Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is designed to remove excess skin, muscle, and fat to improve the appearance of the eyes. Bright, open eyes convey alertness, vigor and youth.
Are you a candidate?
- If you have excess skin and fat for the upper and lower eyelids
- If you have vision problems secondary to excessive skin on the upper eyelids
- If you have laxity of the lower eyelids and desire a tightening procedure
- Blepharoplasty does not correct dark circles under eyes or extensive wrinkling around the eyes
Procedure Description
For the upper eyelids, an incision is placed at the natural eyelid crease. Excess skin, muscle and fat are then removed. Because the incision is placed in a natural crease, it is frequently almost invisible after surgery.
A number of options exist in performing lower eyelid surgery. The traditional approach places the incision a few millimeters below the lower lashes. Excess fat is removed and the skin is carefully trimmed. Another method involves making an incision inside the eyelid. Fat is removed through this concealed incision to decrease the eyelid puffiness. If skin removal is required, a “pinch technique” or in some cases, laser resurfacing or a chemical peel is performed to tighten excess skin and decrease wrinkles.
Recovery
- Postoperative pain tends to be minimal
- Bruising and swelling around the eyes can be expected for several weeks after the procedure
- It is typical to have some blurriness for several days after the surgery as a result of swelling and topical medications
- Refrain from use of contact lenses for approximately two weeks after surgery
- Suture removal is done approximately five days after surgery
- Make up can be worn, except over incisions, at 7-10 days after surgery
- Steri strips may be applied to your lower eyelids after surgery. These typically fall off on postoperative day three
