Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

Procedure: Removal of excess skin, fat and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids to give the eye a more open, rested, and youthful appearance. For the lower lids, an incision is made inside the lower eyelid where the fat is sculpted to remove lower eyelid bulges leaving no visible scar. Usually, a "pinch" of skin is removed from the outside just below the lower eyelashes leaving an almost imperceptible scar. On upper eyelids, an incision is made in the natural crease of the eye. Excess fat, muscle, and skin is removed to reduce heaviness and fullness of the upper lids and return them to a more rested, youthful state.

Length of surgery: Approximately one hour per upper or lower lids.

Anesthesia: Local anesthesia with monitored IV sedation.

Side effects: Bruising, swelling, eye irritation, mild temporary vision changes, minimal discomfort.

Risks/Complications: Excessive bleeding, infection, scarring, nerve damage or blindness (very rare), reaction to anesthesia.

Recovery: Back to sedentary work and activity in 4 to 7 days, return to normal activities in two weeks.

Permanence: Lasts for years, depending on normal aging process.