What is Blepharoplasty (or eyelid lift)?
Blepharoplasty is the surgical term for eyelid lift. It addresses concerns such as drooping upper eyelids, under-eye bags, excess skin, and fine wrinkles around the eyes. This procedure is ideal for patients seeking a refreshed, more youthful, and alert appearance.
Each eye has an upper and lower eyelid. The eyelids (upper particularly) are one of the first areas to show early signs of aging and laxity, beginning in the 30s and 40s. At older ages, some people may develop profound droopiness of the upper eyelids, affecting the visual field.
The upper and lower eyelids may or may not require treatment at the same time, depending on the anatomy and goals.
In the upper eyelids, excess skin is trimmed usually with a small amount of fat. (We typically do not recommend trimming the muscle layer, but some surgeons favor that technique.) This reduces hooding on the lateral part of the eyelid and shows more of the upper lid and lashes. It is important to maintain or recreate the eyelid crease precisely during suturing. These incisions are very hard to see or impossible to see once healed, due to the thin quality of eyelid skin.
Lower eyelids have more variability in treatment. Almost always, some of the budging fat is trimmed. This is done without incisions on the skin through a small access point inside the lower eyelid. Sometimes fat is grafted to fill in the tear trough below the lower eyelid at the same time to further enhance the result. Rarely, we may trim skin on the lower eyelids “skin pinch” and/or tack the outer corner of the eyelid up to secure it in patients with more severe signs of aging.
Resurfacing the skin of the upper and lower eyelids is commonly a finishing procedure.
Patient Results
View before and after photos of our patients who had this procedure.
Benefits of
Blephoplasty
- Rejuvenates the appearance of tired or aged eyes by removing excess skin, fat, and wrinkles around the eyelids
- Reduces puffiness and under-eye bags, creating a more refreshed and youthful look
- Improves the contour and shape of the upper and lower eyelids for a more balanced and open-eyed appearance
- Can enhance vision by removing excess skin that may be obstructing the upper field of vision
- Results in a natural, refreshed appearance with minimal visible scarring
- Quick recovery with most patients resuming normal activities within a short time
- Long-lasting results
Who is a good candidate for eyelid surgery?
A good candidate for eyelid surgery is typically someone who is in good overall health and has excess skin around the eyelids, drooping eyelids, eye puffiness, heavy/tired-looking eyes, fine lines around the eyes, or visual field obstruction.
What is the recovery time for eyelid surgery?
Initial recovery from eyelid surgery usually takes about 1-2 weeks. Most patients can resume light activities after only a few days.
Are there scars from eyelid surgery?
Yes, there will be some scarring after eyelid surgery, but the incisions are strategically placed along natural creases of the eyelid and are typically almost invisible due to the thinness of the eyelid skin. They continue to fade further over time.
Where will the incisions be?
Incisions for upper eyelid surgery are typically made along the natural crease of the eyelid. For lower eyelid surgery, the incision is typically placed inside the lower eyelid (transconjunctival approach), which leaves no visible scar on the skin. The placement and technique will depend on the individual case.
How long until I can be out in public?
Most patients can resume work (and are considered “restaurant-ready”) within 3-5 days. For social events such as weddings (guest), graduations, or holidays, one should allow at least 7-10 days for recovery.
How soon can I travel after my surgery?
We typically ask patients to remain in town for a period of about 5-7 days before flying. However, car rides of 2-4 hours are ok the following day in most cases. We would still like to see you for a postoperative visit at approximately the 1-week mark.
How long until I can exercise?
Very light activity such as a brisk walk or a light stationary bike is encouraged as soon as you feel ready for it after surgery. Moderate exercise is usually resumed in about 5-7 days and heavy exercise in 3-4 weeks.
Can I combine blepharoplasty with other procedures?
Yes, many patients combine eyelid lifts with brow lifts, mini face lifts, or full face or neck lifts.
How long does this procedure take?
1-2 hours.
When is the right time to get this procedure?
Commonly younger 30s/40s and older.
Will eyelid surgery affect my vision?
Many patients report improved vision if their upper eyelids were sagging enough to obstruct their field of view.
What type of anesthesia is used for eyelid surgery?
Eyelid surgery is typically performed under a light sedation. This allows you to remain comfortable and relaxed during the procedure.
How soon can I wear makeup after eyelid surgery?
Makeup should be avoided for at least 1-2 days after eyelid surgery to minimize the risk of infection and promote healing. Once the surgeon approves, patients can return to wearing makeup while using caution around the incisions.
What to Expect
After Surgery
- Most patients can resume work (and are considered “restaurant-ready”) within 3-5 days
- For social events such as weddings (guest), graduations, or holidays, one should allow at least 7-10 days for recovery
- Exercise: Moderate exercise is usually resumed in about 5-7 days and heavy exercise in 3-4 weeks
- Usually about 90% of swelling/bruising resolves within 1-2 weeks
- Patients will need to avoid direct sun exposure to the incisions for at least a year and use sunscreen and sunglasses to protect healing skin.
- We will see the patient for postoperative appointments typically after 5-7 days, 10-14 days, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. Sutures are removed during the first postoperative appointment.
- Full results are typically visible within a few weeks
