shutterstock_2510506847 (002)_edited.jpg

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.

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

Who Is a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?

If you are in good overall health, at least 30 years old, and have no other eye problems, you are likely a good candidate for blepharoplasty. If you've been diagnosed with health conditions, it doesn't rule you out for eyelid surgery. However, you should talk to your eye doctor about your health history. Make sure to mention whether you have any of the following conditions:

Eye diseases such as glaucoma, dry eye, and detached retina
Thyroid diseases such as Graves’ disease, hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism
Heart disease, high blood pressure, and other circulatory diseases
Diabetes

Types of Blepharoplasty

There are two main types of blepharoplasty: upper eyelid blepharoplasty and lower eyelid blepharoplasty. Let’s take a look at both.

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty

This is one of the most common procedures that surgeons perform on the face. It’s done to improve your appearance, to help you see better, or both. During upper eyelid surgery, your surgeon will remove your drooping eyelid skin and excess fat, and if necessary, repair the muscles that help open your eyes.

Your surgeon may recommend a brow lift be performed at the same time for a couple of reasons:

A drooping brow may be the cause of your drooping eyelids.
A brow lift may reduce the amount of upper eyelid skin that needs to be removed.

Lower eyelid blepharoplasty

A very common surgery, lower eyelid blepharoplasty involves moving or removing what are called fat pads. These can form under your eyes, creating bags and circles. The procedure also includes the removal of excess skin and strengthening of muscles and tendons. While you’re still under anesthesia, your surgeon may perform an additional procedure that will help maintain the long-term results of your blepharoplasty. This procedure will be one of the following:

Canthoplasty. In this procedure, your surgeon tightens the muscles, tendons, and ligaments around the outer corners of your eyes, where your upper and lower eyelids meet, called the canthus.
Canthopexy. In this less complex procedure, your surgeon tightens the outer corner of your eyes with invisible stitches, leaving your muscles and tendons untouched.

If you need both upper and lower eyelid surgery, your surgeon may be able to perform them together.

Eyelid Lift Surgery: Procedure and Care

Eyelid surgery will take place in a hospital.

The surgeon will ensure you are comfortable during the procedure by using anesthesia. A general anesthesia puts you in a deep sleep for the surgery. Local anesthesia numbs the area of surgery so the person feels no pain. Sedative medications allow the patient to remain awake but relaxed.

The procedure itself takes several hours. Immediately afterward, the surgeon may apply tiny sterile bandages to the area. The eyes may not need to be covered, but the surgeon may use an ointment to prevent the area from drying.

Afterward, the person may notice that the eyelids feel tight or sore. The eyes may feel sticky, dry or itchy for a week or more. Bruising and swelling are normal, and cold compresses can help, along with prescribed pain medications and in some cases, eye drops.

The surgeon may recommend that the person elevate his or her head while sleeping or lying down to enhance healing and relieve discomfort.

Expect and plan to stay home from work and limit your activities for several days after surgery while your eyelids heal. Some people have dry eyes after surgery, but that rarely lasts more than 2 weeks.