Eyelid surgery (also called blepharoplasty or eye lift) is one of the most popular cosmetic plastic surgeries. The area around eyes is rejuvenated by removing excess skin, re-positioning the fat, or tightening muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. Blepharoplasty improves “bags” (dark circles under the eyes) and corrects drooping or heavy upper eyelids. The eyes are the focal point of the face, and the purpose of this minimally invasive surgery is to provide a brighter and more youthful appearance. Eyelid surgery can also treat a medical condition called ptosis (drooping eyelid), which can be caused by poor muscle tone or nerve damage. Ptosis causes the eyelids to hang very low and block vision.

Blepharoplasty is often performed with other cosmetic surgeries such as a brow, cheek or face lift, as well as laser skin resurfacing to improve other signs of facial aging.Another type of blepharoplasty known as Asian eyelid surgery is gaining in popularity worldwide. This procedure, performed on Asians with a “single eyelid,” creates a crease where none exists.

Why Eyelid Surgery?

As we age, the skin loses its elasticity and excess skin forms in the eye area. Fatty tissue herniates out can accumulate under the skin. Your eyes will look older because these aging processes leave them appearing tired, wrinkled or puffy. Even with good skincare, wrinkles, puffiness and drooping eyelids will catch up to you. Genetic factors and certain facial features can cause these aging effects in younger people. Plastic surgery may restore a youthful and refreshed appearance to your eyes.

Is it Right for Me?

The best candidates for blepharoplasty are physically healthy, emotionally stable and well-informed about the procedure. Ideal candidates are typically at least 35, though genetic factors may indicate treatment for younger people. Candidates may be excluded if they have any of the following conditions: dry eyes, uncontrolled high blood pressure or diabetes, and Graves’ disease. Male blepharoplasty may not be as common as female blepharoplasty, yet it nonetheless remains a popular procedure.

The Blepharoplasty Procedure

Your surgeon will make incisions along the natural crease line of the upper eyelid and possibly along the outer lower rim of the eyelid. When removing fatty tissue (but not skin) the surgeon may perform a transconjunctival blepharoplasty with an incision inside the lower eyelid. These incisions often reach the outer corners of the eyes. The incisions normally heal very nicely leaving no visible scar. Excess skin is removed, the redundant fat is trimmed or transposed to hollow areas, and loose muscles and tendons are tightened. Eyelid surgery is often performed under local anesthesia — while you are sedated, numbed and awake — in an outpatient surgery center, surgeon’s office or hospital. General anesthesia is not necessary for eyelid surgery. Be sure to discuss the appropriate type of anesthesia with your doctor and the anesthesia provider.Depending on the extent of the procedure, time in surgery may be up to three hours. Patients return home typically within hours of the surgery.

After Surgery

Swelling and bruising is expected after the surgery. Usually, there is only very mild-to-moderate discomfort. Oral medications will help with pain and discomfort during your recovery, and an antibiotic will be prescribed to help prevent infection. Report any unmanageable pain to your doctor immediately.

You will receive a list of instructions to follow for several days, including:

the proper way to clean your eyes
use of cold compresses
use of lubricating eye drops
head elevation
no makeup
no alcohol
no television
no contact lenses
Stitches are removed about a week after surgery, or left to dissolve if absorbable sutures are used. Any bruising and swelling typically fades over the course of two-to-three weeks. Sunglasses and protective sun block are required for several weeks.Normal activities can resume after about 10 days, though strenuous activities such as lifting, bending and exercise can resume after about three weeks.