the procedure involves identifying where the creases on the eyelids are. This is to ensure that the right amount of skin will be removed, correcting the patient’s aesthetic issues while leaving enough skin intact to enable proper eyelid function.

In some cases, a small amount of the orbicularis oculi (the muscle that controls the opening and closing of the eye) is extracted as well. After the treatment has been completed, the incisions are sealed shut with sutures. These incisions are carefully placed in the creases of the eyelids so that any remaining scars will be virtually unnoticeable to onlookers.

In total, the procedure usually takes no longer than two hours to complete. It is usually performed on an outpatient basis, meaning that patients will be discharged as soon as they feel ready. If general anesthesia is used, patients will need to arrange to have someone take them home from their appointment, as they will be unfit to drive.

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Eyelid surgery recovery and results

Blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure that lasts between 45 minutes and two hours. Depending on the extent of your eyelid surgery, you will be given general or local anesthesia with IV sedation. During recovery from eyelid surgery, bruising and swelling subside in approximately two weeks. Additionally, your eyelids may feel tighter than usual for these two weeks. Using cold compresses and elevating your head while you sleep can improve your recovery. Following your post-operative instructions is essential to the success of your surgery, such as avoiding excessive force, abrasion, or motion during healing.

With a healthy lifestyle and consistent skincare habits, the results of eyelid surgery will be long-lasting. Your eyes will look more refreshed and youthful than they would have without an eyelid lift.

While nothing can halt the natural aging process, your results will age naturally with you. Non-surgical treatments, such as BOTOX, dermal fillers, or skin resurfacing, can touch up your youthful appearance by smoothing wrinkles around the face and eyes.

Why choose Guelph Facial Plastics for eyelid surgery in Toronto?

Dr. Brace is a double-board cosmetic surgeon and reconstruction expert who routinely corrects eyelid malposition and reconstructs eyelids after cancer surgery. He is involved in treating patients with facial paralysis who cannot close their eyelids. Dr. Brace’s delicate and conservative approach to eyelid surgery has earned a reputation for producing naturally beautiful results.

While at the Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Centre, Dr. Brace partnered with the oculoplastic surgery team to correct complex trauma and cancer-related eyelid deformities. He has taught courses on eyelid reconstruction and cosmetic eyelid surgery and is highly regarded by colleagues for his mastery of blepharoplasty in Toronto.

What procedures can be combined with eyelid surgery?

There are numerous procedures that can be combined with blepharoplasty to achieve enhanced results. Some of these include:

Brow lift
Facelift
Laser skin resurfacing
Chemical peels
BOTOX
Dermal fillers

Every patient is different and is struggling with different issues. As such, the combination of procedures will look different for everyone. During the private consultation, we will thoroughly assess the patient’s eyelids and surrounding areas to determine which additional procedures could be beneficial.

Eyelid Surgery FAQ

Why do my eyes look smaller after blepharoplasty?

Can blepharoplasty damage your eyesight?

Do eyelashes grow back after eyelid surgery?

Will my eyebags come back after undergoing blepharoplasty?

How much is eyelid surgery in Toronto?

Are most people happy with blepharoplasty?

How many years does blepharoplasty take off your face?

Why do my eyes look smaller after blepharoplasty?

It is normal for the eyelids to have some swelling following the procedure, which causes the eyes to appear closed and “smaller” during the initial phase of recovery. Once this swelling has dissipated, the eyes will take on a beautiful, revitalized look.

Can blepharoplasty damage your eyesight?

Immediately following the procedure, it is not uncommon for patients to notice some minor changes to their vision associated with swelling. However, these changes typically dissipate over time as the swelling resolves.

Do eyelashes grow back after eyelid surgery?

Many patients are concerned about their eyelashes falling out and not growing back after undergoing blepharoplasty. The truth is that eyelashes are not affected by this surgery.

Will my eyebags come back after undergoing blepharoplasty?

The results from blepharoplasty can last for decades. In most cases, a patient’s under-eye bags will never come back at all.

How much is eyelid surgery in Toronto?

The cost of your blepharoplasty depends on your specific circumstances. The average price of blepharoplasty in Toronto is $4,000 for the upper eyelids and $5,000 for the lower. A combined blepharoplasty starts at $8,500.

Are most people happy with blepharoplasty?

Yes! The vast majority of blepharoplasty patients are delighted with their results. Eyelid surgery can make you look younger after a single procedure, boosting your self-esteem and immediately transforming your face.

How many years does blepharoplasty take off your face?

Most patients report eyelid surgery made their face look ten years younger. Blepharoplasty results last a lifetime, although your eyes will continue to age.

Eyelid surgery recovery timeline

As with any surgical procedure, it is crucial to understand what to expect during the recovery process. This is a general timeline of what to expect in the days and weeks following eyelid surgery:

Day 1-2

Immediately after the surgery, you will experience some swelling and bruising around the eyes. The surgical sites will feel tender, and your vision may be temporarily blurry due to the effects of anesthesia and tissue swelling.

Day 3-7

Swelling and bruising may peak during this time but should gradually improve. You may use cold compresses as directed by your surgeon to reduce swelling and discomfort. Avoid any strenuous activities or bending over, as this can increase swelling and pressure in the eye area.

Day 7-10

Stitches and dressings are usually removed during this period, and we will evaluate your progress. Many patients feel comfortable returning to work and light activities but continue to avoid any activities that could strain the eyes.

Week 2-3

Swelling and bruising fade away, and patients start to enjoy a refreshed appearance. However, patience is essential as complete healing can take several weeks. It is still advisable to avoid strenuous exercises or activities that could strain the eyes.

Week 4-6

By this time, most of the swelling and bruising should have subsided, and you should see a noticeable improvement in the appearance of your eyelids. The hidden incision lines will continue to fade and become virtually invisible with time. You can gradually resume more vigorous activities, as advised by your surgeon.

Week 8 and beyond

At this stage, you should be fully healed, and the final results of your eyelid surgery will become apparent. Your eyes will appear more youthful, and any residual swelling or discoloration will be minimal or entirely resolved.

It is important to note that every individual heals at a different rate, and the recovery timeline can vary from person to person. To optimize your healing process and ensure the best possible outcome, strictly adhere to your surgeon’s post-operative care guidelines and take any prescribed medications as directed. You can expect to enjoy long-lasting and natural-looking results from your eyelid surgery.