Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, can be done for several reasons, both cosmetic and out of necessity. Eyelid surgery specifically focuses on the eye area, which experiences many changes during aging, but also can be done on younger individuals for a few reasons. In this blog we’ll go over the concerns that blepharoplasty can address, as well as a quick rundown on how the procedure works and what you can expect from eyelid surgery.
What issues can eyelid surgery fix?
As we age, we can expect several eye-related changes. The upper eyelids tend to get loose and lax due to weakened muscles and less support. This results in droopy upper eyelids that often eventually fall past the eyelash line. As for the lower eyelids, bagginess occurs due to excess fat in the area that is no longer being supported properly. Droopiness may also occur in the lower eyelids. This can reveal the white part of the eye underneath the iris, as well as fine lines on the lower lids.
Blepharoplasty isn’t limited to older individuals, however. Many younger patients seek out blepharoplasty to help with hooded eyelids and “monolids” (upper eyelids that appear to have no crease).
Blepharoplasty can also be done for medical reasons, in which case insurance may cover all or part of the procedure. Medical reasons for getting eyelid surgery include obstruction of peripheral vision that occurs when the upper eyelids droop with age.
Eyelid surgery procedure
In eyelid surgery, excess skin and fat (and sometimes muscle) are removed or rearranged as indicated to improve the overall look of the eyes. This is an outpatient procedure that is done under local anesthesia with sedation. The doctor will make an incision within the natural fold of your eyelid in order to hide the incision and any future resulting scars (which should be minimal if at all visible). For the lower lids, the incision is often made just below the lower eyelash line for excessive skin but most lower blepharoplasties are done without a scar from inside the lower eyelid to remove and reposition fat. Mild to moderate excess skin can be tightened using a CO2 laser.
Eyelid surgery recovery period
After the procedure, your doctor will give you instructions on aftercare, such as icing your eyelids and avoiding strenuous activity. They will also prescribe eye drops or ointments. Side effects are usually mild and include swelling or bruising, watery eyes, light sensitivity, and mild pain or discomfort. These symptoms usually last no longer than 2 weeks.
Results are immediate, but won’t be as apparent directly after surgery due to swelling and bruising. The final look should be visible once swelling and other symptoms subside. Results are considered permanent, although some may experience further dropping as they age.
If you’re in the Central Valley or Los Angeles, CA area and are looking for a plastic surgeon with years of experience, satisfied patients, and someone who gets results, visit Dr. Edmund Fisher. See some examples of his blepharoplasty results here.
