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Blepharoplasty

Information about Eyelid Surgery or Blepharoplasty Procedure

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic plastic surgery that corrects sagging, or drooping eyelids as well as bags and bulges around the eyes. Conditions developed as a result of laxity of the eyelid skin and protrusion of fat around the eyes, and which in some cases may impair vision. The operation consists in removing excess skin, fat, or muscle from the upper and lower eyelids by excision or occasionally by laser resurfacing.

This surgery is not limited to older patients, as many individuals inherit a predisposition toward development of fat pouches at an early age.

Nevertheless persons may be excluded if they suffer from any of the following conditions: dry eye, hypothyroidism, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, glaucoma, or Graves' disease. A previous check with the ophthalmologist is advised.

The procedure

Typically, incisions are made following the natural line creases of the upper eyelid and possibly along the outer lower rim of the eye's skin. This procedure keeps the resulting scars as invisible as possible. Working through these incisions, the surgeon separates the skin from underlying fatty tissue and muscle, in order excess skin, fat, or muscle can be removed enhancing the eyes appearance. Ending, the incisions are closed with very fine sutures, which smoothly self-dissolve.

Other cases: If you have a pocket of fat beneath your lower eyelids but don't need to have any skin removed, your surgeon may perform a transconjunctival blepharoplasty. In this procedure the incision is made inside your lower eyelid, leaving no visible scar. It is usually performed on younger patients with thicker, more elastic skin.

Anesthesia: Usually locally with sedation or general. The surgeon and the anesthesia provider will propose the appropriate type of anesthesia depending on the procedure.

Length: One to three hours, according to the complexity of the case.

After the surgery

When the surgery ends, the eyes are lubricated with ointment and a bandage is applied.  The  eyelids may be felt tight and sore at first, normal effect which can be controlled with oral medications the surgeon can prescribe, apart from antibiotics given to prevent the infection. For the first few weeks you may also experience excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, and temporary changes in your eyesight, such as blurring or double vision.

Once the stitches are out, to follow the surgeon instructions is the most wise behavior. Some of them involve: be conscious of keeping elevated the head several days, reduce the swelling and bruising with cold compresses, use recommended eyedrops to lubricate the eyes, clean the eyes as indicated,  avoid makeup, alcohol, television, contact lenses, use sun glasses, and others.

Returning to Normal Routine

The patient is usually able to read or watch television after two or three days. Contact lenses must not be dressed in for about two weeks, after that they may appear uncomfortable for a while.

The specialist would advise to remain out of activities for a minimum of three to five days, and to avoid more strenuous activities for about three weeks. It is particularly imperative to avoid activities that raise blood pressure, including bending, lifting, and rigorous sports.

The scars heal fast and in few months are almost invisible. Although, in about 2 or 6 weeks, the results of the surgery are more than evident.

What are the possible side-effects and complications?

The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although this operation doesn’t have practically any type of side-effects some of the risks and potential complications that can occur are infection, fluid accumulation, changes in skin sensation, skin discoloration and/or swelling, etc

What can be expected of the blepharoplasty?

• It rejuvenates and refreshes the look, by eliminating features that give the look an aged and tired appearance, such as the excess skin in the 'drooping' upper eyelids or the 'bags' beneath the eyes.
• It improves the sight by correcting interferences that take place when the upper eyelids hang too much.
• It removes lumps that come from the fat accumulation inside the eyelids.
• If it is performed in combination with a Facelift, the look is provided with a complete illuminating effect, improving dramatically its appearance.

What can NOT be expected of the blepharoplasty?

• Eliminating crow’s feet or dark circles under the eyes.
• Lifting eyebrows or changing their shape. To obtain this, the patient should submit to a Brow Lift in combination with the blepharoplasty procedure.

Last Update: 06/26/2012
Note: This information is directed to support and not to replace your doctor opinion.
Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee the exact same result as the pictures below, since it varies depending on the patient.

Before and After Photos