	Health Information
	HealthDay News
	Conditions
	Procedures
	Medications
	Medical Dictionary
	Wellness Centers
	Natural & Alternative Treatments
	Interactive Tools
	Consumer Resources

Health Library Content

Search for

Blepharoplasty

(Eyelid Surgery; Repair of Droopy Eyelids)

by Krisha McCoy, MS

En Español (Spanish Version)

Definition | Reasons for Procedure | Possible Complications | What to Expect | Call Your Doctor

Definition

Blepharoplasty is a procedure to remove excess skin and fat tissue from the eye area.

Eye

Reasons for Procedure

Blepharoplasty can correct:

Drooping upper eyelids
Excess skin of the lower eyelids
Puffiness of the upper or lower eyelids

This procedure can also create upper eyelid folds.

Possible Complications

Complications are rare. But no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have blepharoplasty, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

Temporary blurred vision
Temporary swelling and bruising of the eyelids
Asymmetry in healing
Scarring
Difficulty closing eyes
Dry eyes
Red eye
Decrease or loss of vision
Reaction to anesthesia
Infection
Bleeding
Distortion of upper or lower eyelid position

Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

Smoking
Thyroid problems
High blood pressure
Poor circulation
Diabetes
Glaucoma
Dry eyes or red eyes
Anatomy of the eye and the surrounding bone

What to Expect

Your doctor will likely do the following:

Physical exam
Vision tests
Exam of the eyelid and supporting structures

Leading up to your procedure, your doctor may recommend that you:

Follow a special diet.
Take certain medicines.
Arrange to have someone drive you home.
Arrange for someone to help you at home.

Talk to your doctor about your medicines. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to one week before the procedure, like:

Anti-inflammatory drugs
Blood thinners

You will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area around your eyes. Sedatives will be given to help you relax. In some cases, general anesthesia will be used. In this case, you will be asleep.

Your doctor will make incisions in your eyelids. In the upper eyelid, the incision is usually made in the crease. In the lower eyelid, the incision is usually made just below the lashes or on the inside of the eyelid. The excess fat will be removed. The excess skin and muscle will be trimmed. The incision will be closed with sutures.

60 minutes or more depending on the amount of skin and fat to be removed

Anesthesia will minimize pain during the procedure. You may feel some tightness and soreness after the procedure.

Your doctor will apply ointment. A bandage may be applied over your eyes.

When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

You will receive instructions about limiting your activity. You may also be advised to avoid alcohol and certain medicines.
Your doctor will likely suggest that you keep your head elevated for several days.
You can use cold compresses to reduce swelling and bruising.
Your doctor will show you how to clean your eyes and may suggest using ointment.
Ask your doctor about when it is safe to shower or bathe.
You will be able to read and watch television after the procedure.
You will not be able to wear contact lenses or participate in difficult activity. Ask your doctor when you can resume your normal activities.
Your stitches will likely be removed in 5-7 days.
Since you may be sensitive to sunlight, wind, and other irritants, your doctor may recommend sunglasses and a special sunblock for your eyelids.

After about six months, your scars will likely fade to a nearly invisible white line. The results of a blepharoplasty are permanent. Your doctor may still be able to do extra surgery as needed or desired. Sometimes, blepharoplasty is combined with another procedure called canthopexy. This is used to improve the shape and positioning of the lower eyelid. Blepharoplasty may also be done with ptosis repair. This is the repair of the upper eyelid muscle to correct drooping of the upper eyelid.

Call Your Doctor

After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

Signs of infection, including fever and chills
Redness, swelling, increasing pain, bleeding, or discharge from the incision site
Opening of any part of the incision
Excessive pain or redness of the eye
Any decrease or change in your vision
Any other problem or concern

In case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

http://www.surgery.org/

US Food and Drug Administration

http://www.fda.gov/

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons

http://www.plasticsurgery.org/

Health Canada

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/

Eyelid surgery: blepharoplasty. American Society of Plastic Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.plasticsurgery.org/patients_consumers/procedures/Blepharoplasty.cfm?CFID=72759379&CFTOKEN=79245372. Accessed January 10, 2013.

Nahai F. The Art of Aesthetic Surgery: Principles and Techniques. St. Louis, MO: Quality Medical Publishers; 2005.

6/3/2011 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/: Mills E, Eyawo O, Lockhart I, Kelly S, Wu P, Ebbert JO. Smoking cessation reduces postoperative complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Med. 2011;124(2):144-154.e8.

Last reviewed January 2013 by Marcin Chwistek, MD

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.