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Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

As people age, the eyelid skin stretches, muscles weaken, and fat accumulates around the eyes, causing "bags" above and below. Blepharoplasty is a procedure to remove fat, excess skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. Eyelid surgery can correct drooping upper lids and puffy bags below your eyes - helping you look younger and more relaxed, and possibly improving your vision.

Planning your surgery

At your initial consultation with the surgeon we will need your complete medical history, including any allergies; if you're taking any vitamins, medications (prescription or over-the-counter), or other drugs; and if you smoke. In this consultation, your surgeon or a nurse will test your vision and assess your tear production. You should also provide any relevant information from your ophthalmologist or the record of your most recent eye exam. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, be sure to bring them along. You'll need to discuss whether to do all four eyelids or just the upper or lower ones, whether skin as well as fat will be removed, and whether any additional procedures are appropriate. Most insurance policies don't cover eyelid surgery, unless you can prove that drooping upper lids interfere with your vision.

Preparing for your surgery

The surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, and to help you out for a few days if needed.

The surgery

Blepharoplasty usually takes one to three hours, depending on the extent of the surgery.  In a typical procedure, the surgeon makes incisions following the natural lines of your eyelids; in the creases of your upper lids, and just below the lashes in the lower lids. The surgeon separates the skin from underlying fatty tissue and muscle, removes excess fat, and often trims sagging skin and muscle. The incisions are then closed with very fine sutures.  Stitches will be removed two days to a week after surgery.

Getting back to normal

You should be able to read or watch television after two or three days. Most people feel ready to go out in public (and back to work) in a week to 10 days. Your surgeon will probably tell you to keep your activities to a minimum for three to five days, and to avoid more strenuous activities for about three weeks.