A blepharoplasty is a surgical rejuvenating procedure that may be performed on the upper and/or lower eyelids.
An upper blepharoplasty may include excision of drooping eyelid skin, repair of the muscle that opens the eyes, and removal of excess fat.
A lower blepharoplasty corrects undereye bags with repositioning and possible removal of redundant fat and skin. It also treats sagging lower lids that may reveal excess white space beneath your iris (the colored circular portion of your eyes surrounding your black pupil).
Upper Lid Blepharoplasty
Lower Lid Blepharoplasty
Am I a good candidate for Blepharoplasty surgery?
- Droopy eyelids due to aging or muscle dehiscence that make you appear tired
- Droopy eyelids that obstruct your visual field
- You are unsatisfied with your eyelid shape
- Your eyelids appear puffy and/or you have prominent bags under your eyes
The Procedure
Upper Blepharoplasty
To address eyelid concerns, your plastic surgeon will create a precise incision along the natural crease of your eyelid. This allows for the removal or repositioning of excess skin and herniated fat, effectively rejuvenating the area. The incision is then carefully closed, resulting in a discreet scar that typically heals well and blends seamlessly into the natural eyelid crease.
Upper Blepharoplasty
Recovery
- The majority of patients report experiencing only mild discomfort following surgery, making the recovery process relatively smooth and manageable.
- To minimize swelling and promote healing, apply an ice compress for 72 hours immediately after surgery. After this initial period, switch to a warm compress to continue supporting the recovery process.
- In cases where non-dissolvable sutures are utilized, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled for 5-7 days after surgery to gently remove the sutures, allowing the healing process to continue smoothly.
- Typically, bruising from the procedure subsides and resolves on its own within approximately two weeks.
- Typically, patients with desk jobs can return to work after one week. To minimize the appearance of swelling, wearing thick-framed glasses can be a helpful temporary solution
- Typically, patients can gradually return to physical activities, such as exercise or sports, within 2-4 weeks after surgery, as directed by their surgeon.
Before and after pictures
Possible Risks with Blepharoplasty Surgery
- Temporary vision problems - double or blurred vision may occur after undergoing eyelid surgery. This typically lasts for just a few days following the surgery.
- Eye closure problems - some patients may have difficulty closing their eyes when they sleep; in rare cases this condition may be permanent.
- Swelling or asymmetry changes - temporary swelling and a slight imbalance of one eye in relation to the other may occur during the healing or scarring process.
- Acne - after the stitches are removed, tiny whiteheads may appear. The surgeon can remove the whiteheads with a very fine needle.
- Ectropion - this extremely rare complication is the pulling down of the lower lids. Further surgery may be required in order to correct this symptom.
Blepharoplasty Results
After the surgery
Blepharoplasty Results
Your doctor will probably put ointment in your eyes to keep them moist and cover them with cold compresses while you’re in the recovery room. Right after surgery, you may have blurry vision from the ointment and be sensitive to light. Your eyes may feel dry or watery.
It will help to put ice packs on your eyes and sleep with your head raised the first night after surgery. Your doctor will give you detailed instructions for taking care of yourself.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
If you are in good overall health, at least 30 years old, and have no other eye problems, you are likely a good candidate for blepharoplasty. If you’ve been diagnosed with health conditions, it doesn’t rule you out for eyelid surgery. However, you should talk to your eye doctor about your health history. Make sure to mention whether you have any of the following conditions:
- Eye diseases such as glaucoma, dry eye, and detached retina
- Thyroid diseases such as Graves’ disease, hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism
- Heart disease, high blood pressure, and other circulatory diseases
- Diabetes