Blepharoplasty: Enhancing Eyelid Function & Appearance

Your journey toward restored vision and a refreshed appearance begins with a thorough pre-operative evaluation. During this appointment, our oculoplastic surgeon inquires about your medical history, including past surgeries, eye conditions, and any use of medications such as blood thinners that could affect the healing process. They will ask about lifestyle habits like smoking, which may compromise healing, and check for symptoms of conditions like dry eye syndrome or thyroid-related issues that sometimes impact the eyelids.

The evaluation also includes a detailed examination of your eyelids where the surgeon assesses the degree of skin redundancy, the presence of fat bulges, and the overall tone of the supporting muscles. Visual field testing may be conducted if drooping upper eyelids are obstructing your sight. Photographs are taken before the procedure to help plan the surgery and later to track your progress during recovery.

Once you and our oculoplastic surgeon agree on a personalized plan, the surgical process begins. Here’s a breakdown of the typical steps involved in a blepharoplasty procedure:

• Marking the Skin: Precisely outlining the areas where excess skin, fat, or muscle will be removed is crucial for maintaining balance and ensuring a natural outcome.
• Local Anesthesia: Numbing injections are administered to keep you comfortable during the surgery, minimizing any discomfort throughout the process.
• Incision: For the upper eyelid, the incision is carefully placed along the natural crease. For the lower eyelid, the incision might be made inside the eyelid (transconjunctival) or just below the lash line (infraciliary) depending on the approach.
• Tissue Adjustment: The surgeon removes excess skin and may either remove or reposition fatty deposits. In some cases, a minor adjustment of the eyelid muscles is performed to improve symmetry and function.
• Closing the Incision: Fine sutures are used to close the incision, promoting a neat, discreet healing process. These sutures are often removed within a week or so as your eyelids begin to settle.

Every detail of the procedure is planned with your unique features in mind, ensuring that the technique is tailored to optimize both functional improvements and subtle, natural aesthetics.

Recovery from blepharoplasty is generally smooth, aided by modern surgical techniques and careful post-operative care. It is common to experience some swelling and bruising during the first 1–2 weeks, and most patients notice that these effects start diminishing within a few days. Our oculoplastic surgeon will provide specific instructions for at-home care to support the healing process.

During the early days following surgery, applying cold compresses can help reduce swelling and provide comforting relief. You will likely be advised to avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and any actions that could strain your eyes. In addition, prescribed ointments play a vital role in preventing infection and assisting the healing of your incisions.

Your follow-up visits are an important part of the recovery process. During these appointments, our oculoplastic surgeon will carefully assess the healing of your eyelids and make adjustments if necessary. Typically, sutures are removed about 7 days after surgery, and many patients are able to return to their normal daily routines within 10 to 14 days. Full, long-lasting results gradually become apparent after 2 to 3 months, once your tissues have fully settled.