Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin, muscle, and fat from the upper or lower eyelids to improve droopiness or reduce under-eye bags.

What is a Blepharoplasty procedure?

​Blepharoplasty is an eyelid surgery which reduces bagginess from lower eyelids and removes excess skin from the upper eyelids. This surgery is usually done for cosmetic reasons. It's also an effective way to improve sight in older people whose sagging upper eyelids get in the way of their vision. An eye lift will not eliminate dark circles under the eyes, crow's feet, or other facial wrinkles.

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Benefits of the surgery:

• Improved Field of Vision

• Relief from Muscle Strain and Headaches

• Refreshed, Less "Tired" Appearance

• Reduction of Under-Eye Bags and Puffiness

• ​Long-Lasting Results​​

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Procedure:

Upper Blepharoplasty:

The upper eyelid can be corrected through an incision within the natural crease on the eyelid. This allows for removal or repositioning of fat deposits, tightening of muscles  and removal of excess skin.​​

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Lower Blepharoplasty:

Conditions of the lower eyelid may be corrected with an incision just below the lower lash line. Through this incision, excess skin in the lower eyelid is removed. Again, the  excess fat can be repositioned or removed.

A transconjunctival incision, created on the inside of the lower eyelid, is an alternate technique to correct lower eyelid conditions and redistribute or remove excess fat. With this technique, no skin is removed.

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Risks and considerations:

​While generally safe, potential risks include: As with any surgical procedure, blepharoplasty can lead to infection and scarring. Good care of the wound following surgery can minimize these risks. In cases where too much skin is removed from the eyelids, the patient may have difficulty closing his eyes. Dry eye syndrome may develop, requiring the use of artificial tears to lubricate the eye. In a rare complication, called retrobulbar hematoma, a pocket of blood forms behind the eyeball.

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​Normal results:
Most patients can expect good results from blepharoplasty, with the removal of excess eyelid skin and fat producing a more youthful appearance. Some swelling and discolouration is expected immediately following the procedure, but this clears in time. Small scars will be left where the surgeon has made incisions; but these generally lighten in appearance over several months, and if placed correctly, will not be readily noticeable.
Abnormal results:
As noted, if too much excess skin is removed from the upper eyelid, the patient may be unable to close his eyes completely; another surgery to correct the defect may be required. Similarly, too much skin can be removed from the lower eyelid, allowing too much of the white of the eye (the sclera) to show. In extreme cases, the lower lid may be pulled down too far, revealing the underlying tissue, called an ectropion. This too may require a second, corrective surgery.
The eye's ability to make tears may also be compromised, leading to dry eye syndrome. Dry eye syndrome is potentially dangerous; in rare cases, it leads to damage to the cornea of the eye and vision loss.