Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

Eyelid surgery, also called an eyelid lift or blepharoplasty, can rejuvenate puffy, sagging or tired-looking eyes by removing excess fat, skin and muscle from the upper and/or lower eyelids. Eyelid surgery may be performed at either of our two California locations for cosmetic reasons, to restore a smoother, more youthful appearance, or to improve sight by lifting droopy eyelids out of the patient’s field of vision.

Blepharoplasty at Osborne Head & Neck Institute is ideal for the correction of:

• Loose, sagging and/or folded upper eyelids that may limit vision
• Puffy fat deposits in the upper eyelids
• Under-eye bags
• Sagging lower eyelids that may show the white of the eyes below the iris
• Excess skin in the lower eyelids
• Fine wrinkles in the lower eyelids

Blepharoplasty cannot raise the eyebrows or reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles, crow’s feet or dark circles under the eyes. However, eyelid surgery can be combined with other procedures such as browlifts, BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments and laser procedures to achieve these results.

The best candidates for blepharoplasty:

• Are generally healthy
• Do not smoke
• Have realistic expectations
• Do not have any serious eye conditions

One of our experienced doctors will talk to you about whether you are a good candidate for eyelid surgery.

Eyelid surgery is performed in either or Los Angeles or Beverly Hills facility, usually with local anesthesia and IV sedation. The procedure often takes less than 45 minutes to perform.

Incisions are made along the eyelids in inconspicuous places: in the natural creases of the upper lids for upper eyelid blepharoplasty and just below the lash line on the lower lids for lower eyelid blepharoplasty. If no skin needs to be removed, the surgeon will likely perform a transconjunctival blepharoplasty, where the incision is made inside the lower eyelid and there are no visible scars.

In all cases, your surgeon then removes excess skin from the eyelids using a scalpel, laser or radiofrequency (RF) tool. Fat may be removed as well. He then closes the incisions with fine sutures, tissue glue or surgical tape.

Bruising, swelling and a sense of tightness in the eyelids are common after eyelid surgery. These should subside within 2-4 weeks. Most patients resume activities in 3-5 days, when non-absorbable stitches are removed, and return to work in about 10 days. By one to two months after surgery, you should see the true results of your eyelid lift: a more awake, youthful and cheerful look around the eyes, and greater self-confidence.

Contact lenses may not be worn for two weeks. Eyes can be sensitive to light and wind and may be slightly irritated for a short while; your surgeon may prescribe eye drops and cool compresses to ease any discomfort.