What is a blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is a surgical procedure performed to remove excess skin and/or fat from the eyelids.  This procedure creates a more refreshed and youthful appearance and is an important component to improving the appearance of the eyes and face. It can be combined with other cosmetic procedures of the face, depending on a patient’s particular needs and their consultation with one of our surgeons.

What are the benefits of a blepharoplasty?

The primary benefit of this procedure is a more youthful and refreshed appearance of the eyes.

Am I a good candidate for a blepharoplasty?

Patients who have excess skin or fat of the eyelids resulting in an unacceptable appearance may be good candidates for a blepharoplasty. Certain medical conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, or lung disease can make you a poor candidate for elective invasive surgery. Patients with dry eyes or medical problems that affect the eyes or vision may also be poor candidates for eyelid surgery. Patients who smoke that are seeking a blepharoplasty must also be willing to give up smoking for at least three weeks before and after their surgery.

How is an upper eyelid blepharoplasty performed?

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is typically performed with an incision on the upper eyelid and the removal of excess skin. Depending on a patient’s individual needs, underlying muscle or fat may also be removed. Sutures are placed that will need to be removed at approximately 5 days after surgery. This procedure can be performed in the office or in a minor procedure room under local anesthesia, or in the operating room depending on the needs of the patient and the specifics of the surgery involved.

How is a lower blepharoplasty performed?

Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is typically performed with an incision on the lower eyelid for the removal of any excess skin. Depending on a patient’s individual needs, underlying muscle or fat may also be removed or redistributed. Depends on the particular surgical technique, the incision used to access the lower eyelid fat can be through the skin or on the inside within the eyelid. If external incisions are used, sutures are placed that will need to be removed at approximately 5 days after surgery. And internal incisions will be closed with dissolving sutures. This procedure is typically performed in the operating room under general anesthesia.

Can I have both an upper and a lower blepharoplasty done at once?

Yes! Patients seeking cosmetic improvement of their eyes often benefit from having both the upper and lower eyelids addressed, and this can be done at the same time. When both eyelids are combined, this is always performed in the operating room under general anesthesia. This is still considered an outpatient, or same-day, surgery. After surgery, patients arrive in the recovery room, where they rest for a couple of hours, as the anesthetic effects wear off. They are generally able to return home on the same day after surgery, accompanied by a family member or friend.

What is a blepharoplasty recovery like?

As with any soft tissue surgery, some discomfort is normal during the first 1 to 2 weeks; medication may be prescribed to help with this. After the initial couple of days, our patients can expect to feel better each day. Some swelling and bruising is also normal after breast reduction, but this subsides over a couple of weeks. Most routine daily activities at home, school, and/or work can typically be resumed within 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. 

What will the scarring look like?

When external incisions are utilized, blepharoplasty scarring is typically very discrete and well hidden. While there will be a scar on the skin of the eyelid, this typically heals in a way that is difficult to appreciate. Incisions used on the inside of the eyelid for lower blepharoplasty will not be appreciable from the outside. 

Are there good nonsurgical options for blepharoplasty?

Depending on a patient’s particular needs, sometimes skin tightening procedures can improve the appearance of the eyelids without surgery. Options include laser resurfacing, chemical peels, or Ultherapy (link) skin tightening. Typically these options are better for more mild cases. Surgery remains the most effective way of improving the appearance of the eyes with blepharoplasty.

Click Here for Blepharoplasty Before and After photos.

Why should I have my blepharoplasty performed at Samra Plastic Surgery?

Our highly skilled and caring plastic surgeons have many years of extensive experience in performing facial cosmetic surgery and are attuned to the specific needs and wishes of patients seeking this procedure. Our staff is also dedicated to providing you with a welcoming and comfortable experience before and after surgery.

Contact us to set up a personal or virtual consultation today.