Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

This is an information document which has been prepared to help you better understand cosmetic eyelid surgery and alternative treatments which might be available. It is important that you read this information carefully and completely, and for you to ask any questions which you might have that pertains to your particular case.

What Is Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)?

Blepharoplasty is a common surgical procedure to reduce sagging excess eyelid skin and bagginess from both the upper and lower eyelids. Drooping excess skin in the upper eyelids can be associated with loss of peripheral vision and contribute to chronic eye fatigue. In the lower lids (and the inside of the upper eyelids), bulging is often caused by fatty deposits under the eyelid muscles. By removal of excess eyelid skin and its attached muscle, the surgeon can reduce some of the fat contributing to the bulge, making an improved contour with less appearance of "circles" under your eyes.

What It Does: Removes excess eyelid skin, hooding, and fat bulges, helping lids look smoother and more youthful

Best Candidates: Women or men showing excess skin, muscle ridges, or bulges in the eyelids (often look like swollen or puffy in morning)

Length Of Procedure: 30 minutes-1 hour

Recovery Time: Mild swelling and bruising for 4-6 days, minimal discomfort

Back To Work: 5-7 days (may be earlier if minor bruising not a problem for patient)

Blepharoplasty is effective in improving the hooding effect and excess skin associated with the aging appearance, but does not completely remove the very fine wrinkles on the surface. The intended results are a more youthful and rested appearance of the eyelid area, with improved peripheral vision, particularly in the upper and outer fields of vision.

In some cases, the doctor will suggest use of chemical brow elevation (botox) or a brow lifting procedure (surgical) be performed, as the gradual sagging of these areas will contribute to the hooding appearance. It is not always possible for eyelid correction to completely correct sagging of the lateral forehead areas, and the doctor will explain his findings and recommendations.

Small sutures are placed along the skin incision which are usually removed in the first 2-5 days, or made of a self-absorbing material. Recuperation is now usually less than one week since the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) concentrates which reduce bruising and swelling which mostly resolves during that time. Discomfort is usually very minimal.

Blepharoplasty can be used to improve or add an upper eyelid crease to the Asian eyelid, it will not erase evidence of one’s racial or ethnic heritage. Blepharoplasty may improve, but not correct all "crow’s feet", or the fine surface wrinkles. Other options will be explained to you.

Eyelid surgery is customized for every patient, depending on his or her particular needs. It can be performed alone involving upper, lower or both eyelid regions, or in conjunction with other surgical procedures of the eye, face, brow, or nose. Often striking improvement of the tired or aging look can be a result of addressing the eyelid areas.

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