Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Cosmetic eyelid surgery removes the excess fat and wrinkled, drooping skin of the upper eyelids that can result in a tired or sad-looking face. A lower lid blepharoplasty tightens the lower eyelid skin and can also eliminate bags under the eyes. Cosmetic eyelid surgery can correct problems resulting from aging, as well as inherited traits that can effect some patients as early as their 20s or 30s. This procedure can be performed under either local anesthetic or, for most patients, intravenous sedation.
Reasons to Consider Blepharoplasty
- Dark circles or large bags below the eyes.
- Excessive skin or wrinkles around the eyelids leading to a puffy appearance.
View a video for this procedure.
Click here to view Eyelid Surgery before and after examples.
Blepharoplasty FAQ
1. How will my Plastic Surgery Group surgeon evaluate me for aesthetic eyelid surgery?
You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your medical history including previous surgeries, past and present medical conditions and current medications. It is important for you to provide complete information. High blood pressure, thyroid problems or diabetes are among the medical conditions that may increase the risks associated with eyelid surgery.
Your surgeon will want to know if you have allergies, especially if they affect your eyes. He may ask whether you have ever tried and were unable to wear contact lenses, you should bring them with you in case your surgeon wants to test your vision.
We will need to know if you have ever been told by an ophthalmologist that you have a condition called "dry eye" or if you have any other problems with your eyes.
One of several surgical techniques may be suggested to improve the appearance of your eyelids. The particular technique that your surgeon recommends will depend on may factors such as the amount of excess fat and skin in the eyelid areas, the position of your eyebrows, and the condition of the muscles around your eyelids.
2. What will the day of surgery be like?
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. Frequently, local anesthesia and intravenous sedation are used for patients undergoing eyelid surgery, although general anesthesia may be desirable in some instances. For your safety during the operation, various monitors are used to check your heart, blood pressure, pulse and the amount of oxygen circulating in your blood.
When surgery is completed, you will be taken into a recovery area where you will continue to be closely monitored. Your vision will be blurry as a result of ointment used to soothe and protect the eye during surgery as well as from the swelling that is a normal aftermath of eyelid procedures. There is surprisingly little discomfort, however, from the surgery.
You probably will be permitted to go home after a few hours, although some patients may stay overnight in the hospital or surgical facility.
3. How long will the results last?
The results of aesthetic eyelid surgery are long lasting, but they may be affected by your heredity and lifestyle factors.
Removal of fat from your eyelids, which is usually the cause of puffiness and bags, is permanent, and these conditions generally will not recur. The skin continues to age, however, and skin laxity along the fine wrinkling of the eyelid area may, at some point, return. Sometimes loss of tone in the forehead causes additional sagging of the eyebrows that mimics a recurrence of drooping upper eyelids. If this happens, correction may require a forehead lift or a secondary eyelid procedure.
Even though the aging process continues, patients are happy with their appearance for many years following eyelid surgery. Some patients find that they want to make additional improvements at a later time.