Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to rejuvenate the eyelids by removing the excess fat and skin from the upper and lower eyelids. It is the second most common cosmetic procedure performed, with approximately 50,000 people having the procedure in the United States each year.

The main purpose of a blepharoplasty is to establish a more youthful and refreshed appearance. As we age, we tend to accumulate extra skin and fat at the upper and lower lids respectively. By removing this redundant tissue, blepharoplasty “opens up” the eyes and gives the face a fresher, brighter, and more youthful and rested appearance.

Eyelid surgery is very successful in patients who have been properly educated and have realistic expectations. Overhanging tissue of the upper eyelids and bulging fat pads from the lower eyelids can consistently be removed.

No, the blepharoplasty surgery will not be able to achieve all of this. As the skin tightens, many wrinkles go away. Some fine lines may persist. Dark circles under the eyes may improve, but most often the dark appearance of the lower eyelid (tear troughs) remains.

A natural part of the aging process is the development of wrinkles, and excess fat, often around the eyes. Skin around the eyes also becomes less elastic, resulting in droopy eyelid skin. Sometimes this happens at an early age. If you are having these symptoms, or simply do not like the way your eyelids appear, you may be a candidate for a blepharoplasty.

Yes. It should be noted that a significant number of men and women of all ages elect to have blepharoplasty to achieve a more youthful look and for more comfortable positioning of the eyelid skin.

You’ll need to arrange for another person to drive you home after your surgery. You should also have someone stay with you the night of the procedure. Expect and plan to stay home from work and limit your activities for several days after surgery while your eyelids heal. Some people have dry eyes after surgery, but that rarely lasts more than 2 weeks. At home, you should have the following items ready: • Ice pack (or you can use freezer bags filled with ice, frozen corn, or peas) • Small gauze pads • Eye drops or artificial tears (ask us to recommend the proper type to meet your particular needs) • Clean washcloths and towels • Over-the-counter painkillers

After surgery you’ll 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