Blepharoplasty is a common cosmetic surgery of the eyelids that is used to remove excess skin, fat, or muscle from drooping upper and lower eyelids.
The blepharoplasty surgery may be considered by patients who would like to improve the appearance of their eyes. As people age, excess fat tissue can accumulate under the eyelids, causing the eyes to look puffy and droop. This can result in a person looking older than they actually are.
Patients with medical reasons would also potentially benefit from the procedure. The drooping of the eyelids may become so severe that vision is impaired, creating the need for surgery. Blepharoplasty may be required by patients who suffer from ptosis, a condition that causes the eyelids to sag due to poor muscle tone or nerve damage. When the drooping eyelids become so severe that vision is impaired or blocked, it is time for the surgery. Oftentimes, the surgery is also performed for cosmetic reasons and can be performed in conjunction with a brow lift or a facelift to improve one’s overall appearance.
Benefits of the surgery include a more toned, youthful appearance of the eyes. For those who had impaired vision due to the drooping eyelids, vision will be greatly improved. The procedure is done on an outpatient basis. Incisions are made along the creases of the upper eyelid. The surgeon then separates the muscle and the fatty tissue from the skin, allowing the muscle, tissue, or excess skin to be removed. Anesthesia is used so that the patient is not in pain during the surgery. Anesthesia may be administered locally, where the patient is numbed and awake during the surgery, or generally, where the patient is asleep during the procedure. The surgeon will determine the best type of anesthesia to be used.
After surgery, the eyes will be covered with bandages to protect them and allow the eyelids to heal. Oral pain medication can be taken as needed. Patients can return to work after seven to ten days, though patients should not participate in any strenuous activities for about three weeks.
