Blepharoplasty usually is performed in an outpatient facility under local anesthesia in a matter of one or two hours. If local anesthesia is used, you will be well sedated but partially awake during the surgery. You may be able to tell that the surgeon is working on your eyes, but you will not feel any pain. If general anesthesia is used, you will sleep through the procedure.
Blepharoplasty usually is performed on the upper lids first, then the lower lids. Whether you are having upper, lower, or both lids done, the procedure generally follows this format:
- Making the incision. Incisions will be made following natural lines and creases, extending into fine lines or crow's feet at the outer edges of your eyes.
- Achieving a better shape. Excess skin, fat, and muscle are removed at the surgeon's discretion.
- Closing the incisions. The number of sutures (stitches) varies, depending on your surgeon's judgment. These delicate sutures will be removed three to four days after your surgery. Hairline scars will fade, becoming barely visible within 6 to 8 weeks.
- Protecting the eyes. Moist gauze will be applied to your eyes after sutures are in place.
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Nice to Know: Alternative Blepharoplasty In a procedure called transconjunctival lower eyelid blepharoplasty, an incision is made on the inside of the lower eyelid with a laser. The excess fat is then removed. The settings on the laser are adjusted, and the external skin of the lower eyelid is "resurfaced." When sutures are used to close this kind of incision, they are invisible to the eye. They are also self-dissolving and leave no visible scar. With this procedure, you will be sedated. |
