Blepharoplasty, also known as an eye lift, is a procedure that corrects the sagging or drooping of the eyelids and removes excess fat, skin and muscle. As we age, it is common to see a difference in our eye area – loose skin, bags below and above the eye; sometimes so much that the upper lid seems to disappear underneath the extra fatty area under the brow bone. Even with good skincare and eye care, wrinkles, puffiness and drooping eyelids can still happen. Genetic factors and body chemistry can even cause these premature aging effects in younger people. Blepharoplasty can give a more youthful appearance to tired looking eyes.
Blepharoplasty surgery can also treat a medical condition called ptosis (drooping eyelid), caused by poor muscle tone or nerve damage. Ptosis causes the eyelids to hang very low and block vision.
Two Types of Blepharoplasty
- Upper Blepharoplasty: removes excess skin, fat and/or muscle from the upper lid.
- Lower Blepharoplasty: removes excess bags and sometimes skin at the lash line to tighten the under eye skin.
Is Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) Right for Me?
The best candidates for blepharoplasty are generally physically healthy and are well informed about the surgery. Typically candidates are at least 35. Genetic factors may indicate treatment for younger people.
If you are interested in learning more about Blepharoplasty at Berks Eye Physicians & Surgeons, schedule an appointment with us today.
The Eyelid Surgery Procedure
If you are interested in blepharoplasty, we recommend you schedule a consultation at Berks Eye Physicians & Surgeons. At your consultation your doctor will discuss your goals and expectations and help you decide what procedure would benefit you based on your specific needs.
At the time of surgery, you will be given a local anesthesic to numb the area around your eyes and a mild sedative to help you stay relaxed during the procedure. You’ll be awake during the surgery, but relaxed and insensitive to pain. The blepharoplasty will take between 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the extent of the surgery. A small incision is made following the natural line of your eyelids, excess fat is removed and sagging skin trimmed, and the incision is closed with very fine stitches.
Blepharoplasty Recovery Plan
Immediately after the surgery has been completed, antibiotic ointment will be applied. You will be advised to apply ice frequently for two days after surgery. A certain degree of swelling and bruising is normal. Cold compresses, as well as head elevation when lying down, will enhance healing. For a week and a half following blepharoplasty, you will clean the eye area (the eyes may feel sticky, dry, and itchy). Eye-drops may be recommended. Permanent stitches will be removed in one week after surgery. Self-absorbing stitches will dissolve on their own.
Berkshire Eye Surgery Center
Berks Eye completes most surgical procedures at Berkshire Eye Surgery Center, a fully equipped eyes-only ambulatory surgery center that provides convenience and comfort for our patients. Our center is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAHC), is Medicare certified, and specially designed to accommodate Cataract, Glaucoma, Eyelid and Laser procedures.
Eyelid Surgery Temporary Side Effects:
- Bruising, lasting from one to two weeks
- Dry or itchy sensation in your eyes
- Excessive tearing
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred sight
- Swelling at the corner of the eyelid
You should be able to read or watch TV in two or three days. Most people feel ready to return to work within a few days.