Blepharoplasty

Source: https://www.plasticsurgery.org

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the eyelids.

Surgery can be performed on the upper lids, lower lids or both.

Whether you want to improve your appearance or are experiencing functional problems with your eyelids, eyelid surgery can rejuvenate the area surrounding your eyes.

What eyelid surgery can treat

• Loose or sagging skin that creates folds or disturbs the natural contour of the upper eyelid, sometimes impairing vision

• Fatty deposits that appear as puffiness in the eyelids

• Bags under the eyes

• Drooping lower eyelids that reveal white below the iris

• Excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelid

Who is a good candidate for eyelid surgery?

Good candidates for eyelid surgery include:

• Healthy individuals with no medical conditions that can impair healing

• Nonsmokers

• Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic goals

• Individuals without serious eye conditions

Remember that the eyelids are part of the face. The appearance of a drooping upper lid may also be due to relaxation of the forehead skin and eyebrow. Sometimes stretching out of the upper eyelid muscle may cause a drooping eyelid. This is called eyelid ptosis and requires a different surgical treatment.

Your plastic surgeon will evaluate your facial anatomy thoroughly and will discuss what procedures might best remedy your concerns.

What are the risks of eyelid surgery?

The decision to have plastic surgery is extremely personal and you will have to weigh the potential benefits in achieving your goals with the risks and potential complications of eyelid surgery. Only you can make that decision for yourself.

You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks and potential complications.

Possible eyelid surgery risks include:

• Anesthesia risks

• Swelling and bruising

• Bleeding from the incision lines

• Dryness to the eyes

• Sensitivity to sun or other bright light

• Difficulty closing your eyes

• Ectropion, an outward rolling of the lower eyelid

• Infection

• Lid lag, a pulling down of the lower eyelid, may occur and is often temporary

• Temporary or even permanent change in vision, and very rare chance of blindness

• Changes in skin sensation or numbness of the eyelashes

• Pain, which may persist

• Possible need for revision surgery

• Unfavorable scarring

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It is important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.