Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Procedures Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Eyelid surgery, or Blepharoplasty, is an operation that corrects sagging or drooping eyelids as well as bags and bulges around the eyes. These conditions develop as a result of laxity of the eyelid skin and protrusion of fat around the eyes. It is not limited to older patients, as many individuals inherit a predisposition toward development of fat pouches at an early age. Excess skin is treated by excision or occasionally by laser resurfacing. If excess fat is present, it can be removed simultaneously. Care must be taken to not remove excessive amounts of fat to avoid a hollowing appearance with increasing age of the patient.
Eyelid Surgery Summary
Candidate & Age
Surgical correction is appropriate for all age groups. The age range for eyelid surgery is wide because of the various factors that predispose to the condition. Younger patients who have surgery usually have it because of an inherited condition in which the fat deposits push against a retaining wall (orbital septum) that normally prevents prolapse of fat resulting in early bulging above or below the eyes. Older patients generally seek surgery because of sagging of the eyelid skin, but can also have bulging fat.
In some cases, patients seek surgery because their drooping eyelids interfere with their vision. If the vision is severely impaired by hanging skin, insurance may cover a portion of the surgical cost. A test known as a visual field exam is typically performed to check the extent of visual impairment for insurance purposes.
How is the procedure performed? (Upper and Lower Eyelid)
The operation is begun on the upper eyelids by making incisions in the natural crease region of the lid and removing the excess tissue above this incision. The location of the incisions, coupled with the excellent healing ability of the eyelid skin, almost always results in scars that are difficult, if not impossible, to see with the passage of time.
The lower eyelidWhen the problem in the lower lid is primarily the bulging of fat, without excess skin, the lower lid blepharoplasty is conveniently carried out through an incision made inside the lower eyelid, thus eliminating all visible scarring. If significant laxity exists in the lower eyelid skin and muscle a traditional lower eyelid blepharoplasty by means of excising excess tissue from an incision along the lash line is another option that may be indicated.
Recovery and Results:
Eyelid surgery is almost always an outpatient procedure. Patients apply iced compresses during the day of surgery to minimize swelling. No other dressings are required. Sutures are absorbable and require no removal. Make-up can be worn within three days of surgery if necessary but one week is preferable.
Post-Op Instructions
To ensure the best results and reduce swelling, please follow these instructions
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Cold Compresses: Patients apply iced compresses during the day of surgery to minimize swelling. -
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Make-up: Make-up can be worn within three days of surgery if necessary but one week is preferable. -
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Daily Activity: Most patients can return to near normal activity within a very few days of their surgery. -
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Sunglasses: Bruising and swelling are usually easily camouflaged by sunglasses.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it performed in a hospital?
Yes, Eyelid surgery is almost always an outpatient procedure in the hospital.
Are there visible scars?
The location of the incisions almost always results in scars that are difficult, if not impossible, to see.
Does sagging affect vision?
Yes, in some cases drooping eyelids interfere with their vision.
When can I return to work?
Most patients can return to near normal activity within a very few days.
Do sutures need removal?
No, sutures are absorbable and require no removal.
