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COSMETIC SURGERY
PROCEDURES
COSMETIC SURGERY PROCEDURES
EYELID SURGERY / Blepharoplasty
PHOTOS · DETAILS · PROCEDURE · RECOVERY · FAQs
BEFORE & AFTER PHOTOS
Many adults request eyelid surgery to correct problems that result from aging, or from heredity. Also called blepharoplasty, cosmetic eyelid surgery is performed on the upper or lower eyelids, with the goal of restoring firmness to the eye area. The result provides the appearance of being better rested and more alert.
Some of the problems that eyelid surgery can help include:
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Loose skin that hangs down from the upper eyelid. This skin may hide the natural contour of the upper eyelid, or impair vision. |
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Puffiness in the upper eyelids caused by fatty deposits. |
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Bags and dark circles under the eyes. |
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Droopiness in the lower eyelids that pull down and reveal the white below the iris. |
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Excess skin and wrinkles of the lower eyelid |
During upper eyelid surgery, an incision will be made within the natural fold of the upper eyelid. This will allow the surgeon to remove excess skin, muscle and fatty tissue. Because the incision in made in the fold, it will be hidden and the incision mark will not show.
When operating on the lower lid, an incision is made in the area just below the lower lash line, so that the mark will be hidden. Excess skin and fatty tissue are removed through the incision. Sometimes the fat will be redistributed to eliminate bulging or puffiness. Laser resurfacing may be used to smooth the lower lid skin.
After your surgery, you will experience swelling and bruising. These usually subside within 7 – 10 days. Your vision may be blurry for a few days. Some people have sensitivity to light, eye dryness, burning or itching. In general, you can expect this discomfort to subside within two weeks. In about 1 – 3 months, you can expect the final results of a more rested and refreshed look. The incision lines will continue to become less visible over a period of about one year.
Why Blepharoplasty?
As we age, excess skin forms in the eye area and the skin loses elasticity. Fatty tissue can accumulate under the skin. Your eyes will "look older" because these aging processes leave the eyes appearing tired, wrinkled, or puffy. Even with a good skincare and eyecare regimen, wrinkles, puffiness, and drooping eyelids will catch up to you. Genetic factors and body chemistry can cause these aging effects in younger people. Plastic surgery may restore a youthful and refreshed appearance to your eyes.
Is Blepharoplasty 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 (although genetic factors may indicate treatment for younger patients). Candidates may be excluded if they suffer from any of the following conditions: dry eyes, high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, glaucoma, or Graves' disease. Personal anatomy issues, including bone and supporting structure, may also affect your candidacy.
Are there Complications or Risks associated with Blepharoplasty?
Following surgery, patients may experience tearing, itchy, burning eyes, dry eyes, light sensitivity, and blurred or double vision, which can persist for several days. These complications can be relieved with lubricating eye drops. There will also be some swelling around the eyes. Scarring is another possible complication. Sometimes patients will have difficulty closing their eyes when asleep: although very uncommon, this complication can be permanent. The lower lids may appear to be pulled down: this rare condition, called ectropion, may require additional surgery. There also may be some asymmetry to the eyes.
As with any surgery, there is risk of complications related to infection or reaction to anesthesia. You can avoid most complications by selecting the right plastic surgeon and following pre- and postoperative instructions. With proper precautions by the surgical team, complications are typically minimized or prevented. During consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon and ophthalmologist, your medical history and vision will be evaluated to assess candidacy and risks.