Blepharoplasty

You may be a candidate if you have baggy or droopy upper eyelids, excess skin on the lower eyelids, or bags under your eyes. When sagging upper-eyelid skin blocks part of your peripheral vision, blepharoplasty can help reduce or eliminate that problem while also giving your eyes a more rested, alert appearance.

According to Mayo Clinic, nonsmokers, people without chronic conditions that can slow healing (such as diabetes), and those without serious eye problems tend to have better outcomes. During your consultation at Healthcare by the Sea, our specialists review your medical history and goals to help you decide, based on your individual case, whether this procedure is a good fit for you.

Blepharoplasty is usually performed on an outpatient basis. It can be done with medication to help you relax plus numbing injections in the eyelids, or under general anesthesia, depending on what you and your specialist decide together.

For the upper eyelids, the surgeon makes an incision along the natural fold to remove excess skin and, when needed, some muscle and fat. For the lower eyelids, the incision is placed just below the lashes or inside the lid to remove or redistribute fat and excess skin. The skin is closed with tiny stitches that, in many cases, dissolve on their own.

The procedure typically takes 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on whether the upper lids, lower lids, or both are treated. Most patients return home — or to their hotel — the same day.

Before surgery you will have an evaluation visit: your medical history is reviewed (dry eyes, glaucoma, allergies, thyroid, circulation, or diabetes), your vision is examined — including tear production and visual field testing — and photographs of your eyelids are taken to plan the surgery.

Your doctor may ask you to stop, well in advance, medications that increase bleeding, such as warfarin, aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen, as well as certain herbal supplements. If you smoke, you will be advised to quit several weeks beforehand, since smoking can interfere with healing.

Arrange for someone to drive you back and stay with you the first night after the procedure. At Healthcare by the Sea we provide clear instructions and close support throughout — especially helpful if you are traveling to Puerto Vallarta for your care.

After surgery it is normal to temporarily experience blurry vision from the lubricating ointment, watery eyes, light sensitivity, swelling, and bruising similar to a black eye, along with some discomfort. In most patients, swelling and bruising fade gradually over about 10 to 14 days, and the small incision lines may take a few months to lighten.

Typical aftercare includes applying cold compresses the first night and the following day, using the prescribed drops or ointment, sleeping with your head elevated, wearing dark sunglasses outdoors, and taking the pain reliever your doctor recommends. For about two weeks you should avoid strenuous activity, swimming, smoking, rubbing your eyes, and wearing contact lenses; aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are also usually avoided during this period.

Go to the emergency department right away if you develop a high fever, heavy bleeding, severe or worsening eye pain, shortness of breath, chest pain, or new vision problems, and notify the doctor who performed your procedure as soon as possible.

Medical reference source: Mayo Clinic.