What is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is a plastic surgery procedure for correcting sagging or drooping eyelids.
Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is a plastic surgery procedure for correcting sagging or drooping eyelids.
The eyelids, because they have very thin skin, are one of the first places to exhibit aging on the face. If your eyes are showing the signs of aging and have developed excess skin folds or uneven bulges, blepharoplasty can give you a more refreshed and rested appearance. For upper eyelids, drooping eyelids can also interfere with peripheral vision. Your surgical procedure may be covered by medical insurance if it is deemed medically necessary. We perform specialized tests in the office to determine how your eyelids are affecting your peripheral vision.
For lower eyelids, cosmetic surgery can be done to remove excess prominent fat pads that cause eyelid “bags” through a scarless internal incision.
Dr. Carolyn Repke can do surgery to remove excess skin and fat pads, restoring the eyelids to a more youthful and natural appearance. For some patients, it can make a dramatic improvement in peripheral vision.
Blepharoplasty surgery is typically performed in an outpatient setting with local anesthesia and sedation. The procedure can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on whether both the upper and/or lower eyelids are operated on.
For upper lids, the incision is created within the natural crease of the upper lids, so that once the eyelid has healed, the scar in hidden in the fold. For lower lids, surgery is typically done from the inside of the eyelid to remove tissue in a scarless manner.
After eyelid surgery, patients with be advised to use cold compresses to minimize swelling and bruising. Eyedrops and ointment will be used on the eyelids for the first 2 weeks. Sutures in the upper lids will dissolve over this time. Patients do not typically experience much pain during recovery but may have some discomfort due to swelling. Patients need to avoid exercise and any exertional activity for the first week, gradually returning to normal activity in the following week. Recovery does not require bedrest or assistance, but activity should be minimized in the first week. No eye makeup or contact lenses can be worn during the first two weeks. Most swelling and other side effects typically subside within this time frame, but “fine tuning” of the healing occurs over many weeks. The scars from blepharoplasty are typically well-concealed, and usually fade with time to become virtually undetectable.
Although there may be swelling and bruising around the surgical site, they will subside on their own, and the eyelids will improve in appearance for up to a year after surgery. Common side effects include bruising and swelling, mostly for the first 2-3 weeks. Uncommon side effects include infection, double vision, excessive scarring, and bleeding. Patients are required to avoid medications that cause blood thinning for up to a week before surgery. Patients should review their medications with their physician prior to surgery. Patients can also experience dry or irritated eyes after surgery. Eyedrops will be given to minimize these symptoms.
If the eyelids begin sagging into the field of vision, a functional blepharoplasty may be required. The procedure may be covered by medical insurance if it is deemed medically necessary.
A determination of how much vision is affected is done by checking the peripheral visual field with an instrument called the Humphrey Visual Field (HVF) Analyzer.
Blepharoplasty can be performed on either the upper or lower eyelid, or on both, for cosmetic purposes. For a lower eyelid that needs fat rather than skin removed, a transconjunctival blepharoplasty is performed. During transconjunctival blepharoplasty, an incision is made inside the lower eyelid, so there are no visible scars, and the fat is removed. This procedure has no effect on vision, but results in a person’s looking younger and more refreshed.
It is important for a patient to have realistic expectations before undergoing cosmetic blepharoplasty. Although the procedure can enhance appearance and improve self-confidence, it does not radically alter the face.
The best candidates for blepharoplasty are those who are in good overall health, do not smoke, do not have any serious eye conditions, and have healthy facial tissue and muscle.
People with eye disease, including glaucoma or retinal detachment, thyroid disorders, diabetes, cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure are not good candidates for blepharoplasty.
Dr. Carolyn Repke will consult with you to determine your individual needs and the best surgical approach to your eyelids, considering any associated ocular conditions you may have. Having your eyelid surgery performed by an ophthalmologist will assure that the health of your eyes will be our primary concern. To see if you are a candidate for blepharoplasty surgery, call our office for a consultation.
8025 Roosevelt Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19152