EYELID SURGERY

EYELID SURGERY

WHAT IS EYELID SURGERY?

Eyelid Surgery (or blephararoplasty) is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and sometimes muscle from the upper eyelid, the lower eyelid or both eyelids. Eyelid surgery can correct drooping upper lids and puffy bags below the eyes to restore a refreshed, youthful appearance.

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW?

Underlying fatty tissue that produces bagginess can be selectively removed or repositioned. Blepharoplasty can improve drooping skin and bagginess. It can help improve vision in older patients who have hooding of their upper eyelids. Blepharoplasty will not remove “crow’s feet” or other wrinkles, eliminate dark circles under the eyes, or lift sagging eyebrows that can be repaired with other procedures performed by the doctor.

WHAT DOES THE PROCEDURE INVOLVE?

Local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia may be used, depending on the extent of surgery. Upper eyelid surgery requires a tiny incision through the natural crease lines above eyelashes to trim excess skin and fat. Ultra-fine sutures close the area. Lower eyelid surgery often requires a tiny incision underneath the eyelashes to lift loose skin before it’s trimmed and sutured. Most procedures take between 45 and 90 minutes.

HOW LONG IS RECOVERY AND WHEN CAN I RESUME MY NORMAL ACTIVITIES?

Expect to apply cool compresses to the eye region for the first one to two hours following surgery, and check for bleeding. Sutures are typically removed after three days, and swelling usually lessens after 10 days, but bruising may last up to a month. Following surgery, keep the head elevated and avoid hanging it down for prolong periods of time. It may take two to three days to feel comfortable reading, working on the computer, and watching television. Avoid contact lenses for one to two weeks. Most patients go back to work within four to seven days, but sunglasses are recommended to shield from the temporary sunlight sensitivity often associated with this type of surgery.