The Ophthalmic Center - Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

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Droopy eyelids may interfere with your field of vision and/or make you look older than you are. Puffiness and bags under your eyes typically give a tired and worn appearance. These problems can be corrected with a procedure called blepharoplasty, or more commonly know as, eyelid surgery.

What is it?

Blepharoplasty is an in-office surgical procedure where the surgeon removes excess fat, muscle and skin from the upper or lower eyelids. Blepharoplasty does not eliminate dark circles from under the eyes or wrinkles around the eyes.

What to expect?

As with all surgery, realistic expectations are extremely important, therefore, an in-depth consultation with the surgeon is a must at our center in order for you to make an informed decision. If, after consultation, you decide that blepharoplasty is for you, you will be given a pre-surgical packet with important instructions to follow prior to the procedure. Typically, these instructions include the discontinuation of all aspirin products for 7 days prior to surgery. In addition, before scheduling your blepharoplasty, you will want to discuss with the surgeon any and all medications you are taking, even if they are over-the-counter, herbal, or vitamins, as some products may prolong bleeding. Unless you are instructed otherwise, continue to use your regular medications as you normally would. Wear loose, comfortable clothing to the center on the day of surgery. Do not wear make-up.

Blepharoplasty is performed using topical anesthetics to numb the lid area so you will not be asleep during the procedure. The surgeon marks the upper lid, designating the natural lines and creases in order to keep the incision scars obscured. Once the incision is made, excess fat, muscle and tissue are taken away. Fine sutures are then used to close the incision. If the lower lid is being done, the incision is made inside the lower eyelid where it will be invisible. The usual blepharoplasty takes between 1 and 2 hours to perform and heals completely in a few months.

Some swelling, bruising, and possible discomfort may be expected after the surgery. An icepack will be applied to the area before you leave our office in order to minimize this. Also, you will continue to use an icepack on the eye area for 2-3 days afterward. In addition, you will need to sleep with your head elevated for a few days.

The surgeon will want to see you at the center the next day to make sure everything is perfect. The stitches will typically be removed in about one week.

As with all surgeries, good health and realistic expectations are important. Our doctors will be happy to discuss in detail the procedures available to you and how you may benefit from each of them. At The Ophthalmic Center an informed patient is always our best patient.