The fine lines at the corners of the eyes (crow’s feet), bags and shadowing under the lower lids, as well as the excess droopy skin of the upper and lower lids, all contribute to an aged, tired, worn look to the eyes and face. Cosmetic eyelid surgery removes the excess fat and wrinkled, drooping skin of the upper eyelids, it also eliminates bags under the eyes and tightens the lower eyelid skin. The result is a brighter, more alert and rested appearance.

Eyelid surgery is performed on adults of all ages. Some people have eyelid surgery to correct problems that are a result of aging, while others have inherited traits that cause them to seek treatment as early as their 20s or 30s.

During the surgical consultation, the surgeon examines the condition, shape and size of the ears. Photographs are typically taken. The procedure is then performed under a local anesthesia with sedative or general anesthesia if the patient is struggling to keep still or become highly anxious.

The surgeon will proceed by making a small incision along the lines that mark the ear’s connection to the head so he can remove, trim, or cut a part of the cartilage or skin until the desired shape and size are achieved. In some cases, especially when the ears appear to be more forward, the surgeon pulls, rather than trims, the cartilage back, suturing it to the back of the ears and to the head to keep the ears in place.

The surgery may take at least two hours and the patient is allowed to go home once the effects of anesthesia have worn off. However, the doctor may advise against getting involved in strenuous physical activities for the next two months.