Blepharoplasty - What Is Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery?

What is blepharoplasty and what are its benefits? It is an eyelid surgery that can be performed on the upper and lower eyelids, or even both. It helps improve the appearance of puffy eyes by removing excess fatty deposits that cause the puffiness in the upper eyelids. This surgery can also be performed on loose or sagging skin around the upper eyelids. This loose or sagging skin can cause vision problems which can be corrected by undergoing the eyelid surgery procedure. Lower eyelid surgery can correct bags under the eyes, excess skin under the eyes and a drooping of the lower eyelid. After undergoing this procedure, recovery is brief while results are long lasting. It invigorates the surrounding area of your eyes, giving you a younger looking and renewed appearance.

Every blepharoplasty procedure must be custom tailored to meet the needs of the individual. The condition of the eyelids and surrounding face as well as your overall health will determine the details of the surgery. Operating times will vary with the extent of changes and the scope of the operation. Typically, the operation is performed under local anesthesia with oral sedation. This means that medication will be administered to make you more comfortable before an injection is given to numb the area being treated. The surgery can take 45-60 minutes for upper or lower eyelid correction. Having the procedure performed on both the upper or lower eyelids can take 90 minutes or more.

Recovery from blepharoplasty is similar to recovery from other facial surgeries. There could be mild aching or burning which can be controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses. There can also be puffiness, swelling and discoloration after the procedure. These symptoms can last for a few weeks or more depending on the scope of the surgery performed. Your doctor will go over the post-op procedure with you as well as schedule any follow-up visits necessary to monitor your healing and progress.

The end results of the blepharoplasty procedure will be improved appearance and even improved vision. The eyes are a very important facial feature and they are also the first ones to show signs of aging. The eyelids are a major part of the eyes and eye surgery can dramatically improve the appearance of the eyelids producing a more youthful and rested appearance. This is one of the most satisfying facial cosmetic procedures because recovery is brief while results are long lasting.