What is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a procedure that raises drooping upper eyelids and/or reduces bagginess from lower eyelids. Blepharoplasty is commonly a cosmetic procedure; however, in some cases, an ophthalmologist may suggest this effective method for improving sight in patients who have saggy upper eyelids that obstruct their side vision.
Eyelid surgery can be combined with other facial procedures such as a facelift, brow lift, or skin resurfacing. If the upper eyelid droops close to the eye’s pupil, the surgeon may combine the blepharoplasty with a procedure called ptosis (toe-sis) repair. This procedure provides additional support to the eyebrow muscle.
Indications for upper eyelid surgery (upper blepharoplasty):
- Drooping upper eyelids
- Excess skin on upper eyelids that obstructs side vision (peripheral vision)
- Excess fatty tissue on upper eyelids
Indications for lower eyelid surgery (lower blepharoplasty):
- Excess skin on the lower eyelids
- Bags under the eyes
- Loss of volume in the nasojugal groove
Benefits of Eyelid Surgery
- Reduce signs of aging around the eyes
- Reduce or eliminate vision problems
- Improve the look of droopy upper eyelids
- Remove excess skin from eyelids
- Improve under eye bags
How is it Done?
Generally, if both the upper and lower eyelids are being operated on, the surgeon will begin with the upper eyelids.
Upper Eyelids – An incision is created along the fold of the eyelid, followed by the removal of some excess skin, muscle, and possibly fat. After removing the tissue, the surgeon will close the incision with either medical sutures or surgical glue.
Lower Eyelids – The surgeon will create an incision just below the patient’s lashes, in the eyes natural crease, or inside the lower eyelid. Following, the surgeon will remove or redistribute excess skin, muscle, and possibly fat. The incision is then closed with surgical glue or sutures.
