What is blepharoplasty?
How is the blepharoplasty surgery performed?
Is there much scarring with a blepharoplasty?
Will a blepharoplasty rid me of my eye wrinkles?
What should I expect postoperatively?
When will my stitches be taken out?
When will I be able to see the results after blepharoplasty surgery?
What are the risks of blepharoplasty?
What is blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty, or cosmetic eyelid surgery, is designed to remove excess fat and skin from the upper and lower eyelids. The term blepharoplasty can apply to both upper and lower lids, while the term canthopexy is used for surgery to the lower lids. On some people, their upper eyelids look as if they have disappeared within the herniated fat above their eye. Herniated fat is fat that has sagged out of place. Blepharoplasty is a very common surgery that can correct this and help make you look younger and more alert.
For some people, a blepharoplasty can improve vision if a sagging upper lid, or the skin on top of the lid is drooping down and obstructing the eyes. However, most blepharoplasty procedures are done strictly to give a more youthful appearance.
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How is the blepharoplasty surgery performed?
Blepharoplasty is usually performed using local anesthesia and mild sedation. The incisions are made within the natural creases of the eyelids. Your surgeon removes the herniated fat and excess skin and then redrapes the skin to give a more youthful look. He or she then closes the incision with very fine sutures.
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Is there much scarring with a blepharoplasty?
Incisions in most eyelid surgeries are made within the natural creases or folds of the eyelid and are thus disguised. Scars are usually quite minimal and can be practically nonexistent after several months. In some types of surgery on the lower lids, the incision is made on the inside of the eyelid. However, some people—especially smokers—do not heal as well and scars on them may be more prominent.
Will a blepharoplasty rid me of my eye wrinkles?
A blepharoplasty is not designed to remove the wrinkles at the outer corners of the eyes (crow's feet) or sagging brows. It is designed to remove the excess skin and herniated fat from the upper and lower lid areas only. There are other procedures available that are specific to eye wrinkles—such as a brow lift, a facelift or skin resurfacing.
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What should I expect postoperatively?
You will probably have some swelling and bruising around the eye. Your eyelids may feel tight and sore as the anesthesia wears off, but you should be able to control any discomfort with pain relievers. Your vision may be a little blurry for the first few days due to the swelling, and your eyes may be watery or may be dry and may be sensitive to light. Most surgeons will prescribe eye drops for you to use on a regular basis for the first few days. You should not use any eye makeup until your doctor says you can.
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When will my stitches be taken out?
Sutures are normally removed within 3 to 5 days after blepharoplasty surgery.
When will I be able to see the results after blepharoplasty surgery?
You will be able to see a definite difference after the swelling goes down, which can take a few days.
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What are the risks of blepharoplasty?
There are risks with any surgical procedure, and blepharoplasty is no exception. For specific information on the risks associated with this surgery, please visit our section on Blepharoplasty Risks.
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