Eyelids (Blepharoplasty)

About the Procedure

Eyes can appear older due to the aging process. This process can result in a tired, wrinkled or puffy appearance. Genetics and body chemistry can create aging effects in younger people. An eye lift can help patients look more rested, refreshed and alert. Cosmetic eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, corrects eye bags, droopy eyelids and loose skin around the eyes. However, other treatments may be done at the same time, like a forehead lift, Botox®, chemical peel or laser resurfacing. Under-eye circles can be removed with fillers like hyaluronic acid or fat, as well as bleaching solutions or chemical peels.

What to Know Before the Procedure

The surgeon makes incisions along the crease of the upper eyelid and perhaps along the outer lower rim of the eye. To remove fatty tissue, but not skin, the surgeon may perform a transconjunctival blepharoplasty, or laser surgery, via an incision inside the lower rim of the eye. The surgeon then separates the fatty tissue and muscle from the skin to remove the excess skin, fat or muscle.

Eye lifts are usually done under general anesthesia and time in surgery may last up to three hours. Patients usually return home within hours of surgery.

What to Know After the Procedure

Complications from eyelid surgery can arise, such as infection, hematoma, change in sensation, allergic reactions and scarring. Dryness or irritation may require treatment. Impaired eyelid function may result in additional surgery. It may take several weeks for accurate results to be visible with an eye lift. Incisions scars subside over time and become barely visible.

Patients experience differing degrees of swelling and bruising, which may persist for several weeks. Others see swelling resolve in as little as one week. Bruising subsides within seven to ten days. After the first week, makeup is permitted, to conceal any discoloration. Stitches are removed within a week of surgery. Straining, bending and lifting must be avoided during early recovery. Normal activities may be resumed within ten days or less. Vision may be somewhat blurry for a few days or longer and there may be sensitivity to light, in addition to excess tearing or dryness. Eye drops can help relieve any burning or itching. Dark sunglasses can protect the eyes from wind and sun irritation.

If you Need to Travel Outside of your Local Hospital

Eye lift patients need to return to their plastic surgeon's office several times for follow-up care to evaluate progress of the recovery. The plastic surgeon’s job does not end when the patient leaves the operating room. Before deciding between domestic and international travel for this procedure you should discuss options with different surgeons to understand how they handle the procedure, follow-up evaluations, and complications should they arise. If you choose to have your procedure done internationally you may need to work with your surgeon to discuss domestic options for follow-ups and proper post-operative care.