Blepharoplasty is a procedure to remove excess skin and fat tissue from the eye area.
Blepharoplasty can correct:
This procedure can also create upper eyelid folds.
Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have blepharoplasty, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
Your doctor will likely do the following:
Leading up to your procedure, your doctor may recommend that you:
Talk to your doctor about your medicines. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines (including herbal supplements) up to one week before the procedure, like:
You will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area around your eyes. Sedatives will be given to help you relax. In some cases, general anesthesia will be used. In this case, you will be asleep.
Your doctor will make incisions in your eyelids. In the upper eyelid, the incision is usually made in the crease. In the lower eyelid, the incision is usually made either just below the lashes or on the inside of the eyelid. The excess fat will be removed. The excess skin and muscle will be trimmed. The incision will be closed with sutures.
60 minutes or more depending on the amount of skin and fat to be removed
Anesthesia will minimize pain during the procedure. You may feel some tightness and soreness after the procedure.
Your doctor will apply ointment. A bandage may be applied over your eyes.
When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:
After about six months, your scars will most likely fade to a nearly invisible white line. The results of a blepharoplasty are permanent. Your doctor may still be able to do extra surgery as indicated or desired. Sometimes, blepharoplasty is combined with another procedure called canthopexy. This is used to improve the shape and positioning of the lower eyelid. Blepharoplasty may also be done with ptosis repair. This is the repair of the upper eyelid muscle to correct drooping of the upper eyelid.
After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
In case of an emergency, CALL 911.
RESOURCES:
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
http://www.surgery.org/
US Food and Drug Administration
http://www.fda.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/
References:
Aging eyes. American Society for Dermatologic Surgery website. Available at: http://www.asds-net.org/Patients/FactSheets/patients-Fact_Sheet-aging_eyelids.html. Accessed February 28, 2007.
Blepharoplasty. American Society of Plastic Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.plasticsurgery.org/patients_consumers/procedures/Blepharoplasty.cfm?CFID=72759379&CFTOKEN=79245372. Accessed February 28, 2007.
Nahai F. The Art of Aesthetic Surgery: Principles and Techniques. St. Louis, MO: Quality Medical Publishers; 2005.
Last reviewed November 2009 by Mervin Low, MD, PC
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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