BLEPHAROPLASTY (Eye Lid Surgery)

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Blepharoplasty (eye lid surgery) is a procedure used to improve the appearance of upper and lower eye lid region.

The upper eye lids typically develop excess hanging skin with age or genetics. However, it is also important to rule out actual drop of the eye brows (brow ptosis). If, from side view, the patient has "hooding" (the lateral eye lid skin forms a hood over the lower eye lid region) then brow ptosis is present and must be corrected. This is done by a brow lift procedure. If the ptosis is not corrected and only excess skin is removed, the brow ptosis will become worse. If only excess upper eye lid skin is present, an upper blepharoplasty is performed to remove the excess skin. Very rarely, excess fat (if truly indicated) may be removed. However, removing too much fat will result in a hollow eye, which is not youthful. The incision is made about 7mm (0.3 inches) above the eye lash line and is easily hidden.

The lower blepharoplasty procedure addresses the prominent fat pockets and, in some cases, excess skin of the lower eye lid region. Currently, I prefer the transconjunctival approach. If the patient has no loose skin, the incision is made inside the eye lid skin, thus avoiding any outside scars. Through this approach, the fat can be mobilized and removed, if truly indicated. As with the upper eye lid, it is best to avoid removing fat, as it will result in hollowness. I typically reposition and re-drape the fat, like a curtain, underneath the skin. This will smooth out the bulging of the fat, and will give a more youthful look to the lower eye lid.

As with face lift surgery, these procedures help the foundation of the house. However, the house may still need a "paint job". If the patient has wrinkly skin with lines around the eyes, these can be addressed with a combination of laser resurfacing, Botox, and fillers.

The recovery for eye lid surgery is similar to a face lift. Most patients can go to a social event, with make-up, two weeks after surgery. The first week, the eyes will be swollen and some bruising may be evident. The final result may take 3-6 months.