Eye Lid Surgery

The aging process causes the upper and lower eyelids to loosen and hang down.  Wrinkles, puffiness, and excess skin contribute to a tired or aged appearance.  Eye lid surgery (known as blepharoplasty) is a corrective procedure that can reduce the appearance of excess upper eyelid skin or “bags” under the eyes by removing the excess skin and fat.  This restores a more youthful appearance to the eyes.  Patients are very pleased with the dramatic difference noticed following eye lid surgery.

Reasons for choosing eyelid surgery:

• Dark circles or bags under the eyes
• Excessive skin or wrinkles around the eyes
• A tired appearance or puffiness due to hereditary factors

General Procedure:

The surgical procedure involves making small incisions in the natural creases of the eyelids, which should leave minimal to no visible scarring.  The surgeon will usually work on the upper eyelids first to remove any fatty tissue and tighten loose skin.  Lower eyelids are completed next to eliminate puffiness and reduce lower lid bags.

The procedure generally takes about one to two hours to complete, and can be performed in the office with local anesthesia or in a state-of-the art surgical center under general anesthesia.

Recovery Process:

Generally, post-operative instructions call for ice packs over the eyes for the first 24 hours.  The patient is instructed to keep their head elevated for the first two days following surgery, to minimize swelling and bruising.  Sutures are removed within the first week.  While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the surgeon’s directions given after the procedure.