Blepharoplasty (Upper & Lower Eyelid Rejuvenation) is a type of surgery that removes excess skin from the eyelids. With age, eyelids stretch, and the muscles supporting them weaken. As a result, excess skin and fat can gather above and below your eyelids. This can cause sagging eyebrows, droopy upper lids and bags under the eyes.
What is Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty is a kind of surgery performed on the eyelids, and is usually done for cosmetic reasons. Blepharoplasty removes the excess fat, skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids to give you a more youthful, energetic appearance. The degree of upper eyelid drooping may be severe enough to obstruct a portion of your visual field. This becomes an issue that is medically necessary to treat. Similar to the upper lids, the lower lids are also subject to the effects of aging. As we age the skin in this area tends to become thinner, connective and soft tissues under the eye descends and bulges into unsightly bags. Fluid may also collect in these areas, worsening the appearance of the under eye bags. This particular procedure can be done alone or in conjunction with other facial surgery procedures, such as a facelift or brow lift.
- Look more youthful
- Appear less tired
- Boost your confidence
- Correct visual impairments
- Brighter eyes
- Smoother forehead
- Long-term improvement
FAQ's
How Do I Know if I am I a Candidate for a Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is for patients who have loose skin or bulges of fat in the eyelid. Some patients may complain about their eyelids feeling heavy at the end of the day. By reducing the amount of redundant skin you will alleviate the “heavy” feeling and will appear more rested and youthful. Lower blepharoplasty removes bulging fat and/or skin of the lower eyelid. The bulging of fat is mostly genetic and starts to occur by the early forties. The chief complaint among patients with these issues is that they look tired, less youthful and unwell. If you have excess skin below the eye area or puffiness due to a bulging fat pad, then you could benefit from a lower blepharoplasty.
How Painful is Blepharoplasty and How Long is the Recovery?
Blepharoplasty is performed with anesthesia. Depending on your individual case, either IV sedation or local anesthesia may be used. You should feel very little discomfort during the procedure. During your healing period, you should expect some swelling, bruising and discomfort. This can all be controlled with oral pain medication, cold compresses, and lubricating eye ointment. In rare cases irritation at the incision site may also occur.
How Soon Can I Return to Work after Blepharoplasty?
You can work from home by computer or phone the day after your blepharoplasty. The sutures will come out in one week. There can be swelling and bruising around the eyes. You can wear eyeglasses to hide the sutures, or if you do not mind if someone sees you like that, then you can return to work after three days. Otherwise plan on taking about a week off of work.
Where are the Incisions Made for the Upper Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty incisions are made in the crease of the upper eyelid. Sometimes they extend a bit to the outside of the eyelid into a crow’s feet crease. After healing from your surgery, your eyelid scars are typically only visible when your eyes are closed. Without makeup, they may appear slightly darker than the rest of the eyelid. Only someone who knows what to look for will notice. If your scarring is a bit darker or more noticeable than you would like, laser treatment can correct it, making the scar closer to your natural skin color so it blends in.