What Blepharoplasty Treats & What to Expect

Everything You Need to Know About Eyelid Surgery

Blepharoplasty is consistently among the most popular facial cosmetic procedures performed each year, and it's easy to understand why. Here's a closer look at who's a good candidate, how the surgery works, and what recovery looks like.

Are You a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

The best candidates for blepharoplasty are healthy, non-smoking men and women who are bothered by the appearance of their eyelids and have realistic expectations about what surgery can accomplish. A visit to your ophthalmologist before pursuing eyelid surgery is a good idea, as it's important to confirm that there are no underlying eye conditions that could affect your procedure or recovery.

Eyelid surgery may be a good fit if you're dealing with any of the following concerns:

• Hooded upper eyelids, where excess skin folds down over the lid and creates a heavy, drooping appearance
• Sagging or droopy upper eyelid skin that makes you look older or more tired than you actually are
• Puffiness or under-eye bags caused by fat that has shifted forward beneath the lower eyelid skin
• Loose or wrinkled lower eyelid skin that contributes to an aged or fatigued look
• Droopy lower eyelids that have lost their firm, smooth contour over time
• Eyelid asymmetry, where one eyelid looks noticeably different from the other

It's worth noting that genetics can play a significant role in how and when these changes develop. Some people are simply predisposed to developing eye bags or hooded lids earlier than others, regardless of how well they've cared for their skin. Lifestyle factors like smoking and significant sun exposure can accelerate these changes, but blepharoplasty can help regardless of the underlying cause.

Upper vs. Lower Blepharoplasty

Eyelid surgery can address the upper lids, the lower lids, or both, depending on your concerns and goals. Dr. Will and Dr. Will work with each patient to create a customized plan that targets exactly what's bothering them.

• Upper blepharoplasty focuses on removing excess, drooping skin from the upper eyelids. During the procedure, an incision is made within the natural crease of the upper eyelid, where any resulting scar will be naturally hidden. Excess skin is removed, fat deposits are adjusted as needed, and the incision is carefully closed. The result is a more open, alert appearance to the upper eye area.
• Lower blepharoplasty addresses under-eye bags, puffiness, and loose skin beneath the eyes. Incisions for lower eyelid surgery are typically made on the inside of the lower lid (a technique called a transconjunctival approach) or just below the lash line, both of which keep scarring extremely minimal. Through these incisions, the surgeon removes or repositions the fat causing puffiness and trims any excess skin, smoothing out the under-eye area for a more rested, refreshed look.

Some patients also choose to make subtle aesthetic refinements during their procedure, such as lifting the outer corners of the eyes or adjusting the position of the upper eyelid crease. Your physician will discuss all of your options with you during your consultation.

Combining Blepharoplasty with Other Procedures

Blepharoplasty is frequently combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures for patients who want to address multiple areas of aging at once. A brow lift, for example, can address heaviness in the forehead and brow area that contributes to the eyelids looking droopy, while a facelift can address sagging in the lower face and neck. Combining procedures allows patients to go through one recovery period and achieve a more harmonious overall result. Your physician will help you think through whether combining makes sense based on your goals and overall health.

Eyelid Surgery Recovery

One of the appealing aspects of blepharoplasty is that recovery is relatively brief and straightforward compared to many other surgical procedures. Here's what you can typically expect:

• Most patients are able to resume normal daily activities within 2 to 3 days of surgery.
• Swelling and bruising around the eyes are expected and will be most noticeable in the first week. Applying cold compresses and avoiding blood-thinning medications during this period can help minimize both.
• Most patients choose to take about 1 to 2 weeks off from work and social activities until the visible signs of recovery have resolved.
• Strenuous physical activity should be avoided for at least 2 to 3 weeks after surgery.
• Final results begin to come into focus around 4 to 6 weeks after the procedure, once swelling has fully resolved.

The end result is eyes that look more open, rested, and youthful, with incision scars that are essentially invisible within the natural folds and creases of the eyelids.