Blepharoplasty surgery is also referred to as eyelid surgery, and is performed on either the lower or upper eyelids.  Blepharoplasty surgery removes excessive skin to improve physical appearance or, in older patients, to improve impaired vision caused by saggy upper eyelids. It can help reduce or eliminate under-eye bags, but it cannot remove dark circles below the eyes or flatten wrinkles.

Who gets blepharoplasty surgery?

Most blepharoplasty procedures are performed in patients over the age of 36. The exception is when the sagginess is caused by genetics. In this case even younger people choose to undergo blepharoplasty surgery.

How long does blepharoplasty surgery take?

The duration of blepharoplasty surgery ranges between 1 and 3 hours. However, many patients choose to combine blepharoplasty surgery with other cosmetic surgeries, so the total duration of the operation increases.

The blepharoplasty surgery procedure

Blepharoplasty surgery is performed while the patient is under local anesthetic. The surgeon performs incisions along the natural skin creases of the eyelids’ skin, and removes excess skin and/or fat. Muscles might also be shortened in the process.

Possible complications to consider when having blepharoplasty surgery

Infection, eye numbness, burning sensation, impaired vision or tearing.

Some complications are only temporary and will pass, with minor treatments. Others, like droopy eyelids, inadequate eyelid closure or possible loss of vision might require surgery to correct. It is important to consult both an eye doctor and your physician to know if you belong to a risk group for any of the serious complication that blepharoplasty surgery might cause.

After  blepharoplasty surgery, swelling and bruising will pass within a couple of weeks. However, it will take several months to know the end result of the blepharoplasty surgery. It is possible that your eyes will be sensitive to light and your vision blurred post-procedure. These effects are usually temporary and you should not be alarmed.

Blepharoplasty surgery recovery

As soon as the anesthetic wears off, expect sore eyes and tightness in the area that was operated on. Your surgeon will also provide you with instructions for the post blepharoplasty surgery period. Among the more common instructions is to fill a prescription for pain medication, and buy eye drops since dry eyes after the surgery is a common phenomenon. You might also be instructed to use cold compresses and sleep with your head elevated on your pillow.