Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

You may be a good candidate for eyelid surgery if you have any of the following:

• Excess skin that hides the natural fold of the upper eyelids
• Loose skin that hangs down from the upper eyelids
• Puffiness in the upper eyelids that creates a tired look
• Excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelids
• Puffy "bags" and, in some cases, dark circles on the lower eyelids

During your consultation, your plastic surgeon will assess your physical and emotional health and discuss your specific cosmetic goals for surgery. You should arrive at the consultation prepared to provide complete information about previous surgeries, past and current medical conditions, medications you are taking, and allergies, especially those that affect your eyes.

As part of the plastic surgery consultation, your surgeon will assess the amount of excess fat and skin in your eyelid areas, the position of your eyebrows, and the condition of the muscles around your eyelids. The surgeon also may suggest other cosmetic treatments to meet your goals. For example:

• A drooping brow can be tightened and smoothed with a forehead/brow lift.
• Crow's feet near the eyes can be minimized with a chemical peel, laser skin resurfacing, or Botox.
• Dark circles beneath the eyes that can't be helped by blepharoplasty can be treated with a chemical peel or laser treatment.

The specific method for your surgery will be determined by your features and your plastic surgeon's technique.

Upper eyelids
Typically, the incision begins within the natural crease of the eyes inside corner and extends slightly beyond the outside corner into the crow's feet or laugh lines. Through this incision, excess skin and fatty tissue are removed. The incision line follows the natural contour of the upper eyelid and almost imperceptible when healed.

Lower eyelids
Usually, the incision is concealed just below the lower lashes. Through this incision, excess skin and fat are removed. In some patients, the underlying muscle will be tightened.

Our physicians will sometimes recommend microneedling or laser resurfacing after surgery to optimize results.

When the date for your surgery has been set, your plastic surgeon will provide you with specific instructions for the days immediately before and after eyelid surgery. A number of points may be covered, including:

• Avoiding certain medications that may complicate surgery or recovery
• Stopping smoking for a period of time before and after surgery
• Arranging for help and special care following surgery

Most commonly, general anesthesia is used on patients undergoing eyelid surgery. If a small revision is needed, local anesthesia can sometimes be used. With either one, you'll remain comfortable throughout the procedure. Your anesthesiologist will monitor you closely throughout the operation and during recovery.

When surgery is complete, you will be taken to a recovery area in our fully state licensed operating suite. You may experience any of the following:

• Blurred vision – This temporary condition is caused by the ointment that may have been applied to lubricate and protect the eyes.
• Tightness around the eyes – This sensation will diminish once the swelling goes down.
• Discomfort – This is common after any type of operation. It can be controlled with pain medication prescribed by your physician.
• Bruising and swelling – The amount and duration of bruising and swelling varies greatly among individuals. You can use makeup to help you hide the effects of surgery until the bruising and swelling lessen.

Although everyone heals at a different pace, you can expect that your recovery will follow this general timeline.