Cleveland Plastic Surgeon Dr. George Picha

Blepharoplasty– Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery (technically called blepharoplasty) is a procedure to remove fat usually along with excess skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. Eyelid surgery can correct drooping upper lids and puffy bags below your eyes, features that make you look older and more tired than you feel. Blepharoplasty can be done alone, or in conjunction with other facial surgery procedures such as a facelift or browlift.

You and Dr. Picha should carefully discuss your goals and expectations for this surgery. You'll need to discuss whether to do all four eyelids or just the upper or lower ones, whether skin as well as fat will be removed, and whether any additional procedures are appropriate.

Dr. Picha will explain the techniques and anesthesia that will be used, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, and the risks and costs involved. (Note: Most insurance policies don't cover eyelid surgery, unless you can prove that drooping upper lids interfere with your vision. Check with your insurer.)

Don't hesitate to ask your doctor any questions you may have, especially those regarding your expectations and concerns about the results.

Procedure:	Correct drooping upper eyelids and puffy bags below the eyes by removing excess fat, skin, and muscle. (Upper-eyelid surgery may be covered by insurance if used to correct visual field defects)
Length:	1 to 3 hours.
Anesthesia:	Usually locally with sedation or general.
In/Outpatient:	Usually outpatient.
Side Effects:	Temporary discomfort, tightness of lids, swelling, bruising. Temporary dryness, burning, itching of eyes. Excessive tearing, sensitivity to light for first few weeks.
Risks:	Temporary blurred or double vision. Infection, bleeding. Swelling at the corners of the eyelids. Dry eyes. Formation of whiteheads. Slight asymmetry in healing or scarring. Difficulty in closing eyes completely (rarely permanent). Pulling down of the lower lids (may require further surgery). Blindness (extremely rare).
Recovery:	Reading: 2 or 3 days. Back to work: 7 to 10 days. Contact lenses: two weeks or more. Strenuous activities, alcohol: about 3 weeks. Bruising and swelling gone: several weeks.
Duration of Results:	Several years. Sometimes permanent.