Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery & Blepharoplasty

Eyes are often one of the first places we look when we meet someone. With age, saggy eyelids and visible bulges of fat create puffiness around the eye. Excessive skin and the laxity of muscle and structures that hold the eye fat hidden can sometimes cause difficulty with vision as well.

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a surgery to correct droopy eyelids. This may involve removing and repositioning skin, fat and muscle. If your vision is affected by droopy eyelids, eyelid surgery may also help with that.

Why Consider Eyelid Surgery

Some may consider proceeding with eyelid surgery to improve their vision. Some may consider the surgery to look less tired and more refreshed. Decreased vision, puffiness or bags around the eye, droopiness of the upper eyelid, and excess skin or fat around the lower eyelid are all taken into consideration in proceeding with the surgery. It is important to realize that not all upper eyelid droopiness is caused by eyelids– this may happen due to conditions of the forehead as well.

What to Expect

As with any other medical procedure, you will need a thorough evaluation by your surgeon to determine if you are a good candidate. Your surgeon will evaluate what issues need to be addressed and may have to rule out conditions such as dry eye or testing your vision. Photographs are taken before your procedure.

Eyelid surgery is often done as an outpatient procedure. It can be done under local anesthesia with or without sedation. Although rare, general anesthesia is also an option. If you are taking blood thinners, this medication is normally stopped before the procedure. If you are a smoker, your surgeon will discuss with you how smoking can affect healing.

Healing and Recovery

Recovery time after eyelid surgery is quite short. Following the initial swelling and bruising, most people return to their regular activities between 7-10 days following the procedure. Bruising resolves in a couple weeks. The recovery period and aftercare instructions will be discussed by your surgeon.

Upper eyelid incisions will not be visible once the bruising and swelling has gone down since these incisions are hidden in the skin crease of the upper eyelids. There are different approaches to the lower lid– the incision can be made inside the eyelid or on the skin. The choice depends on which structures need to be addressed. Lower eyelid incisions heal extremely well and the scars are not noticeable.

Who is a Good Candidate

The most important part of determining who is a good candidate is a set realistic expectations between the patient and the surgeon. A thorough evaluation and examination are essential. However, most people are candidates for this procedure.

If you feel younger and less tired than what you see in the mirror, contact us to arrange your consultation.