Blepharoplasty
Overview
How blepharoplasty is doneOpen pop-up dialog box
Blepharoplasty (BLEF-uh-roe-plas-tee) is a type of surgery that removes excess skin from the eyelids. With age, eyelids stretch, and the muscles supporting them weaken. As a result, excess skin and fat can gather above and below your eyelids. This can cause sagging eyebrows, droopy upper lids and bags under the eyes.
Besides aging, severely sagging skin around the eyes can reduce side vision (peripheral vision), especially the upper and outer parts of the visual field. Blepharoplasty can reduce or get rid of these vision problems. The surgery can also make eyes look younger and more alert.
Learn how blepharoplasty is done and about the benefits and risk of the procedure.
Why it’s done
Blepharoplasty might be an option for:
- Baggy or droopy upper eyelids
- Excess skin of the upper eyelids that partially blocks peripheral vision
- Excess skin on the lower eyelids
- Bags under the eyes
Blepharoplasty can be done at the same time as another procedure, such as a brow lift, face-lift or skin resurfacing.
Insurance coverage might depend on whether the surgery repairs a condition that harms vision. Surgery only to improve appearance probably won’t be covered by insurance.
Before the procedure
Blepharoplasty is usually done in an outpatient setting. You might be given drugs such as injections into the eyelids to numb them and drugs through an IV to help you relax.
During the procedure
For upper eyelids, the surgeon cuts along the fold of the eyelid. The surgeon removes some excess skin, muscle and possibly fat. Then the surgeon closes the cut.
On the lower lid, the surgeon makes a cut just below the lashes in your eye’s natural crease or inside the lower lid. The surgeon removes or redistributes excess fat, muscle and sagging skin. Then the surgeon closes the cut.
If your upper eyelid droops close to your pupil, your surgeon may do blepharoplasty combined with a procedure called ptosis (TOE-sis). Ptosis is designed to lift the eyelid as well as remove excess eyelid skin.
After the procedure
After surgery you spend time in a recovery room where staff members monitor you for complications. You can leave later that day to heal at home.
After surgery you might temporarily have:
- Blurred vision from the lubricating ointment applied to your eyes
- Watering eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Double vision
- Puffy, numb eyelids
- Swelling and bruising similar to having black eyes
- Pain or discomfort
Take the following steps to help you recover from surgery unless your surgeon gives you different instructions.
Do:
- Use ice packs on your eyes for 10 minutes every hour the night after surgery. The following day, use ice packs on your eyes 4 to 5 times throughout the day.
- Use prescribed eye drops or ointments.
- Sleep with your head raised higher than your chest for a few days.
- Apply cool compresses to reduce swelling.
- Wear dark sunglasses to protect the skin of your eyelids from sun and wind.
- If needed, use acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) to control pain.
Don’t:
- Do anything strenuous for a week — no heavy lifting, swimming, jogging or aerobics.
- Rub your eyes.
- Wear contact lenses for about two weeks.
- Take aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve, others), naproxen (Naprosyn), and other drugs or herbal supplements that can increase bleeding.
As instructed, return to the care provider’s office to have stitches removed, if needed.
Seek medical attention immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- An unusual heart rate
- Severe new eye pain
- Bleeding
- Vision problems
Results
Many people who have blepharoplasty say they feel more self-confident and feel they look younger and more rested. For some people, surgery results may last a lifetime. For others, droopy eyelids can recur.
Bruising and swelling generally lessen slowly in about 10 to 14 days. Scars from the surgical cuts may take months to fade. Take care to protect your delicate eyelid skin from sun exposure.
FAQs
What is done in plastic surgery?
What is the difference between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery?
Cosmetic surgery is performed to reshape normal structures of the body in order to improve appearance and self-esteem. Cosmetic surgery is usually not covered by health insurance because it is elective.
Reconstructive surgery is performed on abnormal structures of the body caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors or disease. In general, reconstructive surgery is performed to improve function, but may also be completed to approximate a normal appearance.
Reconstructive surgery is typically covered by most health insurance policies, although coverage for specific procedures and levels of coverage may vary greatly.
If I have Botox or Restylane, how often would I need to repeat the injections?
Botox lasts about three to four months, and the treatment can be repeated as needed. When it wears off, you will begin to notice increased muscle action and some reformation of the wrinkles. It appears that with repeated use, the effect of Botox becomes longer lasting.
Restylane injections last for about six months, and can also be repeated as needed.
How do I know what size breast implant is right for me?
The decision is based on a number of factors, including the patient’s desires, reasons for the surgery and overall health.
For example, are you doing it because you feel your breasts are too small relative to your body contour or are you unhappy with the size and firmness of your breasts following pregnancy, breastfeeding or major weight loss? Unevenness between the breasts can also be a motivating factor. Your surgeon can help you make the right decision during your pre-surgical appointment(s).
Testimonials
Rajesh V
Patient of Hair Transplant
Excellent Guidance
Ankita Chatterjee
Paitent of Arm Lift
Awesome work!
Lokesh Sharma
Paitent of cosmetic surgery