Blepharoplasty Procedure
Overview
Blepharoplasty, also called eyelid lift or eyelid surgery, is a procedure that removes extra skin and fat from the eyelids. As people get older, the skin on their eyelids can stretch, causing droopy lids and puffiness. These changes may affect appearance and sometimes even block part of a personโs side vision.
Oculoplastic surgeons often perform this type of cosmetic surgery using special techniques to improve how the eyes look and function. The most common reasons for blepharoplasty are to create a more awake or youthful appearance and to help with vision issues linked to sagging eyelids.
Reasons for Choosing Eyelid Surgery
People often choose blepharoplasty to address sagging eyelid skin, under-eye bags, and drooping upper eyelids. These changes may lead to a tired look or dark circles that do not improve with rest. In some people, extra skin on the upper eyelids can block peripheral vision.
- Cosmetic Goals: Reducing puffiness, smoothing wrinkles, and creating a refreshed appearance.
- Medical Reasons: Improving vision affected by droopy or excess eyelid skin.
Other procedures, like a brow lift or facelift, may be combined with eyelid surgery for fuller results. Insurance usually only covers this surgery if there is a medical need, such as when eyelid drooping affects sight.
Possible Complications
Eyelid surgery can cause several side effects and complications. These include swelling, bruising, and dry eyes. Some people may have trouble closing their eyes, notice scarring, or see changes in skin color. In rare cases, injury to eye muscles, blurred vision, or eyesight loss can occur. People with diabetes, glaucoma, or a detached retina may face extra risks.
How You Prepare
Getting ready for eyelid surgery involves several important steps. People usually meet with a provider, such as a plastic surgeon, eye specialist, or oculoplastic surgeon.
This meeting covers their health background, including other surgeries, any eye issues like dry eyes or glaucoma, and general health problems such as diabetes. Patients also review their use of medication, vitamins, herbal items, and habits like smoking or alcohol use.
Table: Steps to Prepare for Surgery
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical History | Review past surgeries, health problems, and medications. |
| Eye & Physical Exams | Check eyelid measurement, tear production, and vision. |
| Medication Changes | Stop blood thinners and certain medicines. |
| Lifestyle Adjustments | Quit smoking, avoid alcohol, plan aftercare help. |
| Pre-Surgery Photos | Take eyelid pictures from multiple angles. |
Doctors usually perform a complete checkup of the eyes before the procedure. They check how well the eyes produce tears and measure different parts of the lids. A vision field test makes sure that extra skin does not block side vision.
Staff take eyelid photographs to help plan the surgery and, if needed, provide insurance evidence. Doctors usually discuss anesthesia ahead of time so the person knows what to expect during the operation.
Before the day of surgery, the doctor will likely recommend stopping medicines that increase bleeding, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or certain herbal supplements. Only doctor-approved drugs should be taken during this time. Quitting smoking weeks ahead is important since smoking can slow down healing.
Patients should arrange for someone to take them to and from the clinic. It is also a good idea to have a person available to help during the first night after the surgery, as the eyes will need special care.
The care plan might include the use of ointment or prescribed eye drops to protect and heal the area. Use cold compresses as directed to help reduce swelling and discomfort.
What You Can Expect
Most eyelid surgeries, such as upper or lower eyelid blepharoplasty, take place in an outpatient clinic. Surgeons perform the procedure outpatient, and the patient can go home the same day.
Before the procedure begins, staff usually give patients medication to relax and inject medicine to numb the area around the eyes. This makes the process more comfortable and reduces pain during surgery.
| Preparation Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Numbing Injection | Local numbing around eyelids. |
| IV Medication | Reduces anxiety and discomfort. |
| Outpatient Setting | Same-day discharge from the clinic. |
What Happens in the Operating Room
For upper eyelid blepharoplasty, the surgeon makes a small cut along the natural eyelid fold. The surgeon removes extra skin, muscle, and sometimes fat, then closes the cut with stitches.
For lower eyelid surgery, the surgeon may make a cut just below the lashes or on the inside of the lower lid, depending on what is needed. The surgeon may take out or move fat, muscle, and loose skin.
If a personโs upper eyelid sags near the pupil, the doctor might combine blepharoplasty with a procedure that lifts the eyelid (ptosis repair). Both upper and lower eyelid surgeries use careful cuts to hide scarring.
Steps During Surgery
- The surgeon makes small cuts in the natural folds or creases.
- The surgeon removes or reshapes excess skin, muscle, and fat.
- The surgeon closes incisions carefully.
What to Expect After Surgery
After the procedure, patients spend a short time in a recovery room. Nurses or staff check for any problems before the patient goes home. Common temporary effects:
- Blurry vision (due to eye ointment)
- Watery eyes and light sensitivity
- Puffy and numb eyelids
- Swelling and bruising (black eye appearance)
- Some discomfort or pain
Tips to Help with Healing
- Use ice packs on the eyes the first night and the next day.
- Apply any prescribed eye drops or ointments.
- Keep the head raised when sleeping.
- Wear dark sunglasses outside.
- Take only recommended pain medicine, like acetaminophen.
Things to Avoid
- Intense physical activities for one week.
- Swimming or heavy lifting.
- Smoking or rubbing the eyes.
- Wearing contact lenses for about two weeks.
When to Get Help
If there is severe pain, trouble breathing, chest pain, heavy bleeding, or vision problems, contact a doctor right away. Most swelling and bruising go away after about two weeks, but final results for both upper and lower eyelid surgery may take a few months to appear. Recovery time can vary, so follow instructions from the healthcare provider.
Outcomes
Most people notice a more youthful appearance and often feel more confident after eyelid surgery. Results may include eyes that appear more open, less tired, and a smoother upper lid area. Bruising and swelling usually decrease within two weeks. The scars from the procedure may take several months to fade completely.
Note: Protect the delicate eyelid skin from sun exposure during healing. Sometimes, a brow lift accompanies the procedure for improved results.
