Upper Eyelid Surgery

The upper eyelid incision is made in the natural skin fold. Excess skin and fatty tissue is removed, the muscles and orbital septum (a thin connective tissue membrane) may be tightened, and the incisions are carefully closed. The external incisions are hidden within the natural fold of the upper eyelids. Much of the operation is done with a very fine electrocautery, which controls any bleeding. The skin is then closed with very fine sutures.  Often, a corner lifting suture is placed inside to slightly elevate the corner of the eye to give it a prettier shape.

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty generally takes about one to two hours to complete, depending on the technique used and the extent of the repair.

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is performed in the ambulatory surgery center as an outpatient. Local anesthesia is used often with the addition of light sedation by mouth. Rarely, patients' request intravenous sedation given by an anesthesiologist. Patients go home that same day.

Initially, you may feel a tight sensation around the eyes, with minor discomfort that lasts for a day or two. A mild pain reliever can be taken as needed. People who have had the procedure are often surprised at how painless eyelid surgery can be. Recovery time and privacy needs vary from person to person. If you are not too concerned if people are aware that you have recently had surgery, you may be able to return to light activities within 5 to 7 days.

After surgery, the physician will lubricate your eyes with ointment to reduce dryness in this area. (Your vision may be blurred temporarily from the ointment.) The first two days after surgery, you should rest quietly with your head elevated. Dr. Walker will recommend application of cold compresses to your eyelids and that you lay quietly with your eyes primarily closed for about 30hours. Although you can be up almost immediately, you should limit your activities.

At first the incisions will probably be red and somewhat bumpy. Eventually, the resulting scar should become flat and inconspicuous. Your sutures (stitches) will be removed sometime within the first four to five days.

The swelling and discoloration around your eyes will gradually subside, and you'll start to look and feel better each day. Swelling and bruising varies considerably from person to person. Bruising typically disappears within seven to ten days. Within the first week you will be permitted to use makeup, if desired, to conceal any discoloration.

Your vision may continue to be somewhat blurry for a few days or longer. Your eyes may be temporarily sensitive to light, and you may experience excess tearing or dryness. You may receive eye drops to help relieve any burning or itching. Healing about the eyelids is typically rapid.

The more alert, youthful look that this surgery provides is usually long lasting. Thin scars may remain slightly pink for several weeks or so, but can easily be concealed with makeup. They eventually fade to a thin, nearly invisible white line. The removal of fat is permanent, but the looseness of the skin and fine wrinkling of the eyelid area may return in the distant future.

Even though the aging process continues, patients are usually happy with their appearance for many years following eyelid surgery.

In general, the best candidates for upper eyelid blepharoplasty are people:

• 18 years of age or older
• In good physical health
• Psychologically stable
• Understanding the procedure's outcome
• Desiring correction of droopy, baggy eyelids
• With no known ophthalmologic conditions such as glaucoma or detached retina.
• With no known medical conditions such as high blood pressure, circulatory problems, hypothyroidism or other thyroid related conditions.
• Having realistic expectations for the outcome

The above is only a partial list of the criteria that Dr. Walker will consider in determining whether or not this procedure is appropriate for you. For more personalized information please contact our office for a full consultation with the doctor and our staff.