Blepharoplasty

What is Blepharoplasty?
Removal of extra skin and fat of the upper, lower or both eyelids.

How long will surgery be?

Upper eyelids take about 30 minutes to perform. Lower eyelids are more technical and take longer-both upper and lower eyelids can take about 2 and a half hours.

What kind of anesthesia will I have?

General anesthesia is used for a blepharoplasty because it is safe and very well controlled. West Magnolia Surgery Center, on site at West Magnolia Plastic Surgery, is fully accredited by the AAAHC. Local anesthesia in injected into the incisions once the patient is under anesthesia for enhanced postoperative comfort.

What is recovery like?

Incisions are closed with a removable, single suture that is removed on the fourth postoperative day. When both upper and lower eyelids are addressed, there is a temporary suture between the eyelids that helps to support the position of the lower eyelid in the immediate postoperative course; this suture prevents complete opening of the eyes but patients can still open their eyes and see. This is not a painful operation but the sutures can be irritating until removed. Many patients do have bruising of the upper and lower eyelids that can extend onto the cheeks; this is generally resolved in about 2 weeks.

What are the risks of a Procedure?

The most significant risk reported related to eyelid surgery is blindness, related to removal of fat from the lower lid. This practice is largely abandoned now and this complication is very, very unusual. Malposition of the lower eyelid, called ectropion, has been reported as well as asymmetry of the lids, irritation of the eyes and inability to completely close the eyelids.

How do I prepare for surgery?

A preoperative appointment is scheduled approximately 2 weeks prior to surgery. At this time, all consents and recommendations, instructions for before and after surgery are reviewed. A long list of medications to avoid is reviewed and prescriptions are given for postoperative management.  The day before surgery, all patients are called to review final questions, confirm nothing has occurred since the patient was seen at preop that might require rescheduling of the procedure and to finalize arrival time at the facility. All patients are given ample information at the preoperative appointment regarding a time line of what to expect in the recovery process and when.