No More Tired Eyes
Eyelid Surgery Has Come of Age

For some people, the eyes are the first feature to reveal age: drooping upper lids, puffy bags below the eyes, dark circles under the eyes (often with a depression along the bony border of the lower eyelids), white showing below the iris. These distortions make people look older and more tired than they feel, and may even interfere with vision.

Others need help earlier, while they are still in their 30's: their genes have afflicted them with baggy eyelids and dark hollows.

Weary-looking eyes are unattractive at any age. Today we can safely remove the fat, excess skin and muscle from your upper and/or lower eyelids, making your eyes look bigger, prettier and more alert.

Can Anyone Have This Surgery?
A few medical conditions make eyelid surgery risky. They include thyroid problems such as hypothyroidism and Graves' disease, dry eye or lack of sufficient tears, high blood pressure or other circulatory disorders, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. A detached retina or glaucoma is also reason for caution.

Unless you have one of these conditions, you are likely a good candidate for eyelid surgery.

The Surgery
We perform eyelid surgery right here in our private certified operating room. You'll feel no pain, and you'll go home the same day. (Someone will have to drive you.)

One of our anesthesiologists will keep you comfortably sedated during the procedure. You will have no pain, and will be unaware. You'll be in the operating room for one to two hours. When you wake up, as your anesthesia wears off, you'll have pain medication to control any discomfort.

At Home
For the first several days after your procedure you'll need to sleep with extra pillows (to keep your head elevated) and apply cold compresses. This will take down your swelling.

We'll remove your stitches 3 to 6 days after surgery. Once they're out, the swelling and discoloration around your eyes will gradually subside, and you'll start to look and feel much better. We'll show you how to lubricate and clean your eyes during the healing process.

For a few weeks you may experience excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, and temporary changes in your eyesight, such as blurring or double vision.

You should be able to read or watch television after two or three days. However, you won't be able to wear contact lenses for about one week, and even then they may feel uncomfortable for a while.

I'll be asking you to avoid strenuous activities for about three weeks. It's especially important to avoid activities that raise your blood pressure, including bending, lifting, and rigorous sports. You should avoid alcohol, too, since it causes fluid retention.

Healing is a gradual process, and your scars may remain slightly pink for six months or more after surgery. Eventually, though, they'll usually fade to a thin, nearly invisible white line.

Your New Look
It will all be worth it when you see the final result: an alert and youthful look in your eyes that you may not have seen for years. For many people, the results are permanent.

www.lawlercentre.com