Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure that is performed to correct a number of types of problems. Upper eyelid surgery can improve excess skin which drapes over the eyelid margin or that just obscures the natural crease of the upper lid. At the same time, bulging fat can be trimmed and improved. If sagging of the eyebrows is also present, this may need to be corrected at the same time with a browlift, as eyebrow sagging can contribute to a great deal of the skin excess of an upper eyelid. The incision is located in the natural crease of the upper eyelid.

Lower blepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure that can correct such issues as fat bulging of the lower eyelid, sagging skin, and sagging of the eyelid margin when done with an eyelid tightening procedure or canthopexy. The incision location depends on the type of problem being addressed. I generally use an incision just below the eyelash margin. This allows excess skin to be removed and allows either removal or redraping of bulging fat, which can help improve a hollow appearance of the lower eyelid. With most lower eyelid surgeries, I perform a lid tightening procedure, also called a canthopexy. This helps to minimize the chance of postoperative drooping of the lower eyelid.

The surgery is done under general anesthesia, which is my preference for more involved blepharoplasties, such as lower blepharoplasty with the lid tightening procedure. Swelling and bruising are normal, and you will be at restricted physical activity for four weeks. Eyelid surgery does not correct fine lines and wrinkles, and if correction of these is desired, then a chemical peel or laser resurfacing can be done at a later date.

Blood thinning medications need to be stopped at least 2 weeks prior to surgery, and these include herbal products, diet pills, anti-inflammatories such as aspirin, motrin, nuprin, aleve, among others, and vitamin E. Nicotine use must be completely stopped at least 2 months before until 1 month after surgery to minimize the chance of dangerous skin loss.

Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty can greatly improve the appearance around the eyes and get rid of the tired look that bothers many people seeking this surgey.