An eyelid surgery – also known as a blepharoplasty – is a procedure used to rejuvenate the appearance of the upper and lower eyelids. Age and genetics can cause drooping, sagging, and excess folds around the eyes. This can contribute to both cosmetic and visual complications, including a tired and aged appearance, as well as difficulty seeing. Eyelid surgery can take years off of the eyes, eliminating under-eye bags, removing upper eye puffiness and reducing the amount of excess skin surrounding the eyes.
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An upper blepharoplasty involves removing excess skin of the upper eyelid to make the eyes appear more open. This can be combined with a brow lift for individuals with heavy appearing brows to maximize the result. A lower blepharoplasty can reduce puffy bags under the eyes or correct a hollow appearance. Some patients need volume replacement under their eyes or are bothered by wrinkles. Those individuals may also require fat grafting and laser resurfacing to rejuvenate the appearance of their under eye. Each patient will get an individualized plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for eyelid surgery?
You may be a candidate for eyelid surgery if you are a non-smoking adult in good health. Candidates for upper blepharoplasty have extra skin of the eyelid and may have impaired vision. Candidates for lower blepharoplasty often complain of bags or dark circles under their eyes making them appear tired.
It is important to share with your doctor if you have any eye conditions such as glaucoma, dry eye, or retinal detachment. A consultation with your surgeon can help you determine whether your facial tissues and eye muscles are healthy enough to undergo a blepharoplasty procedure.
What should I expect during my blepharoplasty procedure?
Upper blepharoplasty can be done under local anesthesia in the office. Your surgeon will form an incision discreetly along the natural crease of the eyelid so that it will be imperceptible when it heals. For lower blepharoplasty, you will be placed under IV sedation or general anesthesia for the duration of your eyelid surgery. Incisions will be placed on the inside of the eyelid or along the lower lash line. It is via those incisions that excess skin can be removed, the muscles tightened, and fat deposits redistributed.
Will I need to follow any special post-operative instructions after my eyelid surgery?
The eyelid surgery recovery period will require that you follow special instructions provided by your surgeon. When you awaken from surgery, your eyes may be covered with gauze and lubricating ointment. In the following days, you may be responsible for applying topical medications to your incisions, using eye drops, or taking oral prescriptions to prevent infection. It is normal to experience some swelling and bruising following the procedure, but most discomfort should subside within a few weeks.
