Signs of aging often appear first in the delicate skin around your eyes. If sagging eyelids or puffy undereye bags frustrate you, you may benefit from blepharoplasty. This procedure tightens loose eyelid skin and removes excess fat to provide a brighter, more alert appearance.
What is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty may also be called an eyelid lift or eyelid surgery. This procedure uses small, hidden incisions to tighten and rejuvenate the eye area. Blepharoplasty has become increasingly popular as a way to address puffiness and sagging. You can have eyelid surgery on your upper lids, lower lids, or both. Blepharoplasty also combines well with other facial rejuvenation procedures.
How is Blepharoplasty Performed?
Blepharoplasty at Longwood Plastic Surgery is performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on your preferences and your LPS surgeon’s recommendations. The procedure typically takes about one to two hours to complete.
To minimize scarring, your surgeon will make incisions in the eyelids’ natural creases. For upper eyelid surgery, the incision is typically made in the eyelid’s crease, allowing the surgeon to remove excess skin and fat. For lower eyelid surgery, the incision is typically made just below the lower eyelash line or inside the lower eyelid, allowing the surgeon to remove or reposition fat.
What Can an Eyelid Lift Treat?
An eyelid lift can treat a range of aesthetic concerns, including:
- Sagging eyelid skin
- Upper eyelid wrinkles
- Thin, delicate-looking eyelid skin
- Puffy undereye bags
- Dark circles
- Sad or drooping appearance of the lower lids
- Obscured vision from loose skin
If you have other concerns about your eye area, such as fine lines or skin texture, you may also benefit from non-surgical skin rejuvenation to provide a more even tone.
What is Recovery Like After Blepharoplasty?
Recovery after blepharoplasty typically takes about one to two weeks. You may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the eyelids during this time. Your LPS surgeon may prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to manage discomfort.
You should avoid strenuous activity, bending over, and lifting heavy objects for several days after surgery. You should also avoid wearing contact lenses or eye makeup for a week after surgery. Residual swelling can take several months to disappear, so your results will continue to evolve.
What Other Procedures Can I Have With Blepharoplasty?
Many people with concerns about their eyelids also have concerns about sagging brows and other signs of aging. Blepharoplasty combines well with a brow lift for full eye rejuvenation. You may also have eye surgery as part of a facelift since a facelift does not address the eye area. Injectable treatments such as dermal fillers and wrinkle relaxers can reduce lines and wrinkles even more.
Am I a Good Candidate for an Eyelid Lift?
Most people with sagging eyelids or puffy undereye bags make good candidates for blepharoplasty. Candidates should be in good health and have reasonable expectations. You may not be a good candidate if you are pregnant or have an eye infection.
Take the Next Step
Interested in learning about blepharoplasty? Schedule your consultation with Longwood Plastic Surgery today by calling our Brookline office at (617) 383-6250. We serve the Brookline and Greater Boston area with distinction.