Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty refers to the treatment of the skin and other tissues around the eyes.  It is one of the most common procedures performed by plastic or cosmetic surgeons.  Early signs of aging usually occur in the eyelid area. Bulging fat in the lower eyelids leads to bags, while extra skin of the upper eyelids leads to hooding or skin resting on the eyelashes.  In severe cases, this can lead to obstruction of vision and surgical correction may be covered by your insurance.  Surgical correction may not be the only option, but is a common form of treatment for eyelid problems.

Excess skin on the upper lid is “pinched” prior to the surgery in order to determine how much should be removed.  The lower incision line follows the upper lid skin crease.  This results in a camouflaged scar lying within the upper eyelid skin fold. The lower eyelid incision is hidden immediately below the eyelash line or on the backside of the eyelid, leaving no scar on the skin. Bulging fat in the lower eyelid is typically removed and/or repositioned.  Fat from the lower body is sometimes added back to the lower eyelids to correct the hollowness that often occurs with aging. A fair amount of skin can be removed from the upper eyelid but only a limited amount can be removed from the lower eyelids.

Eyelid surgery usually is performed under intravenous sedation and local anesthesia, often in a surgical center or an office surgical facility. Although some temporary bruising may be expected, little or no pain ordinarily results from blepharoplasty. Eyelids heal remarkably quickly and scars usually are quite inconspicuous. Women can completely camouflage any remaining marks with eye makeup. Most men find that the scars disappear into their natural lines. Most people return to their normal routine a week after surgery; bruising can last up to two weeks. 

Blepharoplasty operations do not totally remove pronounced or fine creases (“crow’s‑feet,” “laugh lines”) on the sides of the eyelids. These wrinkles arise from the  underlying facial muscles and animation. Botox may be a temporary solution for these lines.  Skin resurfacing with chemical peels or lasers may also used to improve the lower eyelid lines. Brow lifting may be a better solution than blepharoplasty for excess upper eyelid skin for individuals whose eyebrows are drooping.   Blepharoplasty is one of the most long lasting operations designed to minimize the aging process. The improved results are generally beneficial for many years.  I f you are not ready for surgery there may be other alternatives.