Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a type of cosmetic surgery to correct droopy eyelids and remove puffiness and bags under the eyes.

Blepharoplasty cannot fix dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, or sagging eyebrows.

Men or women who have droopy eyelids, bags and dark circles, excess skin around the eyelids, or puffiness of the upper eyelids may be good candidates for eyelid surgery.

Before getting eyelid surgery, you will need to have a preoperative consultation with your surgeon. During the consultation, your surgeon will examine you and ask questions about your vision, tear production, use of lenses, and what you expect to get out of the surgery. Photographs will be taken for before and after comparisons. The surgical procedure will be described in detail, including risks and limitations.

The surgeon will give you preoperative instructions as to what you can or cannot eat or drink before surgery, which medications you should take or avoid, and a list of things you will need to have on hand for your recovery. During your consultation, the surgeon will answer any questions you might have, so come to your appointment prepared.

Eyelid surgery may be performed under general anesthesia (which means that you will be given drugs through an IV to put you to sleep) or IV sedation (which means you will be given sedatives through an IV to help you relax).

Conditions of the upper eyelid are corrected through an incision within the natural crease of the upper eyelid allowing repositioning of fat deposits, tightening of muscles and tissue, and/or removal of excess skin.

Conditions of the lower eyelid are corrected with an incision just below the lower lash line. Through this incision, excess skin in the lower eyelids is removed.

An incision hidden inside the lower eyelid (transconjunctival incision) is an alternative technique for correcting lower eyelid conditions.

Eyelid incisions typically are closed with removable or absorbable sutures, skin adhesives, and/or surgical tape.

Your surgeon may use a laser chemical peel to erase dark discoloration of the lower eyelids.

You may be able to go home the day of your surgery, but you will need someone to drive you. During eyelid surgery recovery, you will probably experience a mild aching or burning. Your surgeon can prescribe pain medication as needed.

Swelling peaks on the morning after surgery then gradually resolves over the next 10 days. However, a small amount of puffiness may persist for several months.

Most people experience moderate bruising that fades over the first two weeks. Cold packs are effective for reducing post operative swelling, bruising, and pain.

Most people return to work within 2 days after surgery, but strenuous activity should be avoided for 2 to 3 weeks.

The incision lines for eyelid surgery are designed so that eyelid surgery scars are well concealed within the natural structures of the eyelid.

Although eyelid surgery is a relatively safe procedure, all surgery comes with some risk.

Potential eyelid surgery risks may include:

• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Poor wound healing
• Infection
• Reactions to anesthesia
• Scarring
• Wound separation
• Suture cysts (tiny white cysts in the suture line)
• Asymmetry
• Drooping upper eyelid
• Double vision
• Loss of vision

Many of these complications can be avoided if you closely follow your surgeon’s instructions.

The cost of eyelid surgery varies based on a number of factors including:

• Type of surgery
• Geographic location
• Facility fees
• Surgeon expertise and demand

Costs can range from around $4,000 to around $5,500.

American Society of Plastic Surgeons www.plasticsurgery.org

The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery www.aafprs.org

Loftus Plastic Surgery Center www.infoplasticsurgery.com