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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Can liposuction be performed for fatty bags under the eyes?
Liposuction is not appropriate for removal of fatty bags under the eye. There are other fragile anatomic structures in this area including the muscles that move the eye. Injury to these structures would cause significant deformity and functional deficit. Blepharoplasty however is a relatively straight forward procedure. We nearly always use an incision inside the eyelid for the procedure. Restylane can also be used to fill in the depression under the eye bag for further improvement or sometimes can be used alone. We also utilize the patient’s own fat cells for improvement of the groove under the eye commonly referred to as the “tear trough”.
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