Eyelid Surgery
(Blepharoplasty)

Eyelid Surgery | Procedure | Recovery

Before	After
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Understanding the procedure
At English Plastic Surgery Center and Surgi-Spa, eyelid surgery is performed in the office with local anesthesia under I.V. sedation. The procedure normally takes one hour. Upper and lower eyelid surgery may be performed at the same time; however, either can be done independently. 

Upper eyelid surgery is performed by making an incision in the natural skin crease of the eyelid. Excess skin and fat are removed through the incision, which is closed with fine sutures, thereby minimizing the visibility of any scar. In lower eyelid surgery, the incision is made in an inconspicuous site along the lash line and smile creases of the lower lid or more commonly on the inside of the eyelid. Once excess tissue, skin and fat has been removed, absorbable sutures are used to close the incisions. Eyelid puffiness caused by excess fat is usually corrected by an incision made inside the lower eyelid, and excess fatty material is removed. Again, no visible scar results from this procedure.

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Understanding the recovery
Most patients experience little or no discomfort following eyelid surgery and find that any discomfort is relieved by taking a mild analgesic. Following surgery, patients are instructed on cleaning the incisions and the application of antibiotic eye ointment when indicated. 

Some swelling and bruising may develop after the procedure. Cold compresses, as well as head elevation when lying down, enhances healing and relieves discomfort. As time passes, the incisions for both the upper and lower eyelids blend in with the surrounding skin and are easily camouflaged. The skin at the outer corners of the eye is thicker and takes a bit longer to heal. 

The stitches used to close the incisions in the upper and lower eyelids are removed three to five days after surgery. The sun may darken maturing scars; therefore, incisions in the upper and lower eyelids should be protected by sunscreen, sunglasses, or a hat as they heal. 

Most patients can return to near normal activity within a few days of the surgery. However, as the incisions heal, it is important to restrict activities that may put pressure on the eyes. Lifting, bending, and straining are avoided for up to two weeks. Aerobic or heavy exercise is avoided for at least three weeks following surgery. 

Most patients can anticipate a marked improvement in the appearance of the eyes. This improved appearance is often accompanied by a feeling of tightness in the eyelids that may last a few weeks or months. Bags and bulges are significantly reduced if not completely eliminated. Some patients may actually experience slight improvement in their eyesight or peripheral vision as a result of the removal of excess skin. 

For those patients with a sunken look to their lower eyelid area, fat transfer to these areas combined with a chemical peel can help restore a more youthful contour from lash to cheek area. Normally, the reason for this loss of volume is secondary to decent of cheek away from the rim of the orbital bone. This type of restoration has been in vogue for the past decade or so but has been extremely successful.

Visit our plastic / cosmetic surgery office located in Little Rock, Arkansas (AR).