Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Eyelid surgery is an important component of facial rejuvenation. It is performed to remove excess skin, correct puffy or prominent fat, and to restore a smooth contour to the lower eyelid and cheek. Aging around the eyes frequently contributes to a “tired” appearance. Eyelid surgery may be performed in combination with other facial rejuvenation procedures or surgery to restore a youthful, rested appearance.
Procedures Frequently Combined with Eyelid Surgery:
- Facelift
- Neck Lift
- Browlift
During your consultation, Dr. Feiner will assess facial proportion of the forehead, brows, cheeks, jaw, and neck to recommend treatment in areas of imbalance.
Insurance may cover removal of excess skin of the upper eyelids. Visual field testing is required to demonstrate the extent that heavy upper lids are blocking your vision.
During eyelid surgery, incisions are made along the natural crease in the upper eyelid to completely hide the scar. The incision may be extended into the crow’s feet as needed if there is a significant amount of skin redundancy. Excess fat is carefully removed to create a smooth and youthful appearing upper eyelid.
The lower eyelid may be addressed via an incision hidden inside the eyelid if excess fat is all that needs to be removed. Excess skin is removed with an incision hidden just under the eyelashes. Some patients will require a tightening and support of the lower eyelid for laxity that has developed with age. Facial fillers or fat graft may also be used to address volume loss in the cheeks and tear trough when necessary. The skin may also be treated with a light chemical peel or laser if needed to improve thin, wrinkled skin.
- Upper Blepharoplasty: Removes excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids. Occasionally, the gland responsible for tear production must be resuspended if it has drooped and become prominent. The incision is hidden along the natural creases. The muscle responsible for lifting the upper eyelid may also be tightened or advanced during this procedure for patients with droop of the eyelid position.
- Lower Blepharoplasty: Excess skin and fat are removed, and a smooth transition is created from the lower eyelid to the cheek. The lower eyelid may be tightened to correct laxity and create support if necessary.
Typical Recovery: Eyelid surgery has minimal downtime. Pain is controlled with oral pain medication and cool compresses. Swelling and bruising are common and typically improve over the first week. Sutures are removed at a week. Eye drops and lubrication may be needed in patients with a history of dry eyes. Most patients are able to return to work within a week.
Risk of Blepharoplasty: The risk of pain, bleeding, infection, and reactions to anesthesia may occur as with any surgical procedure. These are typically low risk with this surgery. Eyelid swelling and exacerbation of dry eye may occur and is usually transient. Issues related to eyelid position are commonly related to swelling and improve over a few weeks.
