Blepharoplasty

Cosmetic Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is the removal of excessive, sagging or wrinkled skin, as well as fat and sometimes muscle from the upper and/or lower eyelids. This treats eyelid “hooding” and under-eye “bags” which can cause a tired or aged appearance. Functional blepharoplasty is also performed when excess eyelid skin interferes with vision. The result is a more youthful, rested appearance of the eyes, softening of wrinkle lines, and widening of visual fields for partially blocked vision. 


Lower eyelid bags can be effectively treated with Blepharoplasty with no external scar.



Localized eyelid fat bags are common in young individuals, and can be treated with blepharoplasty.



Excess upper eyelid skin can be removed with upper eyelid blepharoplasty.



Excess upper eyelid skin can be corrected by Blepharoplasty surgery (asymmetric skin laxity requires differential removal to achieve symmetry)



A 'double-bubble' eyelid bag treated with fat repositioning rather than its removal.



Xanthelasma (Yellowish Lipid deposits) lie deep in the dermis of the skin, and are often not fully treated by chemical peels or skin lasers. Simple removal by a minimal blepharoplasty works best for good cosmetic result.

Age: 
Eyelid Surgery is usually performed in patients aged 40 and above, although it can be done as early as the 20s or 30s for inherited traits.

Surgical Technique: 
Upper eyelid Blepharoplasty removes excess eyelid skin and fat through an incision hidden within the crease of the eyelid. The lower eyelid fat is removed through an incision inside the eyelid (trans-conjunctival) so that there are no visible scars. If there is a minimal to moderate amount of excess lower lid skin, the wrinkled skin can usually be treated with a chemical peel or laser resurfacing. Large amounts of extra lower eyelid skin may require an incision just below the eyelashes to remove the skin for effective treatment.

Surgical Time and Recovery: 
Eyelid Surgery is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia and takes about 45 minutes for the upper or lower eyelids, or an hour and a half for both together. Discomfort is minimal. Stitches are removed in 5-7 days. Most patients are back to light work within a week.

Notes: 
Excess eyelid skin may be a sign of drooping eyebrows, in which case a Endoscopic browlift or Forehead lift is the preferred treatment. In addition, many patients with concerns of lower eyelid bags actually have a sunken appearance and would benefit from fat transfer to fill in the lower eyelid area, rather than fat removal.

Insurance: 
Cosmetic blepharoplasty is not covered by health insurance. Health insurance will sometimes cover the costs of upper eyelid surgery if excess skin obstructs your vision. In this case, a visual field exam documenting this condition, photographs, and authorization from your insurance company will be required before the procedure.

Related Procedures: 
Blepharoplasty can be combined with Endoscopic Brow Lift, Face Lift, Mid Face (Cheek) Lift, Neck Lift, Fat Transfer, Botox or Fillers.