Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)
Overview
Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a surgical procedure designed to rejuvenate the appearance of the eyes by addressing excess skin and, when appropriate, underlying fat in the upper or lower eyelids.
The procedure can help create a more rested, refreshed, and youthful appearance while preserving the natural shape and expression of the eyes. Blepharoplasty may be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, depending on each patient's individual needs.
What Can Blepharoplasty Treat?
Blepharoplasty can address several common concerns affecting the appearance of the eyes, including:
-
Sagging or excess skin of the upper eyelids
-
Upper eyelid folds that create a heavy or tired appearance
-
Puffiness caused by prominent fat deposits
-
Bags under the eyes
-
Excess or loose skin of the lower eyelids
-
Fine wrinkles around the lower eyelids
In some patients, significant excess upper eyelid skin may also interfere with peripheral vision. Other conditions affecting the eyebrows, forehead, or surrounding facial structures may require different or additional procedures.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
You may be a good candidate for blepharoplasty if you:
-
Have excess or sagging upper eyelid skin
-
Have persistent bags or puffiness beneath the eyes
-
Feel that your eyes appear tired or aged
-
Are in good overall health
-
Do not have uncontrolled eye conditions
-
Do not smoke, or are willing to stop before and after surgery
-
Have realistic expectations about the results
During your consultation, Dr. Danino will carefully examine your eyelids and surrounding facial structures. In certain cases, an ophthalmological evaluation may be recommended before surgery.
Surgery for Eyelids (Blepharoplasty) Procedure
Blepharoplasty is customized according to whether the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both require treatment.
Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty
For upper eyelid surgery, an incision is carefully placed within the natural crease of the upper eyelid. Excess skin is removed, and underlying fat may be removed or repositioned when necessary.
Because the incision follows the natural eyelid crease, the resulting scar is typically well concealed once healed.
Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Lower eyelid surgery is designed to improve under-eye bags, puffiness, and excess skin.
Depending on the patient's anatomy, the incision may be placed just beneath the lower eyelashes or inside the lower eyelid using a transconjunctival approach. The latter technique leaves no visible external scar and is particularly useful when treating prominent fat without significant excess skin.
Fat may be removed or repositioned to create a smoother transition between the lower eyelid and cheek.
The procedure typically lasts between 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on whether the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both are treated.
Anesthesia
Blepharoplasty may be performed under:
-
Local anesthesia
-
Local anesthesia with intravenous sedation ("twilight anesthesia")
-
General anesthesia in selected cases
The most appropriate type of anesthesia will depend on the extent of surgery and your individual treatment plan.
Blepharoplasty is generally performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing most patients to return home the same day.
Recovery
During the first several days following eyelid surgery, it is common to experience:
-
Swelling
-
Bruising
-
Watery eyes
-
Temporary sensitivity to light
-
Mild tightness or discomfort
-
Temporary blurred vision
Cold compresses and keeping the head elevated can help reduce swelling during the initial recovery period.
Sutures are generally removed within 3 to 7 days when non-dissolvable stitches are used.
Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and social activities within approximately 1 to 2 weeks, although some residual swelling may remain.
Makeup can typically be resumed once the incisions have sufficiently healed and your surgeon has given approval.
Results
-
A more youthful and rested appearance
-
Smoother upper eyelid contours
-
Reduced under-eye bags and puffiness
-
Improved definition around the eyes
-
Natural-looking facial rejuvenation
As swelling and bruising gradually disappear, the eyes begin to appear more open, rested, and refreshed.
The final result continues to develop over several months as the tissues settle and incision lines mature.
Blepharoplasty can provide:
Results are generally long-lasting. However, eyelid surgery does not stop the natural aging process, and the skin and surrounding facial tissues will continue to change over time.
Combining Procedures
Blepharoplasty is frequently combined with other facial procedures to achieve more comprehensive and balanced rejuvenation.
Common combinations include:
-
Face and neck lift
-
Brow lift
-
Rhinoplasty
-
Upper lip lift
-
Facial fat grafting
-
Botox®
-
Dermal fillers such as Juvéderm®
For example, if a heavy upper eyelid appearance is partly caused by drooping eyebrows rather than excess eyelid skin alone, a brow lift may be considered instead of or in combination with blepharoplasty.
Risks and Possible Complications
As with any surgical procedure, blepharoplasty carries certain risks. Serious complications are uncommon, but it is important to understand the potential risks before undergoing surgery.
Possible complications include:
-
Bleeding
-
Infection
-
Dry or irritated eyes
-
Temporary difficulty closing the eyes completely
-
Persistent swelling
-
Temporary visual disturbances
-
Asymmetry
-
Visible or abnormal scarring
-
Changes in eyelid position
-
Lower eyelid retraction
-
Need for revision surgery
Rare but potentially serious eye-related complications can also occur. Your individual risks and any relevant eye conditions will be carefully evaluated and discussed during your consultation.
Locations
Adress
4150 rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest
Suite 402 - 4e étage
Let’s Talk
info@mysite.com
Phone
514-845-9898