Blepharoplasty, often called eyelid surgery, is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance and function of the eyelids. It can address a variety of concerns related to both the upper and lower eyelids.
The primary goal of blepharoplasty is to remove excess skin, muscle, and sometimes fat from the eyelid area, which can give you a more refreshed and youthful appearance. As you age, the eyelids stretch, and the muscles supporting them weaken.
This natural process can lead to an accumulation of excess fat and skin on the upper and lower eyelids, causing sagging or drooping in the upper lids and bags under the eyes. Beyond cosmetic concerns, severely sagging skin around the eyes can even reduce peripheral vision, especially the upper and outer parts of your visual field.
Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, depending on your needs and goals. The procedure is very customizable, allowing oculoplastic surgeons to address your specific concerns while providing you with a natural look that compliments your natural features.
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty focuses on rejuvenating the area beneath the eyes. This procedure is particularly effective for addressing under-eye bags, puffiness, and excess skin that can make you look tired or give you an aged appearance.
During lower eyelid blepharoplasty, the oculoplastic surgeon typically makes an incision just below the lash line or inside the lower eyelid. Through this opening, they can remove or redistribute excess fat that can be removed or redistributed to smooth out under-eye bags.
If needed, a small amount of excess skin may also be removed to tighten the lower eyelid.
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is one of the most common eyelid procedures. It can help correct drooping upper eyelids, excess skin that creates a hooded appearance, and puffiness in the upper eyelid area.
The procedure involves making a fine incision along the natural crease of the upper eyelid. Through this incision, the oculoplastic surgeon can remove excess skin and fat.
The result is a more open, alert appearance to the eyes. Beyond its cosmetic benefits, upper eyelid blepharoplasty can also help the eyelids function in some cases.
Excess skin can cause the eyelids to droop low enough to potentially obstruct vision in more severe cases. In this case, the procedure can be considered medically necessary.
By removing the excess skin, peripheral vision may improve.
Blepharoplasty is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia.
It begins with the oculoplastic surgeon marking the areas of excess skin and fat to be removed. Incisions are then made following the natural lines and creases of the eyelids to minimize visible scarring.
For upper eyelid surgery, the incision is typically made in the eyelid crease. For lower eyelid surgery, the incision is usually just below the lash line or inside the lower eyelid.
Once the incisions are made, the oculoplastic surgeon carefully removes or redistributes excess fat, trims sagging skin, and may also alter the muscles. The incisions are then closed with fine sutures.
The entire procedure usually takes about one to three hours, depending on whether you're having both upper and lower eyelids done and the extent of the work required. After the procedure, you'll spend some time in a recovery area to be monitored for a short time before being sent home.
Blepharoplasty can be an excellent option for many individuals, but it's not suitable for everyone. Good candidates for this procedure typically include:
Age is not necessarily a determining factor for blepharoplasty candidacy. While many patients are over thirty-five, younger individuals may also benefit if they have inherited traits like under-eye bags or droopy eyelids.
It's important to note that blepharoplasty is not a suitable treatment for dark circles under the eyes caused by pigmentation issues, crow's feet, or other wrinkles around the eyes. In some cases, these concerns might be better addressed with other treatments such as chemical peels, laser resurfacing, or injectable fillers.
At Coastal Eye Associates, our specialists conduct thorough consultations to determine if blepharoplasty is the right choice for each person. We consider factors such as overall health, eye health, and personal goals to create a customized treatment plan.
Recovery from blepharoplasty is generally straightforward, but it does require some patience and careful adherence to post-operative instructions. Most patients find that they can return to normal activities within ten to fourteen days, although complete healing may take several weeks.
Immediately after the procedure, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort around the eyes. These symptoms are usually at their worst in the first few days and gradually improve over the following weeks.
Most patients can return to work and light activities after about a week, but it's important to avoid strenuous exercise for at least two to three weeks. Bruising typically resolves within two weeks, although some residual swelling may persist for several weeks or even months.
Your eye doctor will provide you with recovery instructions to ensure optimal healing. You will need to attend follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and address any concerns you may have during the recovery process.
Do you want to learn more about blepharoplasty or determine if you might be a good candidate for the procedure? Schedule an appointment at Coastal Eye Associates in Houston, TX, today!
