Blepharoplasty

What is a Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is more commonly referred to as eyelid surgery or an eye lift. The procedure involves removing loose, excess skin and, in some cases, tightening the muscles of the upper and lower eyelids. It may also involve resuspending fat pads to create a brighter, more youthful look. This reduces drooping or sagging that can contribute to a tired and aged appearance.

Am I a Candidate for a Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty may be a good option for patients who are unhappy with drooping, sagging, or wrinkles in the eyelid area. It can also be used to reshape the eyelids in younger patients who would prefer a different look. Blepharoplasty can also, in some cases, be used to improve a patient’s eyesight if drooping upper lids obstruct their vision. Finally, blepharoplasty can reduce bags or puffiness under the eyes. 

Before pursuing upper or lower eyelid surgery, you should be generally healthy overall. Dr. Paquet will review your health history and examine your eyelid area to determine your candidacy. In some cases, you will also be asked to see an ophthalmologist prior to surgery to determine that blepharoplasty is a safe option. Certain eye diseases or conditions, such as dry eyes or glaucoma, can be worsened by blepharoplasty.

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Benefits of Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty is especially appealing to patients who wear eye makeup because excess upper eyelid skin can obscure products and even crease them away entirely. In the same vein, sagging lower eyelids and bags can’t always be effectively concealed with makeup. Upper and lower blepharoplasty are long-term solutions for patients who are bothered by these concerns. Blepharoplasty can also open up the eyes, creating a more alert look. Finally, for some patients, excess eyelid skin can even obscure vision, meaning upper lid blepharoplasty can come with medical benefits.

Types of Blepharoplasty

Two types of blepharoplasty exist and Dr. Paquet can help you determine whether you can benefit from a single or combination plastic surgery package. He may also recommend combining blepharoplasty with other facial cosmetic surgery options for best results.

Upper Eyelid Surgery

Upper eyelid surgery removes skin from sagging upper eyelids. Drooping eyelid skin can be removed using an incision in the natural crease of the eye, revealing more of the mobile lid. A brow lift is a common addition to this procedure, although it may need to be performed instead of eyelid surgery. Sagging brows can also cause the upper lids to press downward, meaning Dr. Paquet’s expertise can determine the best procedure for your needs.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

Lower eyelid blepharoplasty can lift and smooth undereye bags and sagging lower eyelids. It uses an incision within the lash line or inside the lower eyelid to resuspend sagging tissues (including fat pads). This can get rid of deep grooves or troughs under the eyes. Lower eyelid surgery can be beneficial for patients who have lower eyelids that pull away from the eyes, causing dry eyes.

Before Your Blepharoplasty Procedure

During a consultation with Dr. Paquet, you’ll discuss your cosmetic concerns and which blepharoplasty surgery can best achieve your ideal results. You’ll discuss the details of your medical history and medication list to ensure a safe and effective procedure. Bloodwork might be requested by Dr. Paquet, and you’ll meet with our team to review paperwork. We recommend stopping blood-thinning medications, smoking, and alcohol reduce risks and promote healing during your recovery.

The Blepharoplasty Procedure

Blepharoplasty is usually performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation on an outpatient basis. You may have the surgery on your upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, depending on your intended results. Surgery is usually relatively quick, taking only 60-90 minutes.

In an upper eyelid blepharoplasty, incisions are made along the crease of the upper eyelid. Through these incisions, excess sagging skin is removed and, as needed, excess fat may be removed and the muscles tightened. Once the desired appearance has been created, the incisions are closed using sutures. 

In lower blepharoplasty, incisions are made on the inside of the lower eyelid through a hidden incision. As with an upper blepharoplasty, excess skin and fat tissues are removed or repositioned and the area is reshaped for the desired appearance. The incisions are then closed using absorbable sutures. 

Lower and upper eyelid surgery can also be combined with other cosmetic procedures like a facelift.

After Your Blepharoplasty Procedure

Following blepharoplasty, a lubricating ointment is applied to the eyes. This will likely cause your vision to be blurry in the early stages of recovery. Other side effects include swelling, redness or bruising, watering eyes, light sensitivity, and itching or discomfort. Due to light sensitivity, patients are often advised to wear sunglasses in the car when they are driven home. You may need to wear them at certain points throughout your recovery, too. Dr. Paquet may prescribe pain medication to keep you comfortable during the first few days of the recovery process. 

Through the first few weeks of recovery, you should avoid using contact lenses and will be given instructions to use eyedrops and ointments or otherwise care for the area. Cool compresses may be used to reduce swelling. Most patients require about one to two weeks of downtime after their blepharoplasty. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Blepharoplasty