Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is a procedure to refine the upper or lower eyelids and address common signs of aging such as bags, excess skin, or protruding fat. The surgery addresses the skin, fat, and muscle of the upper and/or lower eyelids through well camouflaged incisions.
Treatment Time
Upper eyelids generally one hour while lower eyelids up to three hours. Treatment time is dependent on whether the procedure is done under a local anesthetic or a general anesthetic. Upper and lower eyelids can be done together for approximately four hours.
Incisions
For upper blepharoplasty incisions are hidden in natural skin folds above the eye. Excess skin, fat, and occasionally muscle is removed. In lower blepharoplasty incisions are just below the eyelashes or behind the lids themselves. Similarly, excess tissue is removed or redistributed depending on the patient presentation.
Benefits
Blepharoplasty is a powerful operation in terms of reducing your signs of aging. Patients describe feeling refreshed and more natural looking. Blepharoplasty helps remove excess skin and fat while smoothing your facial contour.
Technique
For upper blepharoplasty and incision is made as described above then fat and muscle are removed as necessary. Occasionally in droopy eyelids the underlying eyelid muscle and support structures are tightened. In lower blepharoplasty the technique varies considerably depending on the issues the patient is concerned about.
Recovery
2-4 weeks. Most people feel comfortable going out in public in two weeks, however heavy activity is best avoided for four weeks. The final results can be expected after one to two months. Generally the recovery is shorter for upper eyelid surgery versus lower eyelid surgery.
Risks
The main risk of blepharoplasty include bleeding, infection, asymmetry, poor healing, and lack of patient satisfaction. Lower blepharoplasty is a more complex procedure and thus carries further risks of eyelid malposition, excess scarring, dry eyes, and hollowing. Risks of surgery will be reviewed in detail by Dr. McGuire.
Who are the best candidates?
Patients who have sagging skin, puffy upper eyelids, or laxity of the lid leading to visual impairment. For lower blepharoplasty patients who have significant wrinkles, lower lid bags, or hollowing of the area between the lower lids and cheek. Patients should be in good health and non-smoking.
Adjunct Procedures
Patients often undergo upper blepharoplasty in the setting of facial rejuvenation (facelift, browlift, etc.) but also as a standalone operation. Lower blepharoplasty is commonly combined with facial fat grafting for a more harmonious and natural appearance.