The eyes are the most expressive feature of the face, and the upper and lower eyelids have a large effect on the appearance of the eyes. Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is an effective procedure that has the potential to dramatically affect our facial appearance and make us look more youthful and rested.
Drooping eyelids, puffy eye bags, and dark circles under your eyes are common issues. They are often hereditary and part of the aging process. Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is designed to turn back the clock.
The procedure tightens or removes sagging skin around the eyes, resulting in a younger, well-rested look.
What is eyelid surgery?
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the eyelids.
Surgery can be performed on the upper lids, lower lids or both.
Whether you want to improve your appearance or are experiencing functional problems with your eyelids, eyelid surgery can rejuvenate the area surrounding your eyes.
Eyelid Surgery Candidates
If the eyelids are stretched, wrinkled, or baggy, the eyes can appear tired and older. Patients sometimes desire improvement in the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. Similarly, upper and lower blepharoplasty can be performed separately or together. These surgeries are designed to remove excess skin (wrinkling) and fat (puffiness) and lead to wider, brighter eyes, which convey youth and alertness and more accurately reflects one’s vigor and energy level. You may be a candidate for eyelid surgery if:
What eyelid surgery can treat
- Loose or sagging skin that creates folds or disturbs the natural contour of the upper eyelid, sometimes impairing vision
- Fatty deposits that appear as puffiness in the eyelids
- Bags under the eyes
- Drooping lower eyelids that reveal white below the iris
- Excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelid
You have excess skin or fat in the upper or lower eyelids
You have vision problems secondary to excessive skin on the upper eyelids
You have laxity of the lower eyelids and desire a tightening procedure
Eyelid surgery recovery
During your eyelid surgery recovery, lubricating ointment and cold compresses may be applied, and in some cases your eyes may be loosely covered with gauze, after your procedure is completed.
You will be given specific instructions that may include how to care for your eyes, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your overall health and when to follow-up with your plastic surgeon.
Initial healing may include some swelling, bruising, irritation, dry eyes and discomfort that can be controlled with medication, cold compresses and ointment. Irritation at the incision sites is also possible.
Be sure to ask your surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period.
Eyelid surgery results
The results of eyelid surgery will be long lasting. While there usually is little pain involved in this surgery, there can be swelling or bruising. Most patients are presentable to the public in 10-14 days. However, it may take a few months before final healing is completed.
While eyelid surgery can be expected to correct certain conditions permanently, you will continue to age naturally. Ongoing sun protection will help to maintain your results.