BLEPHAROPLASTY - EYELID SURGERY

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to improve the appearance the eyelids by removing excessive skin and fat.  .  Eyelid surgery may also be performed to add an upper eyelid crease to Asian eyes. 

During your consultation, Dr. Duboys or Dr. Sirota will carefully examine your eyes and discuss the possibilities available to you.  The doctors will also discuss whether or not all four eyelids should be treated and whether or not both skin and fat need to be removed.  It’s important that you discuss your expectations in detail. 

Dr. Duboys and Dr. Sirota typically perform eyelid surgery at their in-office surgical facility at Associated Plastic Surgeons.  This is a state-of-the-art operating room that is fully approved by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF).  Eyelid surgery usually takes one to two hours to complete and may be performed under local anesthesia and sedation or with general anesthesia.  Incisions are typically made in the natural creases of the upper eyelids and just below the lashes in the lower eyelids, resulting in small, well-concealed scars.  Patients with just excess fat of the lower eyelids may undergo a transconjunctival blepharoplasty in which the incisions are made on the inside of the lower eyelids, resulting in no visible scarring. 

The exact nature of the surgery will depend on the individual patient.  In general, however, excess fat, skin and muscle may be removed.  No bandages are applied after surgery.  Some swelling and bruising are common and can be alleviated by elevating the head and applying cold compresses during the first few days.  Bruising typically fades within 5-7 days.  Other side effects may include dryness, itching or a burning sensation of the eyes, tearing, blurred or double vision, and sensitivity to light.  Patients typically feel well enough to return to work and most other normal activities within five to seven days after surgery. 

Special considerations may need to be made for individuals with thyroid problems, dry eye or lack of sufficient tears, a detached retina, glaucoma, high blood pressure or other circulatory disorders, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes. 

Eyelid surgery can be a very rewarding experience, enhancing both the appearance and one’s self confidence. 

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Frequently Asked Eyelid Surgery Questions

What is eyelid surgery?
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty as it is also known, is a procedure which can restore a more youthful and refreshed look to the eyes by improving drooping upper eyelids and puffy under-eye bags. During surgery, excess fat, skin and muscle are removed from the upper and/or lower eyelids.

What is Asian eyelid surgery?
Asian eyelid surgery is a procedure which adds an upper eyelid crease to the Asian eye.

Who is a candidate for eyelid surgery?
Candidates for eyelid surgery include men and women who are looking to improve droopiness or puffiness of the upper and/or lower eyelids. It’s also important that the eyelid surgery candidate be in good physical health, psychologically stable and have realistic expectations. Individuals with certain medical conditions including thyroid problems, dry eye or lack of sufficient tears, glaucoma, detached retina, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure or other circulatory disorders, or diabetes may require that special considerations be made.

What occurs during a consultation for eyelid surgery?
During the consultation for eyelid surgery, you will meet with either Dr. Duboys or Dr. Sirota. After carefully examining your eyes, the doctor will discuss your expectations and the possibilities available to you. All details of the eyelid surgery will be explained and any questions that you have answered.  Specific topics that will be discussed include whether or not both skin and fat will need to be removed and whether or not all four eyelids need to be treated.

Read more eyelid surgery questions.