Eyelid Surgery

Introduction

Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is surgical procedure used to reshape the upper and lower eyelids, removing fat, excess skin and muscle that has lost its elasticity or has become puffy. Patients are usually men and women over 35, although some patients are younger. Typically, younger patients have inherited traits that cause the skin around the eyes to be loose or baggy. The most common reasons for having the surgery are to lift sagging upper eyelids, remove bags under the eyes, and open up the eye area that has become obstructed by excess skin. It is important to note that the procedure does not change the overall shape of your eye or remove dark circles or crow's feet. The procedure will not change the appearance of the rest of your facial features, so it is important that you discuss your expectations with your surgeon prior to the surgery. Oftentimes, surgically elevating your eyebrows may be necessary to get the full effect.

Ideal Candidates

Ideal candidates for eyelid surgery are men or women who are in good health who wish to improve the appearance of their eyes. Additionally, eyelid surgery patients may be older people whose vision has become obstructed by sagging skin.

How It's Done

The procedure requires local or general anesthesia, depending on the patient. Surgery takes approximately 90 minutes depending on the areas to be treated. The procedure can be done alone or in conjunction with other procedures such as laser resurfacing, brow lift or face lift. If the procedure is done with other treatments, additional operating and recovery time will apply.

After you are sedated, the doctor makes a small semi-circular incision along the eyelid crease for the upper eyelid, or inside the lash line for the lower lid (this is called the transcutaneous technique). The excess skin, fat and muscle are removed from the area. Small sutures are used to close the incision. The sutures are left in for three to six days. The incision line on the lids fade in the weeks following surgery.

After the procedure, you will remain in the recovery area for approximately an hour before being released.

Recovery

You should expect to have some bruising and swelling of the eye area after surgery and will require a ride home. You may elect to have a family member or friend spend the night, as your vision may be impaired due to swelling and drainage for the first 24 to 48 hours.

Your surgeon will prescribe pain medications for any discomfort, and eye drops will be recommended in case you experience dry eyes. You should have ice packs available to use at home after surgery to help with swelling. Some discharge may occur around the incisions, which can be swabbed with water and a soft, clean towel or gauze.

You should plan to take two to three days off work, and refrain from driving until the initial swelling has subsided. Of course, you should report any changes in vision to your doctor immediately.

Full recovery is expected within two to three weeks, and you will be back to normal after three weeks. You should not engage in exercise or strenuous activity until the end of the three-week recovery period.