Eyelid lift / blepharoplasty

WHAT IS A BLEPHAROPLASTY?

Blepharoplasty, or eyelid lift, is the term used to describe the removal of excess skin and fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids. As we age, the skin of the eyelids descends, causing wrinkling or hooding of the eyelids. This can cause you to look tired, as well as contribute to difficulty in keeping makeup in place. In severe cases the excess skin can block a person's vision.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE?

A blepharoplasty is ideal for people with hooded eyes or with excess skin of the upper eyelid. People with large fat pockets along their lower lids are good candidates for a lower lid blepharoplasty.

THE PROCEDURE

Blepharoplasty can be done under local, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on patient preference as well as anticipated length and complexity of the procedure. A general guideline is that upper lids can be done comfortably under local anesthesia, but if the lower lids or both upper and lower lids are being done, most patients prefer to be completely asleep for surgery. The surgery takes about 1 hour for upper or lower lids only, and 1½-2 hours for both, and is usually performed at an ambulatory surgery center. Incisions for upper lids are placed and hidden in the upper lid crease. For lower lids, the incision is made just under the lash line and heals quickly without much visibility after 3-4 weeks. Fat is removed from the upper and lower eyelids judiciously if there is excess.

RECOVERY

In the first 24-48 hours, ice packs and head elevation is critical, as less swelling and bruising will lead to a faster recovery overall. Patients may be bruised and swollen for 1½-2 weeks after surgery. Eye makeup can be applied after 2 weeks, and patients will be back to normal activities around then as well. For upper eyelids alone, final results may be apparent as soon as 4-6 weeks after surgery. With lower eyelid surgery, the final result may take up to 3 months. There may be residual swelling for up to 3 months, and the scars will take up to 1 year to completely fade.