Procedure name:
Eyelid Rejuvenation Surgery - Blepharoplasty

Anticipated result of the procedure:
More than any other facial feature, your eyes reveal the most about how you feel. When your eye are bright and alert, you appear energized, well-rested, and in control. However, if you have lower-eyelid puffiness, dark circles or drooping upper lids, others may assume that you are fatigued, angry or unhappy. If you believe that your eyes are making you look tired, sad, or older than you really feel, cosmetic eyelid surgery (also called blepharoplasty) may be the right choice for you.

Procedure Description:
Upper Eyelids - Typically, the incision begins within the natural crease of the eye’s inside corner and extends slightly beyond the outside corner into the crow’s feet or laugh lines. Through this incision, excess skin and fatty tissue are removed. The incision line follows the natural contour of the upper eyelid, and is camouflaged when healed. This can also be done using laser technology.

Lower Eyelids - Usually the incision is concealed inside the lower lid. Through this incision, excess skin, muscle and fat are removed. Your surgeon may also make special adjustments. For example, the fat beneath the eye can be redistributed to eliminate puffiness or bulges. In some patients, the underlying muscle will be tightened. This can also be done using laser technology.

Length:
1 to 3 hours

Anesthesia:
MAC, general, or local using a sedative and numbing eye drops.

In/ Outpatient:
Outpatient procedure

Temporary Side Effects:
Discomfort, tightness of lids, swelling, bruising. Temporary dryness, burning, itching of eyes. Possible excessive tearing, sensitivity to light for first few weeks.

Recovery:
Reading: 2 or 3 days. Back to work: 5 to 7 days. Contact lenses: two weeks or more. Strenuous activities, alcohol: about 3 weeks. Bruising and swelling gone: a few weeks.

Duration of Results:
Several years. Sometimes permanent.

Risks:
Following surgery, some patients may have difficulty closing their eyes when they sleep; in rare cases this condition may be permanent. Another very rare complication is ectropion, a pulling down of the lower lids. In this case, further surgery may be required.

• Botox
• Laser Resurfacing
• Brow Lift

Top Duke Specialists

L. Scott Levin, MD

Jeffrey R. Marcus, MD

Julie Woodward, MD

Michael Robert Zenn, MD

FAQS

Are there scars from eyelid plastic surgery?
Scars are a result of any surgical procedure. The incisions made to accomplish the goals of plastic surgery of the eyelids are barely visible after several months as they are placed within the normal creases and folds of the upper and lower eyelids. In patients who only need removal of fat from the lower eyelids, the incision can be made on the inside of the eyelid, and will therefore result in an invisible scar.

Will the fine lines around my eyes go away after this surgery? What about my sagging eye brows and dark circles under my eyes?
The blepharoplasty procedure will not eradicate the wrinkles around the eyes (crow's feet) nor will it elevate a droopy eyebrow. There are other procedures designed for these purposes. Dark circles under the eyes may improve a bit if this is related to large bags, but most often the dark appearance of the lower eyelid skin remains. Laser resurfacing may help to correct dark circles under the eyes.

Am I a good candidate for eyelid surgery?
The best candidates for plastic surgery of the eyelids are those who are healthy, psychologically stable and well motivated. Some medical conditions may increase the risk of blepharoplasty surgery such as thyroid disease, high blood pressure, and patients who do not make sufficient tears to keep their eyes well lubricated.