Blepharoplasty is a surgery to remove excess skin from the eyelids. As we age, the muscles supporting our eyelids begin to weaken and our skin begins to lose its elasticity, causing excess skin and fat to gather around the eyes. Blepharoplasty can fix sagging eyebrows, droopy upper eyelids, and bags underneath the eyes.
Beyond being a sign of aging, sagging skin around the eyes can hinder peripheral sight, reducing your field of vision. Blepharoplasty can address these issues, while also making your eyes look younger and more alert. If you are considering this procedure, here’s what you need to know about the process and risks.
Who’s a Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
You may benefit from Blepharoplasty if:
- You have baggy or droopy-looking upper eyelids
- You have excess skin on your upper eyelids that hinders your vision
- You have excess skin on the lower eyelids
- You have bags under your eyes
Blepharoplasty can be performed in tandem with other procedures, like a brow lift or facelift.
What Are the Risks of Blepharoplasty?
No surgery is without risks, such as a negative reaction to the anesthetic used or blood clots after the procedure. Other rare risks of Blepharoplasty can occur at the surgery site and may include:
- Infection and bleeding
- Dry or irritated eyes
- Difficulty closing your eyes
- Injury to eye muscles
- Visible scarring
- Discolored skin
- Blurred vision (temporary)
Severe complications may mean follow-up surgery is necessary, but this is very uncommon. Bruising and other side effects tend to disappear within 10 to 14 days, but scars may take a few months to fade. Surgery results often last a lifetime, but droopy eyelids may recur in some people.
How The Procedure Works
Before you can schedule a Blepharoplasty, you may need to meet with a plastic surgeon, eye specialist, and/or an ophthalmologist to determine if you’re a candidate. Here’s what to expect during those appointments:
- Discuss your medical history, including previous surgeries and any conditions you have, such as dry eyes, allergies, glaucoma, or circulatory problems.
- Evaluate your diet, including your use of vitamins, herbal supplements, and drugs. You may be asked to stop taking warfarin, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, naproxen, and other substances that can increase bleeding.
- Assess your health, including alcohol and tobacco use. You may be asked to quit smoking several weeks prior to your surgery as tobacco use can hinder your body’s ability to heal.
To plan the surgery, you’ll need to undergo a complete eye exam, visual field testing, and eyelid photography to document your case. If you decide to move forward with the surgery, you’ll be given a checklist to prepare, which will include taking some time off work and having someone drive you to your appointment.
Schedule Your Consultation
Are you interested in Blepharoplasty? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Richard Bryant, Oculofacial Plastic surgeon, to discuss how this outpatient procedure can transform your appearance and aid your vision. Dr. Bryant is accepting new patients at our Dothan, AL and Destin, FL clinics.
