EYELID SURGERY (Blepharoplasty)

As people age, the eyelid skin stretches, muscles weaken, and fat accumulates around the eyes, causing "bags" above and below.	The surgeon closes the incisions with fine sutures, which will leave nearly invisible scars.	Before surgery, the surgeon marks the incision sites, following the natural lines and creases of the upper and lower eyelids.	After surgery, the upper eyelids no longer droop and the skin under the eyes is smooth and firm.

Eyelid surgery (technically called blepharoplasty) is a procedure to remove fat - usually along with excess skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. This surgery can correct drooping upper lids and puffy bags below your eyes - features that make you look older and more tired than you feel, and may even interfere with your vision. Blepharoplasty can be done alone, or in conjunction with other facial surgery procedures such as a facelift or browlift.

The best candidates for eyelid surgery are men and women who are physically healthy, psychologically stable, and realistic in their expectations. Most are 35 or older, but if droopy, baggy eyelids run in your family, you may decide to have eyelid surgery at a younger age.

Eyelid surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia - which numbs the area around your eyes - along with IV sedatives. You will be relaxed and insensitive to pain. However, you may feel some tugging.

After surgery, your eyes may feel tight and sore as the anesthesia wears off, but you can control the discomfort with the pain medicine prescribed. You need to keep your head elevated for a couple of days and use cold compresses to help with swelling. Bruising varies from person to person but generally last 2-4 weeks. For the first few weeks you may experience excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, and temporary changes in your vision such as blurring. You will be followed closely by the surgeon for the first 2 weeks and the stitches will be removed during this time.

You should be able to read or watch TV after 2-3 days. However, you won't be able to wear contacts for 2 weeks. Most people are ready to go out and back to work in 7-10 days. Keep activities to a minimum for about 3 weeks. Healing is a gradual process. Your scars may remain slightly pink for months, but will eventually fade.

Please call the office (383-1499) for any questions and arrange for your complimentary consultation.