Blepharoplasty Overview

Blepharoplasty corrects droopy, puffy, or wrinkled upper and/or lower eyelids by removing excess fat, skin, and muscle. The remaining skin is redraped to create a more rested and youthful appearance.

Blepharoplasty may also be performed to improve visual fields that are impaired by excess upper eyelid skin.

Time Required

Blepharoplasty surgery time can last for about 1 to 3 hours.

Side Effects

Blepharoplasty side effects can include temporary discomfort, swelling, bruising; Temporary dryness, burning, itching, and watering of eyes; Excessive sensitivity to light for first few weeks.

Risks

All surgical procedures carry a risk of infection, bleeding, or reaction to anesthesia. Specific Blepharoplasty risks can include:

• Difficulty in closing eyes completely (rarely permanent).
• Damage to eyeball's surface or surrounding muscle.
• Excessive swelling of lower eyelid, resulting in lid being tugged away from eye - condition should correct itself, but may require a second operation.
• Glaucoma and subsequent need for assistance of eye specialist.

Results Duration

Blepharoplasty results can last for several years, often about 5-10, or permanently.

Recovery

Sutures usually removed within about 4-6 days of surgery

Some minor discomfort will be felt temporarily, but can be alleviated with oral pain medication

After blepharoplasty, recovery from bruising and swelling should take about 1-2 weeks

Some sensitivity to light will be apparent after the surgery, but should also fade over the course of a week or two

Application of eye makeup can be resumed about 4-6 days after surgery, after sutures are removed

Patients who wear contact lenses can usually return to using them about 7-10 days after surgery, depending on personal comfort level

Discomfort Level

After the blepharoplasty, pain and discomfort may be felt minimally, but if eyeball pain persists for more than several hours, the surgical staff should be contacted. The persistence of other mild discomfort after blepharoplasty is normal, and should only last for a few days.

Anesthesia

Blepharoplasty anesthesia of choice is usually local with sedation. In some cases, general anesthesia may be used.

Inpatient/Outpatient

Outpatient.

Can be combined with

For more enhanced results, blepharoplasty may be combined with:

• Forehead Lift
• Facelift
• Laser Skin Resurfacing

Blepharoplasty also known as

The medical term is blepharoplasty, but this procedure is often referred to as eyelid surgery, eyelid lift, or eyelid rejuvenation.