Blepharoplasty: What It Is and What to Expect

Drooping eyelids can not only obscure vision, it can also lead to a poor self image. Eyelid surgery, also known as a Blepharoplasty, is performed on men and women who want to improve their facial appearance.

Eyelid surgery is a very common and safe procedure. In fact, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, blepharoplasties accounted for more than 200,000 procedures in 2009.

Candidates for eyelid reconstruction include elderly patients with sagging skin due to geriatric conditions or younger individuals born with excess eyelid skin.

Occasionally and particularly with older patients, eyelid surgery might have to be performed more than once over the course of the patients life. For most patients however, eyelid surgery cures or corrects most conditions permanently.

What can you expect?

The surgery may take up to three hours if both the upper and lower lids are being changed. It can take as little as an hour and a half if only one lid is reconstructed. The surgery is usually performed in an office setting under general anesthesia. The procedure itself entails small incisions along the eyelid crease to remove excess skin, muscle and fat from the upper and lower lids.

By removing the excess skin and tissue, the end result of a Blepharoplasty is more youthful appearance around the eyes. It enhances the appearance around the eyes by removing bags, circles, and puffiness.

As with any surgical procedure, there will be some swelling and discoloration as part of the recovery process. Recovery usually involves topical ointments as well as cold-compresses. The final results of the surgery will become apparent after two weeks, although incision lines can remain for up to a year. Sometimes, gauze or other dressing will be required in the first days after the surgery and pain will likely be managed by prescription or over the counter medication.

Choosing the right surgeon is paramount when considering any elective surgery. Look for credentials, such as board certification, as well as transparency. The more information on the doctor, the better decision you can make.