Eyelid Surgery / Blepharoplasty  

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS), over 233,000 eyelid surgery procedures were carried out in 2006, making blepharoplasty one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedures in the United States.  

Why Have Eyelid Surgery?  

Blepharoplasty, more commonly known as eyelid surgery, is an operation to remove excess fat, skin and muscle from around the patients eyes, which will give the individual an invigorated, and overall more youthful facial appearance.

The main reason that people undergo eyelid surgery is to remove the loose folds of skin on the upper eyelids and the deeper creases that can be found on the lower eyelids. The main cause of these are the gradual effects of time, as the skin begins to loose its elasticity. Some people do develop baggy eyes earlier on in life due to family traits.

Eyelid surgery allows individuals to regain that more youthful appearance around the eyes, often providing a positive effect on the patients face as a whole.

Preparing For The Surgery, And The Procedure:  

Before your eyelid surgery, your surgeon will discuss with you at length noth the risks involved, as well as the possible results. During your initial consultation, your surgeon will also carry out a thorough examination of your eyes and eyelids, as well as taking a number of photographs of your eyes. This will be used to compare the results of your surgery following the actual procedure. 

Eyelid surgery will usually last between one to three hours, depending on nature and extent of the procedure you will be having. Blepharoplasty is usually performed under a local anaesthetic, with eye drops being used to anesthetise the eyes. 

During upper eyelid surgery, fine cuts are made along the creases in the natural folds of the eyelids. Through these cuts, the surgeon will delicately remove the excess skin, fat and muscle from the eyelid. This cut is then sealed with a fine line of stitches which are located within the natural fold of the eyelid to minimalise any visible effect. 

With lower eyelid surgery, the cuts are made just below the eyelashes, hiding any scars within your eyes natural folds. Through these cuts in the skin, the excess skin, muscle and fat deposits are removed before the cut is sealed using a series of fine stitches.    

Eyelid Surgery Recovery Period:

Following eyelid surgery, your eyes will remain covered with gauze pads for approximately 4-5 days. During this period, your surgeon is likely to adminster painkillers to help you with any discomfort you may be experiencing. 

Often, eyelid surgery will be performed as a day surgery, although you will require a friend to accompany you home following the surgery. In many instances however, eyelid surgery is performed alongside other cosmetic surgery procedures such as a facelift. In instances such as this, it is likely that a stay in the hospital will be required.  

The Risks Of Eyelid Surgery:

As with all cosmetic surgery procedures, there are risks involved, and eyelid surgery is no different. However, eyelid surgery is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures, and the vast majority of cosmetic surgeons are knowledgable of the possible complications, and the remedies required.

Typical complications from blepharoplasty include infection or bleeding in the area following the surgery. Other common complications include a blurring of vision following the surgery, however in the vast majority of instances this is only temporary.