Face Lift

Eye Lift (Blepharoplasty): Frequently Asked Questions

Thinking about an eye lift? If so, you probably have lots of questions, and you may have some concerns. Here are some of the most commonly-asked questions about blepharoplasty, along with their answers:

  1. What is blepharoplasty?
  2. How is the procedure performed?
  3. Is there much scarring with a blepharoplasty?
  4. At what age is blepharoplasty performed?
  5. Will a blepharoplasty rid me of my eye wrinkles?
  6. What should I expect postoperatively?
  7. When will my stitches be taken out?
  8. When will I be able to see the results?
  9. What are the risks involved with blepharoplasty?
  10. What is Asian blepharoplasty?

 

1. What is blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is a surgical procedure to remove excess fat, skin and atrophied or loose muscle from the upper and lower eyelids.

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2. How is the procedure performed?

During blepharoplasty, incisions are made within the natural creases of the eyelids or on the inside of the eyelids. The surgeon removes some of the herniated fat and excess skin and then closes the incision with very fine sutures.

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3. Is there much scarring with a blepharoplasty?

As with any surgical procedure, some scarring is to be expected. However, scarring with blepharoplasty is minimal and practically nonexistent after several months of healing.

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4. At what age can blepharoplasty be performed?

Fat and loose skin around the eyes usually appears with age, but some young people are genetically prone to it, so there really is no set age when blepharoplasty is performed.

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5. Will a blepharoplasty get rid of my eye wrinkles?

No. A blepharoplasty is not designed to remove the wrinkles at the outer corners of your eyes (crow's feet) or to fix sagging brows. There are other procedures available that can be used to remove wrinkles near the eyes, including laser resurfacing and intense pulsed light treatments.

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6.What should I expect postoperatively?

After your surgery, your eyes will be tender, swollen, and sore, and you will probably have some bruising. These should all resolve in a few days. Discomfort can usually be controlled with pain medications prescribed by your surgeon. You may experience blurry vision for the first few days after your procedure, and your eyes may be watery or very dry. For additional information, read our article about eye lid surgery recovery.

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7. When will my stitches be taken out?

Stitches are normally removed three to five days after your surgery. The removal process may sting a little, but is usually not too uncomfortable.

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8. When will I be able to see the results?

You should be able to see a definite difference once the swelling goes down, but this won't be for several days.

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9. What are the risks of blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty, like all surgery, has risks. Minor complications associated with blepharoplasty include temporary double or blurry vision, temporary swelling, and tiny white pimples around your eyes. Your eyes may also heal at different rates, which can mean that they will be temporarily asymmetrical. More serious risks include permanent asymmetry or difficulty closing your eyes and keeping them closed.

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10. What is Asian blepharoplasty?

Asian blepharoplasty is an eyelid surgery that creates a crease in the eyelid. It is popular among many Asians who have what's referred to as a "single eyelid" (with no crease) and would prefer a "double eyelid" (one with a crease). This ethnic plastic surgery is one of the most requested procedures among Asians in the United States and abroad.

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In addition to covering other articles about blepharoplasty, including eyelid surgery cost, All About Facial Rejuvenation contains numerous resources, including a gallery of eyelid surgery before and after photos, to help patients better understand this popular procedure.


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    Yael Halaas, MD, FACS

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