Blepharoplasty

What is Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess skin or fat from the eyelids. The skin loses its elasticity as it ages, in some people this causes a ptosis of the upper eyelids and the formation of deep folds. Bags may appear on the lower eyelids. This loss of natural elasticity allows the fat around the eyes to protrude, thereby increasing the appearanceof bagginess. Blepharoplasty, sometimes referred to as eyelid reduction, reshapes the eyelids; this not only improves the appearance, but can also restore the field of vision if the eyelids have fallen to the extent that obstruct the central visual axis. Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper or lower eyelids or both, and it can be performed for both functional and aesthetic reasons.

How do I know if I need blepharoplasty?

There are many reasons to do blepharoplasty. While a skin growth that interferes with vision is obvious, a blepharoplasty can be performed to reduce signs of aging, improve the appearance or, in the case of excessive drooping of the eyelids, to increase the range of peripheral vision.

You can consider the surgery procedure if you have:

Wide or droopy upper eyelids
Excess skin on the lower eyelids
Sugging upper eyelids that affect your field of vision
Excessive bagging and wrinkles under the eyes

Some people develop bags under the eyes during young adulthood – even before any signs of skin aging. In some cases, an oculoplastic surgeon may recommend eyebrow lift in combination with blepharoplasty.

What happens during blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is performed under local or general anesthesia. Surgical incisions are made along the fold of the upper eyelids, excess skin, fat and muscle are removed, and the surgical incision closes. For the lower eyelid surgical excision extends beyond the corners of the eyes; again excess skin and muscle are removed. Fat is either removed or redistributed.

For the upper eyelids that droop excessively (ptosis), you may perform a further eyelid ptosis operation in combination with blepharoplasty.

Most eyelid ptosis procedures are carried out using a local anesthetic to numb the eyes, along with an intravenous sedative that will help you relax. After the operation, you will spend some time on your recovery, before going home on the same day.