Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)
Blepharoplasty also know as eyelid surgery, can rejuvenate puffy, sagging or tired-looking eyes by removing excess fat and skin and tightening the muscle of the upper and lower eyelids. This procedure is often performed on men and women alike and offers a younger, more refreshed look that reflects across the whole face.
It may be performed for cosmetic reasons or to improve sight by lifting droopy eyelids out of the patient’s field of vision. Several factors such as aging, sun damage, smoking, stretching and obesity can cause the eyelids to droop and sag as the supporting tissues deteriorate. This area is often one of the first to deteriorate, as the skin of the eyelid is thinner than the rest of the face. Eyelids that droop or bulge can cause people to appear much older or fatigued than they actually are.
Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) is now the most popular facial plastic surgery procedure after rhinoplasty. The popularity of this procedure reflects the importance of the eyes in perfecting overall appearance. In fact, two-thirds of adults consider the eyes to be the defining feature of the face. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your eyes, you may want to consider blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) to improve your look and boost your confidence through a safe procedure with minimal downtime.
Candidates
- Individuals who are in good overall health and who do not smoke or have any serious eye conditions
- If you have loose, sagging skin or puffy bags around your eyes
Procedure
- Patients may choose to have this procedure on their upper or lower eyelids, or both
- The procedure can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours
- If the upper eyelid is being treated, an incision is made along the natural crease of the eyelid. Once the incision is made, Dr. Sabini or Dr. McIntire may reposition fat pads, tighten muscles and tissue or remove excess skin in order to leave the eye looking younger and refreshed
- For the lower eyelid, the fat pad is repositioned and a type of resurfacing (chemical or laser) is used to tighten the skin. For some cases, an incision is made just below the lash line in order for excess skin to be removed.
- After the procedure is performed, the incisions are closed with sutures and ointment applied.
Recovery
- After the procedure, your surgeon may recommend applying lubricating ointment and cold compresses to aid the healing process and minimize side effects such as swelling, bruising, irritation or dry eyes.
- Patients can usually return to work within a week, but should avoid exercise and strenuous activities for at least two weeks.
- Swelling and other side effects usually subside within two weeks after surgery.
Results
- Results of a blepharoplasty procedure (eyelid surgery) are visible as swelling and bruising subside and will continue to improve for up to a year after surgery.
- This procedure is designed to produce long-lasting results.
- The scars from eyelid surgery are usually well concealed and will fade with time until they are virtually unnoticeable.
- The incision is hidden in the crease of the eyelid in an upper blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), and just below the lashes in a lower blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery).
Risks
- As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks associated with this procedure. Although rare, these risks include bleeding, infection, dry eyes, skin discoloration and an inability to fully close the eyes.
- Many of these risks can be minimized by choosing an experienced surgeon and following proper care instructions after surgery.
- You can discuss these risks, along with any other concerns you may have, with Dr. Sabini or Dr. McIntire to reduce anxiety and worries about your surgery.
