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Facial & Cosmetic Surgery >
Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
The signs of aging are most readily visible around the eyes. Features that make you look older and more tired than you feel may even interfere with your vision. Drooping eyelids and puffy or sagging lower lids are commonly corrected by plastic surgery. In most cases, skin is tightened and fat deposits removed or redistributed to restore balance, tone and appearance. Surgery may not remove crow’s feet or other wrinkles, eliminate dark circles under your eyes, or lift sagging eyebrows. Eyelid surgery can be done alone, or in conjunction with other facial surgery procedures such as a facelift or browlift. Patients are instructed to follow special eye care guidelines for several months afterward.
If you're considering eyelid surgery, the following information will provide you with a good introduction to the procedure.
| 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 local 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:
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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:
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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:
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Several years. Sometimes permanent. |
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