Eyelid Surgery / Blepharoplasty

Benefits of Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is the removal of excess skin and fat around the eyes. It can be performed on the upper or lower eyelids separately, on both at once, or alongside other procedures such as a facelift or brow lift. While it is impossible to repair every wrinkle around the eye, this is one of the most gratifying procedures our patients receive — a relatively short operation that lifts a tired, heavy appearance and opens the eyes.

It is worth knowing what eyelid surgery does not address: crow's feet lines, dark pigmentation of the lower eyelids, and drooping eyebrow skin are separate concerns treated in other ways. Results should last several years and can sometimes be permanent.

How Does Eyelid Surgery Work?

Blepharoplasty is performed on an outpatient basis and lasts roughly one to two hours, unless combined with another procedure such as a facelift or brow lift. Incisions are made after anesthetic is injected near the eyelid.

Upper Eyelid Surgery

The incision is placed in the natural crease of the eye, so it is concealed once healed, and excess skin and fat are removed to reveal more of the eyelid beneath.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

The incision is placed just below the lower lashes to address the fat and skin that create under-eye bags.

The Transconjunctival Approach

In certain cases lower eyelid surgery can be performed without a skin incision. Patients without notable skin sagging may have the incision made on the inside of the lower eyelid to reach the fat pads. This can eliminate the need to remove sutures and leaves no visible scar, though recovery time is similar to routine blepharoplasty.

Combining With Resurfacing

If there is wrinkling of the eyelid skin, a light chemical peel or laser resurfacing may be performed at the same time to address the surface texture that surgery alone does not.

Recovery + What to Expect

Expect swelling and bruising of the eyelids, and the eyes may even swell shut — ice compresses in the first 24 hours minimize this. Discoloration may last 10 to 14 days. Most patients return to work or attend social events in five to seven days, but strenuous exercise and alcohol should be avoided for three weeks, and contact lenses for ten days.

Risks + Considerations

Risks of complications are quite low but do exist. They include infection, bleeding, and unequal swelling and discoloration caused by bleeding. Dry eyes requiring prolonged use of artificial tears can occur. Temporary or permanent paralysis of the eyelids and weakness of the lower lids are possible, and visual impairment has occurred in rare cases. Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, or products containing them for at least two weeks before surgery. Tell your surgeon if you smoke or take any medications, vitamins, or other drugs.