Blepharoplasty

What is Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, removes fat, usually along with excess skin and muscle from drooping upper eyelids.

How is it done?

Blepharoplasty usually takes 1 to 3 hours and may be performed under a local anesthesia, which numbs the area around the eyes, usually combined with intravenous sedation. Alternatively, a general anesthesia may be used. During the procedure the surgeon will make incisions following the natural lines of your eyelids, in the creases of your upper lids and just below the lashes of the lower lids.  Through the incisions, the surgeon separates the skin from underlying fat and muscle, removes excess fat and may trim excess skin.  The incisions are then closed with fine sutures.

Why is it done?

Blepharoplasty can improve overall facial appearance.  It can correct drooping upper lids that may interfere with your vision and improve the appearance of puffy bags and dark circles around the eyes.  It can also add an upper eyelid crease to Asian eyes.

Risks & complications

Complications are infrequent and usually minor. However, as with any surgery, there are risks, including the possibility of:

-  Hematoma (an accumulation of blood under the skin that may require removal), infection and reactions to anesthesia.

-  Bruising, mild swelling, sensitivity to light, blurry vision, excessive tearing and “tight” sensation around the eyes. (common but usually short-lived symptoms following surgery).

-  Temporary decrease in sensation of the eyelid skin or impaired eyelid function, sometimes requiring additional surgery.

-  Feeling of dryness or irritation in the eye that may require treatment with ointments and eye drops.

Risks can be reduced by following the surgeon's instructions before and after surgery.

Alternatives

Dark circles beneath the eyes may be treated with a bleaching solution or a chemical peel.  If eyelid conditions are accompanied by sagging of the eyebrows, then a forehead lift may be recommended. Smoothing of crow’s feet may require a chemical peel or laser resurfacing procedures. 

Candidate eligibility

The best candidates for Blepharoplasty are healthy adults over the age of 35 who are psychologically stable and realistic in their expectations of the overall benefit of cosmetic surgery. The surgeon will make the final determination of each patient’s eligibility for the procedure after an examination and consultation with the patient.