Main content

Eyelid rejuvenation (Blepharoplasty)

Also known as blepharoplasty, eyelid surgery improves the appearance of the upper eyelids and/or lower eyelids, making you look more rested and alert.

Who is an Ideal Candidate? | Procedure Description | Recuperation and Healing | What to Expect (Results) | Insurance Coverage

Who is an Ideal Candidate?

People who:

Have excessive, sagging, or wrinkled upper or lower eyelid skin.
excess upper eyelid skin that interferes with vision.
Have lost their natural upper eyelid crease.
Have puffy pouches of fat in the upper or lower lids that create a tired or aged appearance.
Appear sleepy or angry

Procedure Description

The operation is done on an outpatient basis under sedation and local or general anesthesia.
The incisions are made where the natural crease should be in the upper lids and below the lash line in the lower lids. Excess fat and skin are removed.
If only excess fat is present in the lower lids, it may be removed through an incision inside the lower lids with no external incision or scar (transconjunctival blepharoplasty).

Recuperation and Healing

Sutures are usually removed within 3 to 5 days.
Initial mild discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication. Most patients note no pain at all.
Bruising and sensitivity to light last at least a week or two. Swelling progressively disappears over several weeks. Patients are usually "socially presentable" in about a week.
Eye makeup can be used shortly after sutures are removed.
Contact lenses can be worn when comfortable -- usually within three to seven days.

What to Expect (Results)

A more youthful and rested appearance of the eyes.
Widening of visual fields if excessive upper lid skin has partially blocked vision.
It will not remove or erase all wrinkle lines, but will soften wrinkle lines.

Insurance Coverage

Occasionally, if surgery is being done to improve the field of vision, insurance may cover upper lid surgery. Otherwise, these procedures are considered cosmetic and the patient is responsible for payment.
Back to top