Eyelid Surgery

(Blepharoplasty)

Procedure:

Correct drooping upper eyelids and puffy bags below the eyes by removing excess fat, skin, and muscle.

Length:

1 to 3 hours.

Side Effects:

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.