Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Blepharoplasty, eyelid surgery, can correct the drooping upper lids and puffy bags below the eyes. These features make you look older and more tired than you feel, and may even interfere with your vision. The improvement is achieved by removing the excess skin and fat around the eyes.
The procedure can be done under local or general anesthesia. Blepharoplasty usually takes two to three hours, depending on the extent of the surgery. It is normally performed as an outpatient procedure. Often, this is done at the same time as a facelift.
After surgery, the eyelids may feel tight and sore; however, the discomfort is easily controlled with medication. Activity should be limited for the first five days, and strenuous activities should be limited for several weeks. The patient should be able to read and watch TV within two to three days. However, it may be two to three weeks before it is comfortable to wear contacts.
Most people feel ready to go back in public (and back to work) in a week to ten days. After surgery, the eyelids no longer droop and the skin under the eyes is smooth and firm. This gives the face a more youthful appearance.
Upper lids only are most often performed in the office under local anesthesia for those patients who medically qualify. This avoids the outpatient anesthesia and facility charges. Surprisingly, blepharoplasty causes very minimal discomfort. Post operatively patients require very minimal, if any pain medicine. The upper lid closure is done with a "no-knot" with taping technique. This allows for painless suture removal when the patient returns to the office for follow up.
