Blepharoplasty (Eye Surgery)

Blepharoplasty is a safe procedure (it is one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures), but it is surgery and carries surgical risks. Although slight, there is the possibility of infection or complications due to anesthesia.

There may be minor, temporary side effects such as excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, dryness, swelling and blurred or double vision.

You can be driven home a few hours after surgery, and you must rest for several days. Most clients can return to work within a week.

Afterwards, your eyes will be sensitive. You will be directed on how to care for your eyes, including instructions on cleaning and the application of ointment.

Results will be noticeable as swelling diminishes.

A treatment of the upper eyelids alone may last as little as an hour. Treatment of the lower lids or both lids together can take up to three hours.

Blepharoplasty treats excessive fat and skin around the eyes. It does not remove wrinkles or lighten dark circles areas under the eyes.

Blepharoplasty may not be suitable for those with thyroid problems such as hypothyroidism and Graves’ Disease, dry eyes, diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease or circulatory disorders. In some cases, the procedure can be performed with special consideration.

The procedure is done under anesthesia, and medication is prescribed afterwards to ease the pain. Your eyelids will feel taut and sore afterwards.

Your new, alert look will last for years.

Mesotherapy or laser light resurfacing may be used to reduce puffiness in the lower lids, assuming no skin needs to be removed. Fillers may be injected into the lower lid to smooth unevenness.

Blepharoplasty is not for removing crow’s feet, fine lines or as a treatment for wrinkles. It does not lighten dark circles under the eyes.

The patient’s individual surgeon will provide specific instructions prior to surgery. There will be guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking and medications to take and avoid. Patients should make arrangements for someone to drive them home after the surgery.

After treatment, apply ointment, eye drops and cold compresses as recommended by your surgeon. Keep your head elevated and your eyes clean. You will be instructed on how to care for your eyes. You will be able to read and watch TV after two or three days. Limit your activity for about four days. You will need to have your stitches removed a couple of days after surgery. You should feel ready to return to work at around ten days, at which point you can apply makeup. You should wear sunglasses and sunscreen if you go outside because your skin and eyes will be easily irritated. You can resume wearing contact lenses at about two weeks. Strenuous, vigorous activity should be avoided for three weeks. Swelling can persist from two weeks to a month.