Is Blepharoplasty Right for You?

Blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery, is a medical procedure to correct “droopy” eyelids. It can be performed on the upper and/or lower eyelid. This plastic surgery involves removal of skin, muscle, and often fat that may be causing the eyes to sag.

Upper lid blepharoplasty
What causes the upper eyelid to droop or sag (eye ptosis) with age?
• Decreased production of collagen and elastin
• Detached fibers that connect the muscles of the eye causing it to open and close
• Accumulated fat in the upper eyelid
• Drooping eyebrow (brow ptosis)

When any or all of these factors is present, plastic surgery may be not only desirable aesthetically, but also could be medically necessary since too much sagging can affect your field of vision. Identifying the cause of the sag is important in determining the appropriate surgical procedure necessary.

Lower lid blepharoplasty
The lower lids are also prone to the same sagging as the upper eyelids. With age, our skin becomes thinner and the connective and soft tissues under the eye can sag and appear like bags under our eyes. Accumulation of fluids may also be to blame. Again, identifying the cause of the sag is important in knowing which procedure is needed.

Who should undergo blepharoplasty?
Many of the patients who opt to have blepharoplasty do so for cosmetic reasons. Although sagging around the eyes is a normal part of aging, it can make a person feel like they look older than they should. If this is a concern, eyelid surgery can correct the bags and sags.

Some patients undergo blepharoplasty for more than just cosmetic reasons. For many, their drooping eyelid affects their vision and makes looking up difficult. In these cases, the procedure may be covered by insurance since it is deemed medically necessary.

What is the procedure for blepharoplasty?
Eyelid surgery is an outpatient procedure that usually takes about two hours. It requires general anesthesia for most people. The surgeon will usually also inject a numbing agent into the eyelids before beginning.

Upper eyelids are usually taken care of first. The plastic surgeon will make a small slit in order to remove excess skin, muscle, or fat. With the lower lids, usually fat is removed and a small amount of skin to get rid of the under-eye bags.

What are the risks and side effects of blepharoplasty?
As with any surgery, there is likely to be pain or discomfort following the procedure. Your doctor will likely advise you to take ibuprofen and use ice packs to alleviate the pain. Many patients report tightness around the eyes, as well as swelling and bruising.

Some will experience excessive tears and sensitivity to light for a week or two after their surgery. Usually within two to three days the patient can read and somewhere between weeks 1 and 2, can return to work and normal activities.

The risks are minimal but may include blurred or double vision, dry eyes, or difficulty closing the eyes completely. These conditions are usually not permanent and last for a relatively short time. Of course, there is a risk of vision loss, but it is quite rare.

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