Cosmetic eyelid surgery, called blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the upper and/or lower eyelids and provide a rejuvenated and rested appearance to the surrounding area of the eyes.

Eyelid surgery can treat:

• Loose or sagging skin that creates folds or disturbs the natural contour of the upper eyelid, sometimes impairing vision

• Excess fatty deposits that appear as puffiness in the upper eyelids

• Bags under the eyes

• Droopiness of the lower eyelids, showing white below the iris

• Excess skin and fine wrinkes of the lower eyelid

Good candidates for blepharoplasty

Eyelid surgery is usually performed on adults who have healthy facial tissue and muscles and who have realistic goals and expectations for improvement. Good candidates are:

• Healthy individuals who don’t have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing

• Non-smokers

• Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind

• Individuals without serious eye conditions

The Surgery

Step 1 – Anesthesia

Anesthesia will be administered by a board-certified M.D. anesthesiologist.

Step 2 – The Incision

Incisional lines for eyelid surgery are designed for scars to be well-concealed with the natural structure of the eyelid region. Droopy conditions of the upper eyelid can be corrected through an incision within the natural crease of the upper eyelid allowing repositioning of fat deposits, tightening of muscles and tissue, and/or removal of excess skin.

Conditions of the lower eyelid may be corrected with an incision just below the lower lash line. Through this incision, excess skin in the lower eyelids is removed. A transconjunctival incision, one hidden inside the lower eyelid, is an alternate technique to correct lower eyelid conditions and redistribute or remove excess fat.

Step 3 – Closing the Incisions

Eyelid incisions typically are closed with removable or absorbable sutures.

Step 4 – See the Results

The results of eyelid surgery will appear gradually as swelling and bruising subside to reveal a smooth, better-defined eyelid and surrounding region, and an alert and rejuvenated appearance.

Making the Wise Choice

Plastic surgery involves many choices. The first and most important is selecting a surgeon you can trust. A doctor’s board certification is one of the best indicators of his or her training. Ask for certification from The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the only one of 24 boards approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) that certifies physicians in plastic surgery of the face and all areas of the body. To be ABPS board-certified, a physician must meet these rigorous standards:

• Graduate from an accredited medical school

• Complete at least five years of surgical training following medical school with a minimum of two years of plastic surgery residency training

• Pass comprehensive oral and written exams