Eyelid Surgery

Quick Facts

More than any other facial feature, your eyes reveal the most about how you feel. When your eyes are bright and alert, you appear energized, well-rested, and in control. However, if you have lower-eyelid puffiness, dark circles or drooping upper lids, others may assume that you are fatigued, angry or unhappy. If you believe that your eyes are making you look tired, sad, or older than you really feel, cosmetic surgery (also called blepharoplasty) may be the right choice for you.

 

Procedure Upper Eyelids– Typically the incision begins within the natural crease of the eyes inside corner and extends slightly beyond the outside corner into the crow’s feet or laugh lines. Through this incision, excess skin and fatty tissue are removed. The incision line follows the natural contour of the upper eyelid, and is camouflaged when healed.

Lower Eyelids– Usually the incision is concealed just below the lower lashes. Through this incision, excess skin, muscle and fat are removed. Your surgeon may also make special adjustments. For example, the fat beneath the eye can be redistributed to eliminate puffiness or bulges. In some patients, the underlying muscle will be tightened.

Length 1 to 3 hours
Anesthesia Local-IV sedation or general
In/Outpatient Usually outpatient
Temporary Side Effects Temporary discomfort, tightness or lids, swelling, bruising. Temporary dryness, burning, itching of eyes. Possible excessive tearing, sensitivity to light for first few weeks
Recovery Reading: 2 or 3 days. Back to work: 7 to 10 days. Contact lenses: two weeks or more. Strenuous activities, alcohol: about 3 weeks. Bruising and swelling gone: a few weeks.
Duration of Results Several years. Sometimes permanent.