Q - What is blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a simple procedure which can correct a tired or aged appearance to the eyes. For upper eyelid blepharoplasty, excess upper eyelid skin and sometimes fatty pockets are removed to address the tired appearance. For lower eyelid blepharoplasty, excess lower eyelid fatty tissue may be removed and/or the tear trough located beneath eyelid puffiness may be addressed with various filling techniques. Blepharoplasty may be performed on its own or it may be combined with other procedures like a brow/forehead lift, midfacial lift or fat transfer.

Q - Who is the best candidate for blepharoplasty?
Candidates for blepharoplasty are in good physical health and have realistic expectations for improving the appearance of puffy under-eye bags and/or drooping upper eyelids. Patients whose tired appearance is caused by a drooping brow or forehead may be better candidates for an endoscopic browlift. A private patient consultation with Dr. Buckingham is the best way to determine if blepharoplasty is right for you.

Q - What can I expect during a consultation for blepharoplasty?
During your consultation for blepharoplasty, Dr. Buckingham will meet with you and perform a complete facial analysis to determine the best procedure to meet your desired results. He will also be sure to answer any and all questions that you may have.

Q - Where is the blepharoplasty procedure performed?
Dr. Buckingham performs isolated upper eyelid blepharoplasty in the office with local anesthesia and at times mild oral sedation. Procedures involving the lower eyelid, forehead, brow or fat transfer are performed in an outpatient facility.

Q - What type of anesthesia is used for blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is often performed with local anesthesia and other sedation or even general anesthesia if needed. The anesthesia used is based on the procedure chosen and other patient factors which will be determined during the consultation.

Q - How is the actual blepharoplasty procedure performed?
For upper eyelid blepharoplasty, Dr. Buckingham makes a very fine incision within the natural eyelid crease. He then removes excess skin and possibly fatty pockets of the upper eyelid, using a special thermal scalpel to treat the puffy regions. For the lower eyelids, Dr. Buckingham may remove excess lower eyelid fatty tissue through a hidden incision inside of the eyelid. For other patients, it may be necessary to address the tear trough beneath the eyelid puffiness which can be achieved through several different techniques.

Q - How long does the actual blepharoplasty procedure last?
The surgical time for blepharoplasty generally takes anywhere from one to two hours. Longer times may be required if including fat transfer or endoscopic browlit.

Q - Where are the incisions made for blepharoplasty?
For upper eyelid blepharoplasty, a fine incision is made within the natural eyelid crease. For transconjunctival lower eyelid blepharoplasty, a hidden incision is made inside the lower eyelid. When addressing the tear troughs below the lower eyelids, other incisions may be necessary and this will be discussed during consultation.

Q - Are there scars after blepharoplasty?
The incisions made for blepharoplasty, and their resulting scars, are typically hidden or well concealed, either inside of the lower eyelids or within the natural creases of the upper eyelids. As with all of his surgeries, Dr. Buckingham uses the smallest incisions necessary to perform the surgery and places them in discrete, well-camouflaged locations.

Q - Is the blepharoplasty procedure painful?
There is little to no discomfort during the blepharoplasty surgery as modern anesthesia techniques are used. While blepharoplasty may result in a temporary tight or sore feeling to the eyelids, Dr. Buckingham uses special surgical techniques to help minimize post-operative discomfort. Discomfort can be alleviated with medication if necessary.

Q - What is the recovery like after blepharoplasty?
The recovery after blepharoplasty can last anywhere from three or four days, to ten to fourteen days. Patients who receive additional skin resurfacing will have a more lengthy recovery. Bruising and swelling may occur and will fade after one to two weeks. The eyes may feel slightly dry at first, a condition that is relieved with artificial tear use. Usually the patient may wear glasses immediately and may read, however vision is at times slightly blurry. Contact use may be limited depending on the procedure.

Q - How much time will I need to take off from work after blepharoplasty surgery?
Recovery after blepharoplasty can last anywhere from three or four days to as much as ten to fourteen days. Patients may be able to return to work within three to ten days and to their full social activities within one to two weeks. On average, patients are able to return to work within seven to ten days after their blepharoplasty surgery.

Q - How soon after my blepharoplasty surgery can I exercise?
Light walking-type exercise can typically be resumed within one week after blepharoplasty. More strenuous activities may need to be postponed for about two to three weeks as vigorous activities can increase swelling, prolong healing, and risk bleeding.

Q - When are the stitches removed after the blepharoplasty procedure?
Any surface sutures used may be removed anywhere from five to seven days after your blepharoplasty surgery.

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