Frequently Asked Questions

Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)

Q. What is blepharoplasty?
A. Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a surgical procedure which involves the removal of excess fat, skin and muscle in order to correct droopiness of the upper eyelids and puffy bags of the lower eyelids. This procedure may be performed on both the upper and lower eyelids or just on one.

Q. Who is the best candidate for blepharoplasty?
A. Good candidates for blepharoplasty include men and women who are interested in improving the appearance of drooping upper eyelids or puffy under eye bags. Patients should be physically healthy and have realistic goals and expectations.

Q. What can I expect during a consultation for blepharoplasty?
A. You will meet with the surgeon for the consultation. During the consultation for blepharoplasty, the surgeon will discuss your goals and expectations, take a thorough medical history. He or she should also explain all details of the surgery including the technique, the anesthesia, the facility, the costs and the risks.

Q. Where is blepharoplasty surgery performed?
A. Blepharoplasty may be performed in a surgeon's office-based facility, an outpatient surgery center, or a hospital.

Q. What type of anesthesia is used for blepharoplasty?
A. Blepharoplasty may be performed with either local anesthesia and sedation or with general anesthesia.

Q. How is blepharoplasty performed?
A. Incisions are first made, either in the fold of the upper eyelid or in the inside of the lower eyelid. Excess fat is then removed and skin and muscles may be trimmed. Very fine sutures are then used to close the incisions.

Q. How long does blepharoplasty take to complete?
A. Blepharoplasty typically takes between one and two hours to complete.

Q. Are there scars after blepharoplasty?
A. The incisions made during blepharoplasty will result in scars, though they tend to be well-concealed. They are made in the fold of the upper eyelid or in the inside of the lower eyelid. While the scars may appear slightly pink at first, they will fade to a thin, nearly invisible white line within six or more months.

Q. Is blepharoplasty a painful procedure?
A. Some tightness and soreness of the eyelids can occur, but pain medication can be prescribed to help control any discomfort that patients experience.

Q. What is the recovery like after blepharoplasty?
A. Patients may experience some tightness or soreness of the eyelids right after surgery which can be controlled with prescription medication. In addition, some dryness, itchiness, burning, excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, and blurred or double vision can occur during the first week. To help reduce swelling and bruising, it's best to keep the head elevated as much as possible and to use cold compresses during the first few days. Bruising may take anywhere from ten days to two weeks to fully fade. Stitches are usually removed within six days, while reading may be resumed within two to three days. Patients who wear contact lenses may do so after two or more weeks. Patients can typically return to work within seven to ten days, though more strenuous activities and alcohol consumption should be avoided for about three weeks.

Q. Will I be able to drive myself home after my blepharoplasty procedure?
A. It's best to make preparations for someone to drive you home after your surgery.

Q. Will I need someone to help me out at home after my blepharoplasty procedure?
A. It's best to make preparations for someone to help you out for the first day or two after surgery.

Q. When are the stitches removed after the blepharoplasty procedure?A. After blepharoplasty, stitches are typically removed within six days.Q. How much time will I need to take off from work after undergoing blepharoplasty?
A. Most patients find that they can return to work and most other normal activities within seven to ten days.

Q. When can I exercise after undergoing blepharoplasty?
A. Vigorous exercise, strenuous activities and alcohol consumption should be postponed for about three weeks.

Q. What are the risks or complications that can occur with blepharoplasty?
A. Some of the potential complications associated with blepharoplasty are as follows: bleeding, difficulty in completely closing the eyes, dry eyes, infection, pulling down of the lower lids, slight asymmetry in healing or scarring, swelling at the corners of the eyelids, temporary blurred or double vision, and whiteheads.

Q. Does insurance ever cover the cost of blepharoplasty?
A. Blepharoplasty procedure performed solely for cosmetic purposes are typically not covered by insurance. However, some degree of coverage may be available in cases where drooping of the upper lids interferes with vision.

Q. Is it possible to get financing for a cosmetic procedure?
A. Financing is available for many plastic surgery procedures.

Q. What does board certified mean?A. Please click here to see our web page on Board Certification.