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Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure during which tissue is removed and sculpted to correct sagging or drooping eyelids. As we age, it is common to see a difference in the appearance of our eyes. Even with a healthy lifestyle and good skin care, wrinkles, puffiness and drooping of the eyelids are inevitable with time. Some people have these changes earlier than others due to genetics, smoking or sun damage, or other health concerns. Regardless of the cause, blepharoplasty can give a more youthful appearance to otherwise older, more tired looking eyes.
Types of blepharoplasty
There are two types of blepharoplasty: Upper eyelid blepharoplasty and Lower eyelid blepharoplasty. An upper lid blepharoplasty removes tissue from the upper lid to improve the appearance of the upper lid crease, address redundant skin folds and remove and sculpt unwanted fatty deposits.
Am I a candidate for blepharoplasty?
At OCLI, you will be evaluated by an oculoplastic surgeon who will perform a detailed exam to assess whether you are a good candidate for elective eyelid surgery. As board certified ophthalmologists who are fellowship trained in oculoplastic surgery, Drs. Garibaldi and Wong are best suited to safely perform eyelid surgery while keeping the health and comfort of your eyes in mind. Certain eye conditions such as dry eye and blepharitis can be more of an issue after eyelid surgery and these will be evaluated during your preoperative visit.
The procedure
At the time of your blepharoplasty procedure you will receive monitored sedation from an anesthesiologist in addition to local injections to ensure a completely comfortable experience.
Your surgery will take between one and three hours, depending on the extent of the surgery. As oculoplastic surgeons Drs. Garibaldi and Wong will tailor your surgery to address your specific concerns and your incisions will be designed to be hidden within natural eyelid lines. The incisions will be closed with very fine stitches.
After surgery, you may experience some of the following temporary side effects:
- Bruising and swelling, lasting from two weeks to a month
- Dry or itchy sensation in your eyes
- Excessive tearing
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision
You will want to take some time off of work to relax – we recommend planning on taking one to two weeks off depending on your job to care for yourself during your healing process and plan on two to three weeks off of exercise. Your doctor and staff at OCLI will direct you on the proper pre- and postoperative care and our aesthetics team is available to help with your skincare needs. You will be asked to attend a series of follow-up appointments to ensure you are healing correctly.
If you are experiencing the effects of aging, and want to restore a youthful appearance to your eyes, blepharoplasty may be right for you. Contact OCLI today for your blepharoplasty consultation!
Reviewed by Daniel Garibaldi, MD, FACS
