EYELID SURGERY

Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty, also known as an eye lift, is a procedure to correct the sagging or drooping of the eyelids and the removal of excess fat, skin and muscle. As we age, it is common to see a difference in their eye area -- more laxity, bags below and above the eye; sometimes so much that the upper lid seems to disappear underneath the extra fatty area under the brow bone. Even with good skincare and eye care, wrinkles, puffiness and drooping eyelids will catch up to you. Genetic factors and body chemistry can cause these aging effects in younger people. Blepharoplasty can give a more youthful appearance to an otherwise older, more tired looking, face.

The upper lid blepharoplasty removes excess skin, fat and/or muscle from the upper lid.

Is Blepharoplasty Right for Me?

The best candidates for blepharoplasty are physically healthy and are well informed about the surgery. Typically candidates are at least 35, though genetic factors may indicate treatment for younger people. There are several factors in which could reduce candidacy for this procedure, these are: dry eyes, high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, glaucoma, or Graves' disease. Your anatomy, including bone and supporting structure, may also affect your candidacy. Blepharoplasties can be covered by insurance if vision is impaired due to the excess skin.

The Procedure:

If you are interested in blepharoplasty, we recommend you schedule at Anderson & Shapiro Eye Care. At your consultation your doctor will discuss your goals and expectations and help you decide what procedure(s) would benefit you based on your specific needs.

At the time of surgery, you will be given a local anesthesia to numb the area around your eyes and a mild sedative to help you stay relaxed during the procedure. You'll be awake during the surgery, but relaxed and insensitive to pain.

The blepharoplasty will take around 45 minutes to complete, depending on the extent of the surgery. A small incision is made following the natural line of your eyelids, excess fat is removed and sagging skin trimmed, and the incision is closed with very fine stitches.

Please Note:

After surgery, you may experience some of the following temporary side effects:

• Bruising, lasting from two weeks to a month
• Dry or itchy sensation in your eyes
• Excessive tearing
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurred sight
• Swelling at the corner of the eyelid

• Your eyes will be bandaged so you will need someone to drive you home
• Your eyelids may feel tight and sore as the anesthesia wears off, but you will be given pain medication to ease this discomfort.
• You will also be given eye drops to alleviate any dry or itchy feeling in your eyes.
• You will see your surgeon a week after the surgery. Often times the sutures will not need to be removed as they will dissolve with time.

After surgery, you may experience some of the following temporary side effects:

• Bruising, lasting from two weeks to a month
• Dry or itchy sensation in your eyes
• Excessive tearing
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurred sight
• Swelling at the corner of the eyelid
• Difficulty closing your eyes

You should be able to read or watch TV in two or three days. Most people feel ready to return to work in 7 to 10 days. You may be sensitive to sunlight and wind for several weeks, so you should wear sunglasses and a special sun block made for eyelids.