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Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Lift Surgery) Frequently Asked Questions
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Surgery of the eyelids or eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) is a plastic or cosmetic surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the eye area by eliminating the signs of aging with excess skin and bags. This procedure restores a much more youthful and refreshed appearance by correcting droopy upper eyelids and also puffy under eye bags. Sometimes this procedure can improve vision by removing the excess skin of the upper eyelids which can affect vision as a person ages. The following is removed during the surgery:
Patients can be a good candidate with the following:
Patients having the following problems might NOT be considered for blepharoplasty:
Read our section on who is a candidate for surgery
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During your consultation your plastic surgeon will be discussing your blepharoplasty procedure. The following topics will be addressed:
Upper and lower blepharoplasty is an out-patient procedure that normally takes place:
This will depend on your plastic surgeon's preference for the blepharoplasty procedure. Normally a combination of local anesthesia and sedation is given. General anesthesia also can be used for this procedure.
The incisions for blepharoplasty are normally made in the crease of the upper eyelids and or just below the eye lashes of the lower lids - known as "transcuteaneous approach". Some surgeons like to use the incision inside the lower lid called "transconjunctive approach" on patients who do not have excess skin but only a pocket of fat beneath the lower eyelids. By working through these incisions, excess fat is removed along with trimming the sagging skin and muscle. Incisions are closed with sutures and bandages may be applied to the eye area.
The average surgery time for blepharoplasty is about one to three hours.
Unfortunately, the incisions for blepharoplasty do result in scars, however; they tend to be small and strategically placed in the natural creases of the upper eyelids or just below the lash line of the lower eyelids If you are having the transconjunctival approach done, results are there will be no visible scarring on the lower eyelid, as the incision is made inside the lower eyelid.
No, generally there is not a lot of pain associated with this procedure. The eyelids will feel tight and sore at first - but the oral pain medication takes care of any discomfort you might have. The eye area heals exceptionally fast. Patients tend to recover rapidly from this procedure.
Yes, you will need a responsible adult to pick you up from the surgery center. Patients who have had anesthesia will need to have someone stay with them for the first 24 hours after surgery. Your vision will be blurry following blepharoplasty for a couple of days, so you will need some help getting around.
You can expect the following after surgery:
Read more about blepharoplasty recovery
Normal activities, including work (office type) can typically be resumed within a couple of weeks following surgery. It is important however; not to get your heart rate up with doing too much.
Any strenuous exercise should be delayed for up to at least three weeks post operative. Make sure you ask your own plastic surgeon when he feels it is okay for you to get back to your exercise routine, as each surgeon has their own timeline.
The stitches may be removed within two to seven days - however; usually it is around day 5.
As with all types of surgery, there are some risks associated with blepharoplasty and these may include the following:
Read more about complications and risks
Blepharoplasty procedures in general are normally considered cosmetic surgery, which is not reimbursable from insurance. However, if the patient has their vision impaired due to sagging eyelids, then the insurance might be available. Make sure you check with your own insurer.
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