Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty is plastic surgery of the eyelids to restore the natural beauty of your eyes. In this common procedure, excess skin and fatty tissue are removed from around the eyes. Drooping eyebrows can also be corrected at the same time.

Why is blepharoplasty performed?Blepharoplasty is a common procedure for both men and women. Tired sagging eyes can have a negative effect on appearance and one's self esteem.

Blepharoplasty can be done to improve both visual function and cosmetic appearance. Excessive upper eyelid tissue can block the upper field of vision. Correction of overhanging skin folds will improve the function of the upper eyelid and peripheral vision. Even if vision is not affected, blepharoplasty may be performed to improve a sagging, tired appearance.

What causes the excess eyelid tissue to form?

Due to the effects of the sun, diet, pollutants, gravity, heredity, and poor skin care, the skin around the eyes begins to loosen and relax. Over time, sagging occurs from the force of gravity pulling on the eyelid tissue. Changes also occur in the fatty tissue located just beneath the skin. These normally firm fat pads begin to protrude, causing bulges or "bags" to form under the eyes.

Sagging, drooping eyelids can interfere with vision and appearance. Removing the sag can improve vision and dramatically change a person's appearance, making them look younger and more energetic.

What are the symptoms that indicate blepharoplasty is needed?

In addition to changes in appearance and a limited field of vision, excess eyelid tissue can also cause physical discomfort. The weight of the excess eyelid tissue may cause brow ache and fatigue. In some cases, excess skin may cause the eyelashes to turn in and irritate the eye.

How is blepharoplasty performed?

Excess skin and fatty tissue are removed from around the eyes. Upper and lower incision lines are marked along the natural skin folds of the eyelids. The fine incisions made are hidden in the natural skin folds or lash lines of the eyelids and are almost invisible during healing. In come cases, with surgery of the lower eyelids, an incision is made on the underside of the eyelid so it is completely invisible during healing.

Incision lines are made on the underside of the eyelid or hidden in the natural skin folds so they are hardly visible during healing. After healing, they are virtually unnoticeable.

Blepharoplasty is usually performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia, depending on the amount of reconstruction needed, the patient's preference, and health.

Quiet rest with the head elevated is usually recommended after surgery to relieve any soreness and discomfort. Cold compresses may be applied to reduce swelling and bruising which may last several days. You will need to clean the area around the eye during healing and in some cases eye drops may be recommended.

Where fine sutures are used they either dissolve on their own or are removed a few days after surgery. Temporary blurred vision and excessive tearing may also be experienced after the procedure.

What are the results of blepharoplasty?

The results of plastic eyelid surgery can be quite dramatic. However, the final outcome depends on many factors including the extent of reconstructive work required, the patient's skin structure and age, and the healing process.

Before and after photos:

Before and After MaleBefore Surgery FemaleAfter Surgery Female Before and After

Expected benefits and possible complications should be discussed with the doctor prior to having surgery. Incision lines, which are hidden in the natural skin folds (upper lids), may initally appear as small red marks which fade over time. Ultimately, the fine hairline scars become virtually unnoticeable. In most cases, blepharoplasty can sucessfully improve visual function and physical appearance.