Eyelid Surgery

This procedure is called "Blepharoplasty", from the Greek words for "eyelid" and "to mold or shape". It involves an operation on the upper or lower eyelids to remove excess folds of skin and bags under the eyes and sometimes drooping of the eyebrows.

As we age, we accumulate unnecessary skin near the eyes, like an "awning". These changes can result in a tired or forlorn look, and many patients complain that others notice "bags under my eyes" or ask "if I'm tired even though I feel great". Some patients complain of an angry look or scowl due to heavy skin creases in the forehead or between the eyes. The tendency to wrinkling, particularly to have visible fullness or bags, may be inherited and may appear quite early in life. The excess skin can be removed and the resulting incisions are placed so as to be quite inconspicuous.

This surgery will make eyes look brighter, larger, and more rested by removing loose skin, stretched muscle, and excess fat. In some people this procedure will improve vision by removing the excessive skin of the upper eyelids which can hang down and interfere with peripheral vision. Eyes will look more youthful. The surgery of lower lids should smooth out bulges, take away fat bags from under eyes, and make the skin snugger. One will look rested, and people will see your face instead of focusing on your unsightly lower lids. The results tend to be long lasting. It is most common to have this surgery between ages 38 and 50.

The procedure is generally done in a hospital outpatient operating room. It is usually performed using local anaesthetic and intravenous sedation, or we can use general anaesthetic depending on individual preference and health factors.

For the upper lids, the surgeon makes the incision right in the upper lid skin crease above the eyelashes, so it is very well hidden. Excess skin is removed. The excess fat is removed as needed. The incision is sewn together with a very small suture and usually heals quickly with a very insignicant scar.

The same occurs for the lower lids. Here the surgeon can make an incision either right under the eyelashes or inside the lid so there is no skin incision. It depends on whether skin needs to be removed and other factors. In either case, the incision is very well hidden and again, fat is removed as needed.

Usually, the upper lid is operated on first, then the lower lid. Depending on the extent of the surgery, the procedure may last from one to two hours.

After the operation some soreness and discomfort may remain. Actual pain is rare. If pain is experienced, it should be mild and can easily be controlled with medication. One should rest quietly with head slightly elevated. Cold compresses may be applied to eyes to reduce post-operative swelling and bruising. Eyelids will be swollen and sore for about 5 days. Bruising varies greatly, from minor (gone in 7 days) in one person to major (traces lasting up to 15 days) in another. Eyes will be sensitive to light, wind and dust for 2 to 4 weeks. Upper lids may be irritated and teary for about 15 days. Contact lenses can not be worn for about 15 days. One should not use eye makeup for 7 to 10 days. Stitches will be removed by the surgeon 3 to 5 days after the operation, depending on the kind of stitches used.

Scars are a result of any kind of surgical procedure. The incisions are barely visible after several months as they are placed within the normal creases and folds of the upper and lower eyelids.

There will be some bruising and swelling of the area around the eyes, usually lasting several days. Other side effects may include temporarily blurred vision and/or excessive tearing for a short period following surgery. The upper lids may be numb for about 6 weeks, so that make up can't be put on without looking in the mirror. Also, eyelid scars feel firm and stiff. These scars soften quickly, but it will be about 6 weeks before they feel normal. In addition, a temporary problem with closure of the eyelids is usually seen. Complications such as bleeding, poor healing, and infection are extraordinarily rare. Complications can be minimized by closely following the surgeon's advice on follow-up care during the healing process. Just as in any surgical procedure, an element of risk exists to some degree, although the experience of thousands of successful eyelid operations performed each year discounts the need for undue concern.

Most people feel, look and are ready to work about one week after surgery. Begin exercises at the end of a week, but don't do bending or lifting. It will make eyes ache and swell. Sexual activities should be postponed for 10 days at least.

Before	After

Before	After

Copyright © 1998 - 2008 All rights reserved.
This web site designed & maintained by The Dogwood Mall