Eyelid Surgery in the Toronto Area
Dr. Cory Torgerson – Highly Trained Facial Plastic Surgeon
Skin and muscle laxity are often to blame for lines, wrinkles, and the overall tired and “aging” look. Luckily, skin laxity issues can be effectively addressed with a facelift in Toronto – a common outpatient procedure performed by our surgeons. Our plastic surgeons are certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and specialize in mini facelifts, deep plane face lifts, and other advanced techniques to reshape the face and neck and restore a youthful, streamlined facial contour for our patients.
What Is Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)?
Blepharoplasty, often referred to as eyelid surgery, is one of the most popular dermal rejuvenation surgeries in Toronto. The procedure targets excess skin, fat, and tissue through tiny incisions above or below the eyes to improve the appearance of droopy eyelids or prominent under-eye bags.
At Dr. Torgerson’s clinic, we perform upper and lower eyelid surgeries on a regular basis and offer superior care and proven results. We invite you to get in touch with our team to discuss eyelid surgery procedures available at our Toronto clinic.
Benefits of Blepharoplasty Surgery in Toronto
Blepharoplasty is an incredibly common procedure, with our patients enjoying the following benefits post-surgery:
- Creating a healthier, refreshed, and more youthful appearance
- Addressing under-eye bags by removing fat pads from under the eyes
- Tightening and lifting skin above or below the eyes
- Lifting drooping eyelids above the eyes
- Correcting almost any aesthetic issue in the area surrounding the eyes
- Improving patient confidence and self-esteem
How Much Does Blepharoplasty Cost in the Toronto Area?
The cost for eyelid surgery procedures in Toronto can range from $7,000 to $15,000, with the exact price depending on the type of surgery you undergo. As such, upper blepharoplasty cost will differ from lower blepharoplasty cost in Toronto.
After your initial consultation, The surgeon will develop a tailored surgical plan and provide you with a custom quote for the treatment. The quote will include the preparation, the surgery itself, and the follow-up care with your blepharoplasty surgeon in Toronto.
Is Blepharoplasty Covered by OHIP?
Cosmetic upper or lower blepharoplasty cost is not typically covered by OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan). However, if you are getting upper eyelid surgery to improve your field of vision, the Ontario Ministry of Health will cover the cost of the surgery. To qualify, you must provide supporting optometrist documentation showing that you suffer from at least a 50% reduction in your field of vision.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery in Toronto?
Most people seek eyelid surgery to address age-related issues. As such, most patients that we see are 35 years of age or older. However, puffy eyes are often hereditary, and some patients choose to undergo lower blepharoplasty at a younger age. Whatever the age, the goal of eyelid rejuvenation is to make the eyes look fresh and youthful, without altering the shape of the eyelids that frame the eye.
It is important to note that some patients may appear to have heavy upper lids due to the low position of their eyebrows. In this case, The surgeon may recommend a brow lift procedure in addition to or instead of the eyelid surgery.
What Imperfections Does Blepharoplasty Address?
Ultimately, blepharoplasty can be performed on patients of any age who suffer from one or more of the following imperfections:
- Baggy, droopy eyelids
- Pronounced bags under the eyes
- Excess lower eyelid skin
- Excess skin blocking peripheral vision
Our blepharoplasty surgeon may recommend other procedures to combine with blepharoplasty, including brow lifts, Botox, fat grafting, dermal fillers, chemical peels, or CO2 laser resurfacing. Book a consultation with our Toronto blepharoplasty surgeon to discuss your concerns and develop a custom plan to rejuvenate the problem areas.
Your Initial Eyelid Surgery Consultation
An in-office eyelid surgery consultation is necessary to enable Dr. Torgerson to examine your eyelids, discuss your goals, and determine whether you are a good candidate for blepharoplasty. During the initial consultation, he will collect the following information:
- The date of your last eye exam
- Pre-existing eye conditions, such as glaucoma or dry eye
- Previous eye surgeries, including blepharoplasty or laser vision correction
At the initial consultation, The surgeon will also ask to review recent examination results from your optometrist to evaluate your eye function. Because we take the health and wellness of our patients seriously, we will gather all the relevant health information and will perform surgery only on qualified candidates.
During your first appointment, The surgeon will also discuss eyelid surgery risks and complications. While serious complications are extremely rare, it is important that you understand the surgical procedure in detail and can make an informed decision.
Types of Blepharoplasty Surgery in Toronto
Lower Blepharoplasty Surgery in Toronto
When it comes to lower blepharoplasty surgery in Toronto, men and women choose to undergo the procedure to address:
- Bulging fat beneath the eyes
- Skin and muscle laxity that may result in wrinkles
- A deepening groove between the lower eyelid and cheek
- Ligament laxity and rounding of the lower eyelid shape
Lower Blepharoplasty Pre-Surgery Assessment
Before the surgery, the surgeon will take a close look at your lower eyelids, cheeks, and the canthal tilt of the lids.
- Canthal tilt. A negative canthal tilt occurs when the outer part of the eyes appears lower than the inner part. Negative tilt may indicate poor lid laxity due to aging or the presence of prominent or bulging eyes.
- Lower eyelid laxity. The surgeon will also examine your lower eyelid for laxity and note the presence of “scleral show,” or visible white below the iris.
- Lower eyelid and cheek features. The surgeon will carefully review and note the presence of excess skin and muscle, deep tear-troughs, protruding fat bags, or any other issues that may need to be addressed during the surgery.
Lower Eyelid Surgery Procedure
A lower eyelid surgery takes around 2 hours to perform and is done under general anesthesia.
- The surgeon makes a long, thin incision just below the lower lash line.
- They then manipulate the underlying muscle to create a cleaner and more alert appearance.
- Often, the surgeon raises the cheek tissues, blending the lower eyelid with the cheek for a more natural-looking transition.
- The surgeon then removes any excess skin and closes the incision with sutures. Sutures are also used to splint the outer lower and upper eyelids together.
- All sutures can be removed 7 days after surgery.
Upper Blepharoplasty in Toronto
Many men and women choose to undergo upper eyelid surgery in Toronto to correct age-related changes like:
- Drooping (ptosis) in the lateral eyebrow
- Forehead and glabellar creases
- Loss of the upper eyelid fold
- Hollowing of the area between the lid and the brow
- Excessive upper eyelid skin and muscle
Asian Blepharoplasty (Asian Double Eyelid Surgery) in Toronto
In addition to addressing age-related changes, upper blepharoplasty may be performed to convert a single eyelid (absent natural folds) into a double eyelid (single natural crease) in a procedure known as “Asian blepharoplasty.” During an Asian double eyelid surgery, The surgeon creates an eyelid crease resulting in a larger and more symmetric, almond-shaped eye. Fat removal and excision of excess eyelid skin may also be necessary to achieve optimal results.
Upper Blepharoplasty Pre-Surgery Assessment
Before your upper blepharoplasty surgery, it is important for The surgeon to perform a detailed assessment of your upper eyelids and brows.:
- Eyebrow positioning. The surgeon will carefully evaluate your eyebrows for ptosis, symmetry, and overall shape. In women, the brows should arch laterally, while most men request a straighter, more horizontal position. If brow laxity or positioning needs to be addressed, The surgeon will recommend combining upper blepharoplasty with a brow lift surgery.
- The outer area of your eyelids. The outer area of your upper eyelids may also start dropping with age, creating a tired or sad appearance. To ensure a youthful and clean-looking upper eyelid appearance, this area may need to be re-positioned during the blepharoplasty surgery as well.
- Upper eyelid laxity. Of course, The surgeon will examine your upper eyelids themselves to evaluate their symmetry and the extent of sagginess. Droopy upper eyelids can be corrected with eyelid surgery.
- Fat around the eyelids. The blepharoplasty surgeon in Toronto will also evaluate the amount of fat framing the upper eyelids. With age, this area may become hollow-looking and may require fat grafting or injectable fillers.
- Eye bulging. If you have bulging or prominent eyes, it may signal an underlying thyroid condition. If that is the case, you will need to undergo a medical evaluation prior to the surgery.
Upper Eyelid Surgery Procedure
An upper eyelid surgery takes around 1 hour and is typically performed while the patient is under local anesthesia. However, if the upper eyelid surgery is combined with other procedures, general anesthesia may be necessary.
The upper eyelid surgery procedure involves the following steps:
- The surgeon makes a small incision along the upper eyelid crease.
- They then remove a crescent-shaped piece of excess skin and muscle.
- The surgeon pays careful attention not to remove any upper eyelid fat during surgery, as the upper eyelid area often becomes hollow with age. He may even add fat to this area or use an injectable hyaluronic acid filler instead.
- The surgeon then closes the incision using non-absorbable sutures. The surgeon always uses advanced plastic surgical techniques to reduce tension on the incision for a thin, discreet scar.
How to Find the Best Eyelid Surgeon in Toronto
Choosing the right plastic surgeon for your upper or lower blepharoplasty in Toronto is key to achieving natural-looking, beautiful results. When making your decision, make sure to pay close attention to the following factors:
- Surgeon Qualifications: Ensure the surgeon has proper certifications, educational background, and experience.
- Transparency: The surgeon should willingly provide access to qualifications and before-and-after photos of similar surgeries. If he or she refuses to do so, it may be an instant red flag.
- Personal rapport: It’s important to feel comfortable and at ease with the surgeon, communicating openly about your goals and concerns.
Blepharoplasty in Toronto: Your Other Options
Combining Eyelid Surgery with Other Procedures
Many times, blepharoplasty is performed in combination with other procedures for a more stunning result. The surgeon frequently pairs eyelid surgery with an endoscopic brow lift, a fat graft, a facelift, or a neck lift.
Non-Surgical Alternatives to Blepharoplasty
For treating small imperfections, the surgeon may recommend non-surgical alternatives like fillers or Botox. For instance, a hyaluronic acid filler may be used to fill in a tear trough, while injectable neuromodulators like Botox can be applied to the outer corner of the eyes to slow down crow’s-feet formation. While these treatments do not replace the results that can be achieved with traditional eyelid surgery, they may help reduce the appearance of lower eyelid aging.
About Our Blepharoplasty Surgeon in Toronto
Dr. Cory Torgerson is a renowned facial plastic surgeon in Toronto, specializing in head, neck, and facial cosmetic surgery, including upper and lower lid surgery. Dr. Torgerson holds a medical degree from the University of Toronto and a PhD in mneuroscience from the University of Calgary. He is also certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in otolaryngology and has completed a fellowship in facial plastic surgery.
Dr. Torgerson strives to be one of the best eyelid surgeons in Toronto, specializing in procedures like double eyelid surgery, upper blepharoplasty, and lower blepharoplasty. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Torgerson to discuss blepharoplasty or any other cosmetic procedure involving the face or neck at our Toronto clinic.
Is Blepharoplasty a High-Risk Surgery?
Blepharoplasty is not considered a high-risk surgery and is usually a safe and quick outpatient procedure. However, as with any other plastic surgery, blepharoplasty carries some general risks. As such, the most common complications after blepharoplasty are:
- Allergic reaction to anaesthetic
- Complications from excessive tissue removal, such as dry eye syndrome
- Infection at the surgical site
- Poor healing due to smoking
To minimize the risk of complications and ensure smooth healing and an excellent aesthetic outcome, it is important to find the best blepharoplasty surgeon in Toronto you can trust. Get in touch with us to learn more about Dr. Cory Torgerson’s expertise in blepharoplasty surgery.
Toronto Eyelid Surgery Recovery: What to Expect
Three Days After Eyelid Surgery
After blepharoplasty, swelling and bruising around the eye area are normal, peaking around 2 to 3 days after surgery. That’s why, in the first 3 days after the blepharoplasty procedure, you will need to keep your head elevated and apply cool compresses to your eyes to minimize swelling.
The surgeon will also prescribe post-operative ophthalmic antibiotic ointment to be used on the incisions and in the eyes. Patients without a history of glaucoma may also be prescribed corticosteroid eyedrops to minimize early inflammation.
Despite the swelling, you may shower and shampoo your hair daily, letting the water run over your surgical site. You can expect nearly all bruising and swelling to subside within 3 weeks after the procedure.
1 Week After Eyelid Surgery
Your stitches will be removed at your first follow-up visit, about 7 to 10 days after the surgery. Once the sutures are removed, you will be able to start applying foundation and other makeup.
2 Weeks After Eyelid Surgery
After the 2-week mark, you will be able to resume your normal activities, including travel.
6 Weeks After Eyelid Surgery
Finally, after 4 to 6 weeks, your surgical site will be healed enough for you to resume active exercise. At this time, you may also start applying a silicone scar cream to the incision sites. Massage the cream into scars 2 times per day and continue doing so for 3 to 6 months to minimize the appearance of scarring.
Eyelid Surgery FAQs
What is the best age for blepharoplasty?
Anyone above the age of 18 may get blepharoplasty, but most of our eyelid surgery patients are 35 or above.
How long do I have to take off work after eyelid surgery?
The exact time off work varies from patient to patient and depends on the nature of your work. However, be prepared to take at least a week off work after your eyelid surgery – or more if your occupation involves strenuous activity.
How long does an eyelid lift last?
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty results last indefinitely, even though your skill will continue to age naturally. Because of this natural aging process, upper blepharoplasty results typically last 5 to 10 years.
Does an upper eyelid surgery fix hooded eyes?
Yes, upper blepharoplasty is the perfect solution for loose, sagging skin that contributes to the appearance of hooded eyes. However, in some situations, a brow lift may be necessary in addition to upper blepharoplasty.
Does lower blepharoplasty remove dark circles under the eyes?
If dark circles under the eyes are caused by shadows caused by large bags or hollowness, the issue can be improved by repositioning fat during lower eyelid surgery. However, eyelid surgery cannot fix dark circles caused by allergies, thin skin, or excessive pigmentation.
Do they put you to sleep for eyelid surgery?
Standalone upper eyelid surgeries are typically performed under local anesthesia, while lower eyelid surgeries or combination surgeries are done under general anesthesia.
How painful is blepharoplasty?
Because eyelid surgery is performed under local or general anesthesia, the procedure is pain-free. After the surgery, you may experience some soreness, which can be managed with over-the-counter medication.
