Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty, or “eyelid lift” is designed to treat the upper and/or lower eyelid complex. Most commonly done for drooping and puffy eyelids, blepharoplasty can dramatically enhance the appearance of your eyelids and face within minimal downtime.
As we age, the supporting structures surrounding the eyes lose their strength and allow adipose tissue (fat) to come through areas of weakness in a thin wall called the orbital septum. This combined with excessive skin growth contributes to a tired appearance of the eye. Blepharoplasty helps to achieve a more youthful appearance by removing the excess fat, and by tightening the skin of the eyelid.
During your consultation, our Board-Certified Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons will discuss both the surgical and non-surgical options for rejuvenation of your eyelid complex. It is important to let us know if you have had any medical problems with your eyes (glaucoma, cataracts, dry eyes, chronic tearing, etc.).
This procedure can be done with local anesthesia and either “twilight” sedation or general anesthesia and is done on an outpatient basis. If you choose to have this surgery done in the office, local anesthesia with Xanax is typically used. When it is combined with other procedures, it is typically done under general anesthesia. In upper eyelid surgery, a thin incision is made within the skin crease of the eyelid. A small portion of the incision is also hidden with the crow’s feet. The excessive skin is trimmed, and a small portion of fat that has come through the orbital septum is removed.
In lower eyelid surgery, the incision can be completely within the inside of the eyelid, or just underneath the eyelash line, hidden also within a skin crease. Our Surgeons will discuss with you the right approach for your eyelids, given your anatomy, amount of fat that has come through your septum, as well as the amount of excessive skin you have. If your lower eyelid demonstrates a significant tear trough, we might suggest a fat repositioning procedure that can also help to rejuvenate the eyelid complex and add volume to areas that need it. In all instances, the sutures are removed within 5-7 days.
There is minimal pain and swelling associated with blepharoplasty. Antibiotics and eye drops are prescribed postoperatively. There is only minor bruising, and makeup can be typically worn 5 days after the sutures are removed. You might experience some itching and dryness for a few weeks, but this will come down quickly. You can expect to be back to work within a few days and be exercising fully within 3-4 weeks.
There are non-surgical and surgical alternatives to eyelid surgery and include both injectables (Botox Cosmetic®, Dysport®, Juvederm®, and Restylane®), and browlift surgery. Our Surgeons will discuss these options with you to see which is most appropriate for your facial features.