Blepharoplasty
(Eyelid Surgery; Repair of Droopy Eyelids)
Definition
Blepharoplasty is a procedure to remove excess skin and fat tissue from the eye area.
Eye
Reasons for Procedure
Blepharoplasty can correct:
- Drooping upper eyelids
- Excess skin of the lower eyelids
- Puffiness of the upper or lower eyelids
This procedure can also create upper eyelid folds.
Possible Complications
Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have blepharoplasty, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
- Temporary blurred vision
- Temporary swelling and bruising of the eyelids
- Asymmetry in healing
- Scarring
- Difficulty closing eyes
- Dry eyes
- Red eyes
- Decreased or loss of vision
- Reaction to anesthesia
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Distortion of upper or lower eyelid position
Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
- Thyroid problems
- High blood pressure
- Poor circulation
- Diabetes
- Glaucoma
- Dry eyes or red eyes
- Certain anatomical factors related to the eye and surrounding bone
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
Your doctor will likely do the following:
- Physical exam
- Vision tests
- Examination of the eyelid and supporting structures
Leading up to your procedure, your doctor may recommend that you:
- Follow a special diet.
- Take certain medicines.
- Arrange to have someone drive you home. Also, arrange for someone to help you at home.
Talk to your doctor about your medicines. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines (including herbal supplements) up to one week before the procedure, like:
- Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs
- Blood thinners, such as clopidogrel (Plavix) or warfarin (Coumadin)
Anesthesia
You will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area around your eyes. Sedatives will be given to help you relax. In some cases, general anesthesia will be used. In this case, you will be asleep.
Description of the Procedure
Your doctor will make incisions in your eyelids. In the upper eyelid, the incision is usually made in the crease. In the lower eyelid, the incision is usually made either just below the lashes or on the inside of the eyelid. The excess fat will be removed. The excess skin and muscle will be trimmed. The incision will be closed with sutures.
How Long Will It Take?
60 minutes or more depending on the amount of skin and fat to be removed
Will It Hurt?
Anesthesia will minimize pain during the procedure. You may feel some tightness and soreness after the procedure.
Post-procedure Care
At the Care Center
Your doctor will apply ointment. A bandage may be applied over your eyes.
At Home
When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:
- You will receive instructions about restricting your activity. You may also be advised to avoid alcohol and certain medicines.
- Your doctor will likely recommend that you keep your head elevated for several days.
- You can use cold compresses to reduce swelling and bruising.
- Your doctor will show you how to clean your eyes and may recommend using ointment.
- You will be able to read and watch television after the procedure.
- You will not be able to wear contact lenses or participate in strenuous activity. Ask your doctor when you can resume your normal activities.
- Your stitches will likely be removed in 5-7 days.
- Since you may be sensitive to sunlight, wind, and other irritants, your doctor may recommend sunglasses and a special sun block for your eyelids.
After about six months, your scars will most likely fade to a nearly invisible white line. The results of a blepharoplasty are permanent. Your doctor may still be able to do extra surgery as indicated or desired. Sometimes, blepharoplasty is combined with another procedure called canthopexy. This is used to improve the shape and positioning of the lower eyelid. Blepharoplasty may also be done with ptosis repair. This is the repair of the upper eyelid muscle to correct drooping of the upper eyelid.
Call Your Doctor
After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
- Signs of infection, including fever and chills
- Persistent high temperature
- Redness, swelling, increasing pain, bleeding, or discharge from the incision site
- Opening of any part of the incision
- Excessive pain or redness of the eye
- Any decrease or change in your vision
- Any other problem or concern
In case of an emergency, CALL 911.
RESOURCES:
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
http://www.surgery.org/
US Food and Drug Administration
http://www.fda.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/
References:
Aging eyes. American Society for Dermatologic Surgery website. Available at: http://www.asds-net.org/Patients/FactSheets/patients-Fact_Sheet-aging_eyelids.html. Accessed February 28, 2007.
Blepharoplasty. American Society of Plastic Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.plasticsurgery.org/patients_consumers/procedures/Blepharoplasty.cfm?CFID=72759379&CFTOKEN=79245372. Accessed February 28, 2007.
Nahai F. The Art of Aesthetic Surgery: Principles and Techniques. St. Louis, MO: Quality Medical Publishers; 2005.
Last reviewed November 2009 by Mervin Low, MD, PC
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.