Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is a procedure that restores a more youthful, well-rested, and vibrant appearance to the eyes by redistributing fat bags and removing excess skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. Eyelid surgery can correct drooping upper lids, puffy bags above and below your eyes, redundant upper eyelid skin, and hanging lower lid skin, all features that can give you the appearance of being older and more tired  than you feel.

Surgery

Blepharoplasty can be done alone, or in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures such as a facelift or a brow lift, and the incisions are very difficult to see because they are hidden in your natural creases. For upper eyelid surgery, generally an incision is hidden within the natural fold of the upper eyelid and extends slightly beyond the outside corner into the laugh lines or other existing creases. Through this incision, excess skin and fatty tissue are removed. Because the incision follows the natural contour of the upper eyelid, it will be well camouflaged when healed.

Post surgery

Straining, bending and lifting should be avoided during the early postoperative period.

Initially, you may feel a "tight" sensation around the eyes and some mild discomfort that can be controlled with oral medication. During the first 48 hours following surgery, patients experience varying degrees of swelling and bruising. Some patients find that mild swelling persist for several weeks, while others may see swelling resolve in as little as one week. Bruising typically disappears within seven to ten days. Stitches (if any) are usually removed within a week of surgery.

Your vision may continue to be somewhat blurry for a few days or longer. Your eyes may be temporarily sensitive to light, and you may experience excess tearing or dryness. Some plastic surgeons recommend eye drops to help relieve any burning or itching. You may want to wear dark sunglasses for a couple of weeks to protect your eyes from wind and sun irritation.

In many instances, you will be able to resume most of your normal activities within a few days after surgery. However your vision may still be slightly blurry which could make reading or other paperwork more difficult. You should not wear contact lenses for a week or two.

Result

Aesthetic eyelid surgery has the effect of making you look more rested, refreshed and alert. Since the healing process is gradual, you should expect to wait at least several weeks to get an accurate picture of the results of your eyelid surgery. Incisions will fade over a number of months until they become barely visible.

While it can add an upper eyelid crease to Asian eyes, it will not erase evidence of your ethnic or racial heritage. Both men and women benefit greatly from this procedure and achieve good results with nearly invisible scars.

Clinical archives (American Society of Dermatologic Surgery):

• Dual-laser Technique for Eyelid Surgery Diminishes the Signs of Aging with Minimal Complications and Rapid Healing

• The Eyes Have It: Combined Therapies Achieve Powerful Cosmetic Results (March 1998)

• Aging Eyelids fact sheet