Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) — Alabama Plastic Surgery

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, can correct sagging eyelids, remove fatty pouches beneath the eyes and remove excess skin from the upper eyelids. Blepharoplasty can be done alone or in conjunction with other facial surgery procedures such as a facelift, browlift or necklift.

How is eyelid surgery performed?
What will I look and feel like afterward?
Will I have to be in the hospital?

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How is eyelid surgery performed?

Through a strategically placed incision, the upper eyelid procedure involves the removal of excess skin and fatty tissue. Since the incision on the upper eyelid is placed in the natural contour of the eye, it is easily camouflaged upon healing. Lower eyelid procedures also involve the removal of excess skin and fat. The incision may be made just under the lower lash line or inside the lower lid.

What will I look and feel like afterward?

Every individual patient varies in degree of bruising, swelling, and healing. Here is a general outline of expectations:

Bruising and swelling will be apparent within the first few days. Resting with the head elevated and applying cold compresses will help alleviate these conditions.

The stitches will dissolve or be removed within the first week. Cosmetics maybe worn to cover any temporary residual discoloration, and you may resume any normal activities considered non-strenuous.

After a few weeks, you may resume vigorous exercise and wearing contacts if your eyes feel normal.

Over the next few months you are more apt to experience eyestrain, sensitivity to bright light, television or computer use. You may experience a reduction of swelling and the final results will begin to take shape.

Will I have to be in the hospital?

Cosmetic eyelid procedures can be done in your physician's office based surgical suite, a hospital or an outpatient surgery center. Eyelid surgery is consider an outpatient procedure and in most cases you will be able to return to the comfort of home that same day. Anesthesia for this procedure is most commonly local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. However, you and your surgeon may decide that general anesthesia may be the best choice for you.

If you would like to find out more about blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, from our Birmingham, Alabama cosmetic surgeons, feel free to contact us today.