Blepharoplasty

Baggy eyelids contribute to the “tired look” many of us eventually see when we look in the mirror. Excess skin and bulges of the upper and lower eyelids develop because of the normal aging process and/or hereditary factors. Bags of the upper and lower eyelids are generally caused by herniations of fatty tissue
around the eyes.

Blepharoplasty is the procedure that can reduce excess fat and skin from the upper and/or lower eyelids. Upper lid surgery is usually performed at the same time as lower lid surgery, but either may be done as an isolated procedure. Frequently, this surgery is performed at the same time as a face-lift, forehead lift, mid-face lift, brow lift, or other procedures. This surgery is designed to give the patient a rested and refreshed appearance.

When Should I Consider Blepharoplasty?

The excess (overhanging) skin and/or fat herniation (puffiness) can occur at a relatively young age (20-30 yrs.) as well as in older persons. The droopy, puffy, tired look that is not relieved by rest can be treated whenever it becomes a permanent problem. There is usually little reason to wait if you are in good health.

The Blepharoplasty Surgery

After the combined use of “twilight” and local anesthesia, incisions are made in the folds of skin of the upper eyelids and/or a few millimeters below the lashes of the lower eyelids or hidden behind the lower eyelid.

Small pouches of fat may be repositioned or removed; excess skin may also be removed except with the transconjunctival (behind the lower eyelid) approach. The incisions are usually closed with delicate absorbable sutures. If the transconjunctival lower lid approach is selected, sutures are usually not used.
Eyelid procedures are usually done on an outpatient basis at the clinic outpatient surgical facility.

Recovering from Blepharoplasty Surgery

After surgery, no dressings are required. Most patients have amnesia of the procedure if “twilight” sedation is used and have little or no discomfort associated with the surgery or recovery period.

There are varying degrees of swelling and discoloration after surgery, but it is usually minimal and most (but not all) subsides over the following seven to ten days. You may usually return to light work or social functions after one week. The incision lines may be firm and somewhat pink while the body is going through the natural maturation process; because the eyelid skin is very thin, it may pull somewhat during this time.

Because the skin at the outer areas of the eyelids is thicker, it may take a little longer for that area to soften and flatten out. Make-up can usually be used to camouflage the thread-thin scars and any residual discoloration after one week. The lines gradually blend with surrounding tissue and are usually visible only by close examination.

As with any surgery it may take a year, occasionally longer, for the healing process to complete.