Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that can restore a youthful appearance to the eye area. The upper and lower eyelids are lifted and loose or excess skin and fat tissue are removed from the eye area. The procedure is limited to the eyelids and may be combined with methods to improve other areas of the face. Brow lifts, which raise the eyebrows or keep them from sagging over the eyes, may be recommended to help improve the upper third of the face.
There are several approaches to blepharoplasty. One method removes excess skin from either the upper or lower lid, as well as the underlying fat pad when indicated. The surgeon makes an incision along the crease in the eyelid, peels back the skin and punctures the underlying tissue to remove the fat pad. The pad is then cauterized (heat sealed). Loose skin is removed from the exterior, if necessary and the incision is sutured. The procedure takes about two hours and can be performed with local anesthesia on an outpatient basis.
The second type of blepharoplasty procedure may benefit patients with protruding fat and dark circles under the eye and not too much extra skin. This surgery is performed by entering just inside the lining of the lower eyelids. This approach eliminates the visible scar but does not remove excess skin.
Blepharoplasty may be performed with a laser instrument. The intense energy produced by the laser causes blood to coagulate, which may diminish bleeding and swelling during and after the operation. This relatively new approach can tighten skin and improve wrinkles under the eye.
Non-invasive radiofrequency treatments can tighten the skin above the eye which will raise sagging upper eyelids and can be used to tighten the crinkly skin on the upper and the lower lids. The advantages of radiofrequency treatments include no post-procedure downtime or recovery, single treatment, and minimal complications.
The post-operative effects are minimal and temporary. Stitches are usually removed after five days. Minor swelling, bruising and discomfort should disappear within two weeks. Cold compresses will help alleviate these side effects.
A "too tight" or uneven appearance can be caused by the removal of too much skin or uneven amounts of fat. Additional surgeries can usually reverse this problem. On very rare occasions, bleeding can occur in the socket.
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