Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Technical name: Blepharoplasty
Body Parts: Eyelids
Recommended Age: 40 years of age and up
Anesthesia: Local (in most cases)
Surgery time: On average, 2-3 hours
Clinic stay: From 2-24 hours
Scar: Discrete, among the folds of the eyes and eyelashes
Pre-operative: Lab exams and photographic archive
Post-operative: Bandage protecting the scar for 24hrs
Recuperation period: 8-14 days. Avoid sun-tanning for the first couple of months
Results Duration: From 4-10 years

What is Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)?

Excess skin and fat around the eye can be removed with Blepharoplasty surgery or eyelid surgery for a more youthful, refreshed look.

Blepharoplasty surgery or eyelid surgery is the term for any corrective or cosmetic surgery of the eyelids. In cosmetic surgery, Blepharoplasty surgery or eyelid surgery is a procedure to correct sagging or drooping eyelids, to remove excess fat, skin and atrophied muscle, or even some of the fat that is pocketed around the eye area.

As we get older, most people will start to see changes around their eyes. They will see more loose skin and bags below and above the eye. In some cases, loose skin and extra fat above the eye can make the upper lid seem to disappear. You start to have an older, more tired looking face. Blepharoplasty surgery or eyelid surgery can correct these problems and give you a more youthful appearance.

Who is the best candidate for Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)?

The best candidates for the eyelid surgery or Blepharoplasty surgery or eyelid surgery need to be in good health, emotionally stable and well-informed about the Blepharoplasty surgery or eyelid surgery. The best candidates for eyelid surgery or Blepharoplasty surgery or eyelid surgery are at least 35 years of age, younger patients can undergo the surgery if gentetic factors allow.

If the candidates suffer from dry eyes, high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, glaucoma, or Graves' disease, then they may be excluded. Your anatomy, including bone and supporting structure, may also affect your candidacy for the eyelid surgery or Blepharoplasty surgery or eyelid surgery.

Anesthesia

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) is usually performed under local anesthesia.

Intended Results of Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

If you are considering Blepharoplasty surgery or eyelid surgery, you should give serious thought to who will perform your surgery. It should be performed by a surgeon who is skilled and experienced with numerous types of faces and eyes.

As with every surgery, there are risks. If your Blepharoplasty surgery or eyelid surgery is performed by a surgeon who is not experienced in cosmetic eye surgery, it could prove disastrous to your looks and even to the health of your eyes.

First, you have to understand what Blepharoplasty surgery or eyelid surgery cannot do. Blepharoplasty surgery or eyelid surgery will not get rid of wrinkles around the eye - in what is called the periobital area. This includes crow's feet or wrinkles at the corners of the eye.

It will not eliminate dark circles or lift your eyebrows. If you are concerned about dark circles under your eyes, see our Dark Under Eye Circles Section. If you are looking for a lift to your eyebrows, a Brow Lift will probably be a better choice.

If you want to reduce or eliminate wrinkles, you could look into Laser Resurfacing in addition to Blepharoplasty surgery or eyelid surgery. Blepharoplasty surgery or eyelid surgery can enhance your appearance and give your face a refreshed and more wide-awake look.

Blepharoplasty surgery or eyelid surgery can rid your eyes of its excess baggage and allow you to look as good as you feel. In some cases, Blepharoplasty surgery or eyelid surgery can be used to correct vision problems if they are caused by excess skin blocking the vision or an upper lid that hangs lower than it should.

In such cases, your health insurance may cover the costs of the surgery. However, you should consult with your insurer about coverage before any surgery.

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) Procedure Description

In a typical Blepharoplasty surgery or eyelid surgery, the surgeon marks the passage of the upper eyelid skin to be removed, keeping the scar hidden in the fold of the eyelid skin. A portion of the excess skin is removed and is sutured with plastic surgery techniques.

In lower eyelid Blepharoplasty surgery or eyelid surgery in transconjutival, if you have access to the pockets of fat that are removed. The sutures are carried out internally so as to minimize the visible scars. Thus the excess skin is removed and the bags are handled.

Recovery and Healing After Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

The skin of the eyelids is very thin, the scars tend to be practically disguised in skin furrows. For this purpose, should be awaited the ripening of the scar (3 months). By its location are likely to be disguised with a light makeup, from the earliest days.

The edema (swelling) of the eyes varies from patient to patient. There are those (as) who at the 4 or 5 days are presented with a very natural appearance. There are others that will achieve this result after the 8th day. Even so, the first 3 days after surgery are those in which there is greater "swelling" of the eyelids.

The use of sunglasses may be helpful at this stage, as well as the use of cold compresses to reduce the amount of swelling.

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