Eyelid Surgery Blepharoplasty

Eyelid surgery is performed on adults of any age to correct problems associated to aging or to receive treatment for inherited traits. People that may be a good candidate for eyelid surgery might have excess skin obscuring the natural fold of the upper eyelids, loose skin hanging down from the upper eyelids and possibly impairing vision, a puffy appearance to the upper eyelids that make the eyes look tired, excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelids, bags and dark circles under the eyes that are often with a depression along the bony border of the lower eyelids, or droopiness of the lower eyelids that show the white below the iris. Eyelid surgery can normally fix these types of problems, but sometimes an eyelid surgery may be needed in combination with another treatment.

Recovery time for eyelid surgery will vary amongst different individuals. Directly following your surgery, you should rest with your head elevated and may be instructed to apply a cold compress to your eyelids. A tight sensation and mild discomfort will result from the surgery, as well as swelling and bruising. Typically the bruising and swelling disappears within 7-10 days, but some patients will find that it is more persistent. Vision may appear blurry for a few days, and an increased sensitivity to lights. Either tearing or dryness may accompany burning or itching feelings. Normal activities can be resumed within ten days or less.

Upper Eyelids

When performing upper eyelid surgery, an incision is hidden within the natural fold of the upper eyelid and extends slightly beyond the outside corner into the laugh lines or other existing creases. Excess skin and fatty tissue are removed through this incision. The incision should heal well because it follows the natural contour of the upper eyelid.

Lower eyelids

Lower eyelid surgery is performed by making an incision, which is also hidden, but below the lower lashes. The excess skin, muscle, and fat are removed, or fat may be redistributed to eliminate any puffiness or bulges. If muscle laxity is an existing problem, this will be performed also. The incision will heal well in lower eyelid surgery also because the natural creases camouflage it.

Transcongectival

It is also possible for the plastic surgeon to make an incision inside the lower eyelid to remove the excess fat. This type of eyelid surgery does not require an external incision, but it cannot be used to remove excess skin. A laser may be used along with this technique to tighten the lower eyelid skin.