Blepharoplasty

If you’re struggling with functional or cosmetic eyelid problems, blepharoplasty is a type of procedure to consider. It may be used to restore impaired vision from drooping eyelids and even reverse the signs of aging around the eyes. 

What Is Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure used to repair and alter the eyelids. Also called an eye lift, blepharoplasty is often used as a cosmetic procedure to give the eyes a more youthful appearance. 

Your surgeon will remove excess tissue from the upper or lower eyelids. The exact procedure will depend on your unique eye shape and treatment goals. 

To alter the upper eyelids, your surgeon will make an incision along the upper eyelid crease. They’ll remove skin, muscle, and/or fat as needed, then close the incision. To adjust the lower eyelids, your surgeon will make an incision just below the lower lash line or on the inside of the lower lid. They’ll then remove or reposition skin, muscle, and/or fat and close the incision. 

Why Is Blepharoplasty Performed?

When we age, our eyelids gradually lose elasticity, causing them to loosen and stretch. Fat may then accumulate around the eyelids, creating a sagging or drooping appearance. Blepharoplasty is often performed as a solution for these signs of aging around the eyes. 

Additionally, some people naturally have excess skin on their upper or lower eyelids. Through blepharoplasty, excess eyelid skin and under eye bags in people of all ages can be removed to make the eyes appear more open and alert. 

When the skin around the eyes sags, it may inhibit your field of vision (especially your peripheral vision), so blepharoplasty may also be performed as a solution to impaired vision from loose or drooping eyelids. 

Recovering

As you recover from blepharoplasty, it’s important to protect the delicate eye area. Be sure not to rub or scratch your eyes, clean them gently as advised, and wear dark sunglasses when you go outside. In the first few days after the procedure, sleep with your head elevated. For one week after treatment, you’ll need to avoid vigorous physical activity, including swimming. 

Your doctor may recommend applying an ice pack to the treatment area for short intervals during the week after the procedure. Also, you may be advised to use prescription creams and eyedrops to help speed up the recovery process. 

After your eyes have healed from blepharoplasty, you’ll notice that your eyes appear lifted, rested, and more youthful. Contact us today to learn more about blepharoplasty and how it may work for you.