Eyelids develop “puffiness”, or excess skin, as we age. A blepharoplasty removes excess tissue, skin and fat from the upper or lower eyelids. This procedure is used for upper and/or lower eyelids with drooping. The excess lower eyelid fat can be easily removed for younger patients through a discreet inside incision. It is an effective cosmetic procedure. This procedure will not remove dark circles, or wrinkles. The procedure can be combined with the forehead lift for an even more rejuvenating effect. Sometimes the blepharoplasty can be combined with a facelift – related site.

Consultation

Board Certified Plastic Surgeons typically spend between 45 and 60 minutes with each patient, gaining a medical history and examining you. They also discuss in depth your concerns, observations, or recommendations. In addition to eyelid appearance and shape, the contours of your forehead and brow are evaluated. Sometimes, lifting the eyebrow is recommended to enhance upper eyelid, forehead and brow appearance. The surgeon performs the procedure using an endoscope.

The Surgery

Only accredited medical facilities can perform eyelid surgery. As a method of anesthesia, a mixture of intravenous local anesthetics and intravenous medication is commonly used. Anesthesia is administered to the patient by anesthesiologists with board certification if the procedure involves a browlift.

In this procedure, the skin and fat beneath the eyelashes are also removed. Below the eyelash, an incision is made. An internal or external cut may also be used to remove skin from lower lids.

Post-operative pain is reduced by using a cold pack and analgesics. On the fifth to seventh post-operative day, sutures will be removed. After an operation, swelling and bruising are common. This will fade in between 10 and 14 days. You can use makeup a week after the surgery. However, you should avoid strenuous exercise for at least a month. Driving should be avoided until pain has subsided.

The Recovery

In most cases, a patient will be able to return home on the same day. The patient will require a responsible adult to remain with them overnight. In general, those who are undergoing browlift/facelift procedures will stay in the postoperative center for one or even two nights. For two weeks following the procedure it’s not advised to do any intense exercise. In 5-7 day, many patients see a visible improvement in appearance. It can however take two weeks to reduce the majority swelling. After the first swelling, patients usually feel more rested two weeks later.