Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
For many patients, as we age, we develop excess skin of both our upper and lower eyelids. Often times, others comment that patients appear “tired.” A blepharoplasty is a procedure designed to correct the signs of aging associated with the area surrounding our eyes to restore a more youthful appearance. This procedure may be performed on the upper eyelids only, the lower eyelids only, or on both the upper and lower eyelids.
For the upper eyelids, this procedure may be performed in the office, without the need for general anesthesia. This procedure involves removing the excess skin of the upper eyelids. The incisions are hidden within natural creases of the upper eyelids to minimize the scaring. Sutures will be placed during the procedure are removed whithin five to seven days. Makeup may be applied after this time. Mild swelling and bruising of the eyelids will be present following the procedure, however this should resolve within one to two weeks.
For patients who desire correction of the lower eyelids or those desiring correction of both the upper and lower eyelid simultaneously, this is performed as an outpatient procedure under anesthesia. With regards to the lower eyelids, the procedure is more extensive when compared to the upper eyelids, as fatty deposits of the lower eyelid may need to be removed to help reduce the baggy appearance. All sutures are removed within a week. Bruising along with mild swelling is typically seen following the surgery. These again resolve within a couple weeks.
Complications, although rare, can occur. Dr. Mitchell will explain these in detail during your consultation.