Eyelid Surgery

(Blepharoplasty)

Procedure:
Correct drooping upper eyelids and puffy bags below the eyes by removing excess fat, skin, and muscle. (May be covered by insurance if used to improve vision.)

Length:
1 to 3 hours.

Outpatient

Side Effects:
Temporary discomfort, tightness of lids, swelling, bruising. Temporary dryness, burning, itching of eyes. Excessive tearing, sensitivity to light for first few weeks.

Risks:
Temporary blurred or double vision; blindness (extremely rare). Infection. Swelling at corners of eyelids; tiny whiteheads. Dry eyes. Slight asymmetry in healing or scarring. Difficulty in closing eyes completely (rarely permanent). Pulling down of the lower lids (may require further surgery).

Recovery:
Reading: 2 to 3 days.
Back to work: 7 to 10 days.
Contact lenses: two weeks or more.
Strenuous activities, alcohol: about 3 weeks.
Bruising and swelling gone: several weeks.

Duration of Results:
Several years. Sometimes permanent.

Click here to see before and after images.