EYELID SURGERY

UPPER LID BLEPHAROPLASTY

Upper Lid Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure performed on patients with the condition Dermatochalasis. Dermatochalasis is heavy, droopy or excess eyelid skin; it can occur in the upper or lower lids.

Depending on the severity of excess skin, an Upper Lid Blepharoplasty is performed to repair loose or sagging upper eyelid skin through the removal of excess skin, fat, and muscle. An incision is made along the eyelid crease and a measured amount of skin is removed. The goal of a Blepharoplasty is to lift the eyelid skin enough to allow for clear vision in all directions, and for cosmetic purposes to provide for a larger

Upper Lid Blepharoplasty

Lower Lid Blepharoplasty

LOWER LID BLEPHAROPLASTY

Lower Lid Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure performed on patients with the condition dermatochalasis. Dermatochalasis is heavy, droopy or excess eyelid skin; it can occur in the upper or lower lids. This procedure can address under eye bags, dark circles, bulging fat pouches and hollowing below the eyelids.

Similar to the upper lids, the lower lid bags will be adjusted through a removal of excess skin, fat, and muscle. In addition, individual consultation will determine the need for cheek implants, fat transposition, or eyelid tightening, with each surgery catering to the individual’s needs.

BLEPHAROPLASTY PROCEDURE BASICS

How long does the procedure take?

A Blepharoplasty typically takes about 1 hour for upper lids or 1 hour for lower lids. If combined the procedure will take a full two hours.

How long is the recovery process?

After staying in the recovery area for approximately 2 hours after the procedure, your designated responsible party will drive you home the same day where you will need to rest with as little activity as possible for 5 - 7 days.

How long can I expect swelling, bruising or discomfort after the procedure?

Bruising varies from patient to patient, but you can expect a degree of swelling, which will peak at 3-5 days, and be largely resolved by 2 months post-op. Things to help with swelling include:

Constant ice application
Keeping the head elevated
Reducing activity levels

Common post-op sensations that should resolve by 7-14 days after the surgery include:

Discomfort at surgical site
Itching
Burning eyes
Fuzzy vision

When Can I Return to Work?

Patients can typically return to work 3-5 days after the surgery. If your job requires you do heavy lifting, we recommend waiting at least 7 days before return to work. We recommend not lifting children or heavy items, or exercising for the two weeks following surgery.

Commonly Combined Procedures with a Blepharoplasty:

Ptosis

Ptosis Repair

Most eyelid drooping involves excess heavy skin on the upper eyelid, but many other people have muscle weakness causing the lid to fall to a lower position closer to the pupil.

Some cases involve both eyes at the same time and others will only effect one eye.

This problem is commonly known as eyelid Ptosis (pronounced "toe-sis"). Ptosis repairs require a minor manipulation of the muscles and tendons above the eye to correct the problem. There are multiple surgical approaches to repair an eye with Ptosis to place the eyelid in a more functional and aesthetic position.