Eyelid blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin or fat deposits from around the upper or lower eyelids. The procedure is often used in combination with laser resurfacing and other cosmetic procedures to improve the contour of the eye and to create a more rested, youthful appearance. Blepharoplasty may also be used to remove excess skin around the eyes that is interfering with vision.
Who Is a Candidate for Eyelid Blepharoplasty?
Patients undergoing blepharoplasty typically have significant sagging of the upper eyelids, pouches of fat in the upper or lower eyelids that contribute to an aged or tired appearance, or peripheral vision problems caused by excessive eyelid skin. The skill of the surgeon is essential since removing too much skin or fat tissue can lead to an overly tight, unnatural look or even make it difficult to close the eyes fully. To ensure the most natural looking results, it is important to consult an experienced Orange County surgeon and board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Tony Nakhla.
Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty:
An upper eyelid blepharoplasty involves making an incision along the crease of the upper eyelid in order to excise the excess skin. The surgeon must be careful not to remove too much fat from the area in order to preserve a natural, youthful appearance.
Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty:
With a lower eyelid blepharoplasty, an incision is made inside the lower eyelid or just under the lash line to allow the surgeon to remove excess skin and fatty tissue leading to unsightly bags under the eyes. A lower eyelid blepharoplasty may also be combined with a canthopexy if the eyelid needs to be tightened further.
What to Expect:
Upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasties are performed as outpatient procedures using local anesthesia with oral or intravenous sedation. It is normal to experience some minor bruising or swelling immediately following the surgery; however, this should resolve within approximately 10 days. A follow-up visit is normally scheduled a week following the procedure to remove the stitches. Because of the location of the incisions, there should be no visible scarring. Most patients resume their normal activities a week after the surgery.