Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is a plastic surgery procedure for correcting sagging or drooping eyelids. The eyelid, because its skin is much thinner than that in other parts of the face, is often one of the first facial areas to exhibit signs of aging. Eyelids that sag or droop can affect peripheral vision, making daily activities such as driving more difficult. Blepharoplasty may become necessary when various factors, which include aging, sun damage, smoking and obesity, cause the muscles and tissue that support the eyelids to weaken.
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure used to fix drooping or sagging eyelids. During the procedure, your surgeon carefully tightens the muscles and tissue around the eyes and removes excess fat and skin. Blepharoplasty eliminates the drooping of skin into the visual field, greatly improving peripheral vision. It is also performed for strictly cosmetic reasons. The goal is to smooth out the area so you look naturally awake without looking like you’ve had surgery.
If the eyelids begin sagging into the field of vision and getting in the way of your sight, a functional blepharoplasty may be required. This isn’t just about looks, it’s about making sure you can see clearly to drive, read, or work.
Because this version of the surgery fixes a medical problem, in some cases, the procedure may be covered by medical insurance if it is deemed medically necessary. Our team can help you navigate the requirements to see if your procedure qualifies as medically necessary. We use a special tool called the Humphrey Visual Field (HVF) Analyzer to check how much your peripheral vision is being blocked.
Blepharoplasty can be performed on either the upper or lower eyelid, or on both, for cosmetic purposes. For a lower eyelid that needs fat rather than skin removed, a transconjunctival blepharoplasty is performed. During transconjunctival blepharoplasty, an incision is made inside the lower eyelid, so there are no visible scars, and the fat is removed.
This procedure has no effect on vision, but results in a person’s looking younger and more refreshed. It is important for a patient to have realistic expectations before undergoing cosmetic blepharoplasty. Although the procedure can enhance appearance and improve self-confidence, it does not radically alter the face.
The best candidates for blepharoplasty are those who are in good overall health, do not smoke, do not have any serious eye conditions, and have healthy facial tissue and muscle. People with eye disease, including glaucoma or retinal detachment, thyroid disorders, diabetes, cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure are not good candidates for blepharoplasty. Contact our board-certified Connecticut plastic surgeons to learn more.
Choosing to refresh your eyelids can make a big difference in both how you see and how others see you. By removing the extra hood of skin on the top or the bags on the bottom, you can achieve a much more approachable and energetic look.
At The Aesthetic Center in Fairfield County blepharoplasty is typically performed as an outpatient procedure requiring local anesthesia and sedation. General anesthesia may be used for anxious patients. Patients can choose to have this procedure on their upper or lower eyelids, or both. The procedure can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on whether both the upper and lower eyelids are operated on. If the upper eyelid is being operated on, an incision is typically made along its natural crease.
Once the incision is made, fat deposits are repositioned or removed, muscles and tissue are tightened, and excess skin is removed. For the lower eyelid, an incision is usually made just below the lash line so that excess skin can be removed. After the procedure, the incisions are closed with sutures, tissue glue or surgical tape, and usually loosely covered with gauze so the area can heal.
Following a blepharoplasty Fairfield County patients may be advised to apply lubricating drops/ointment and cold compresses to aid in healing and minimize side effects. Most patients return to work within a few days to a week, but should avoid exercise and strenuous activities for at least 2 weeks.
Stitches are usually removed after 3 or 4 days. Most swelling and other side effects typically subside within 2 weeks. Contact lenses and eye makeup may not be worn for 2 weeks after surgery. Connecticut blepharoplasty patients are typically advised to wear dark sunglasses outside or in bright light for 2 weeks to protect their eyes from sun and wind.
Following a blepharoplasty Fairfield County patients will notice a change in their eye area almost immediately after the surgery. While there will be some initial swelling, the new, smoother shape of your eyelids will be visible as soon as you head home.
Most of the settling happens within the first two weeks, but your results will actually keep improving for up to a year as the fine details of the healing finish up. These results are very durable. Most patients enjoy their refreshed look for a decade or more, especially if they stay out of the sun and take good care of their skin.
Although there may be swelling and bruising around the surgical site, they will subside on their own, and the eyelids will improve in appearance for up to a year. Uncommon side effects include infection, reaction to anesthesia, and double or blurred vision.
Eyes may be irritated and dry due to a temporary change in tear distribution. Side effects such as uneven healing and permanent scarring are rare but, if they occur, may require surgical correction. The scars from blepharoplasty are well-concealed, and usually fade with time until they are virtually undetectable. Although the eyelids are still subject to aging, blepharoplasty produces long-lasting results.
Choosing where to have surgery on your eyes is a big decision. At The Aesthetic Center, Dr. Passaretti and our team offer Ivy League training and a boutique, personal touch. We have performed hundreds of eyelid surgeries in our private, state-licensed surgery center with a 0% infection rate. Our philosophy is built on safety and natural beauty. We don't believe in overdone or pulled looks. We treat one patient at a time, giving you our full attention and a private space to recover comfortably under the care of our expert nurses.
If your eyelids sag enough to block your vision, insurance often covers a functional blepharoplasty. We will perform a vision test to provide the proof your insurance company needs. If you are having the surgery strictly to look younger, it is usually considered cosmetic and is not covered.
We hide the marks very well. For upper lids, the tiny line sits right in your natural eyelid crease. For lower lids, we often make the cut inside the eyelid so there is no scar at all. Once healed, these marks are nearly impossible to find.
The procedure is relatively quick. It usually takes between 45 minutes and two hours, depending on if we are doing just the top lids, just the bottom, or both. You will go home the same day.
Most Fairfield County blepharoplasty patients are surprised at how little pain they feel. You will be asleep or very relaxed during the surgery. Afterward, your eyes might feel tight or gummy, but most people manage just fine with basic over-the-counter pain relief and cool compresses.
You should wait at least two weeks before putting in contacts or applying eye makeup. This prevents irritation and keeps the incision areas clean while they finish the most important part of the healing process.
Yes. Many people choose to do both at once. If your eyebrows have shifted down, a brow lift can help open up the top of your face, while the blepharoplasty cleans up the extra skin right around the eyes for a total refresh.
There is no specific age, but most Fairfield County blepharoplasty patients are over 35. If you have heavy eyes because of your genetics, you might choose to do it sooner. If it's due to aging, later is more common.
If you are considering plastic surgery in Fairfield County or anywhere in Connecticut, contact us to schedule a one-on-one consultation with one of our expert plastic surgeons.
722 Post Road, Suite 202, Darien, CT 06820