Facial & Plastic Reconstructive Surgery

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

Blepharoplasty is a surgery that rejuvenates the upper and/or lower eyelid area by removing excess skin around the eyelids and/or contouring fat around the eyelids.  As an individual ages, the skin looses collagen and elastin and often wrinkles and excess skin develop.  Also, bulges may develop around the upper and lower eyelid which is due to the fat in the eye socket bulging forward.

An upper lid blepharoplasty removes excess skin of the upper eyelid area and often contours the lid to create more definition by removing excess fat. Correction of a droopy eyelid margin may also be required (ptosis repair).  Upper eyelid surgery may be combined with a brow lift).

A lower lid blepharoplasty typically corrects the bulging fat of the lower eyelids by removing or repositioning this fat.  It may or may not remove a small amount of excess skin around the lower lids.  A lower lid blepharoplasty is not performed to treat wrinkles around the lower lid.  Botox® or skin resurfacing with a laser or peel may help to correct this.  A midface lift may also be performed with a lower lid surgery in order to further elevate the cheek.

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) FAQs

Who would benefit from a blepharoplasty?

Both men and women who notice excess skin or puffiness around the eyes due to redundant skin or bulging fat would benefit from eyelid surgery. Also, people who look or feel tired around their eyes are great candidates.   Individuals generally are in reasonably good health and have realistic expectations.

Who is an ideal candidate?

An individual who would like to enhance or rejuvenate the appearance of their eye area would benefit from the surgery.  Also, individuals who experience fatigue, fullness and heaviness of the upper eyelids would typically benefit from treatment of the eyelids.  Many times, aging around the eyelid area can create functional changes that make reading, driving or computer use more difficult.  Dark circles under the eyes often are corrected with lower eyelid surgery as well.

What are the newer techniques for blepharoplasty?

Generally newer techniques involve the lower eyelid.  Incisions can be made on the outside of the lower lid but a newer technique, called a transconjuctival lower lid blepharoplasty, creates the incision on the inside of the lower eyelid.  This reduces the risk of changing the position of the lower lid or its shape.

Also, repositioning the fat of the lower eyelid instead of simply removing it allows the surgeon to contour the lower lid better and create a much more youthful appearance of the lower lid.  The trough below the lower lid is filled with a patients own fat so that a long lasting, natural change is created.

What qualifications should my surgeon have?

A surgeon should be have extensive experience in eyelid surgery and abundant knowledge of eyelid anatomy.  Dr. Jolene Andryk  is a board certified facial plastic surgeon who performs cosmetic and functional surgery of the eyelid area frequently.  An experienced surgeon will determine when a brow lift or ptosis repair will be beneficial or needed to improve the appearance or function of the eyelid area.  Several surgeries may combined together.

What can I expect during my consultation for blepharoplasty?

Dr. Andryk will discuss what has changed around the eyelid area and how this relates to what the patient sees.  An individual will understand the contributions from the brow and the position of the eyelid margin and how these changes may also affect the appearance of the eye area.  After a complete consultation, Dr. Andryk will allow an individual to feel confidant and excited about their options for eyelid rejuvenation.

What area some of the surgical facts I should know?

A majority of blepharoplasties performed:

  • are performed under mild IV sedation
  • some patients undergo surgery with local anesthesia
  • a blepharoplasty may be combined with a brow lift or ptosis repair
  • the procedure is performed as outpatient procedure
What are some of the postoperative concerns I may have?

A majority of patients having a blepharoplasty note:

  • there is little or no significant pain     
  • the benefits from surgery last a very long time
  • sutures are removed in 5-7 days
  • makeup can be worn in as little as one week
What are the risks of blepharoplasty?

The risks may include excessive bruising or swelling, bleeding, temporary dry eye, inability to close the eyes, scarring on the upper eyelids, temporary blurred vision and small whiteheads (milia) developing in the upper eyelid incision.

Does insurance cover the cost of blepharoplasty?

Depending on the severity of the upper eyelid droop, insurance or Medicare may cover the cost of the procedure if it is deemed medically necessary.  Photos, a physician’s exam and a visual field test are often completed for insurance authorization.  Lower eyelids are never covered by insurance.