Eyelid Surgery

What is eyelid surgery?

Eyelid surgery, called blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure in which excess skin or fat around the eyes is removed. Excess skin can develop because of:

• aging
• a history of puffy eyelids because of allergies or water retention
• droopy eyelids that run in the family

When is it used?

This procedure may be used when:

• The upper part of your vision is partly blocked by droopy eyelids.
• You have aches in your brow from trying to use your forehead muscles to lift drooping eyelids.
• The extra skin around your eyes folds over on itself and the skin becomes irritated.
• You want to change the way you look.

This procedure corrects vision problems caused by droopy eyelids. Also, you may look younger and less tired. Ask your healthcare provider about your choices for treatment and the risks.

How do I prepare for this procedure?

Do not eat or drink anything for several hours before the procedure. This will prevent nausea and vomiting. Depending on what time you are having your procedure, your healthcare provider will tell you what time to stop eating and drinking.

You may or may not need to take your regular medicines the day of the procedure, depending on what they are and when you need to take them. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements that you take.

Some medicines (like aspirin) may increase your risk of bleeding during or after the procedure. Ask your healthcare provider if you should stop taking any of your medicine before the procedure.

If you smoke, it is best to quit 6 to 8 weeks before surgery. Smokers don't heal as fast as people who don't smoke. Smokers may have breathing problems during the procedure.

Plan for your care and a ride home after the procedure. Also plan for your recovery at home.

Do not wear eye makeup on the day of the surgery. Follow any other instructions provided by your provider.

What happens during the procedure?

The surgeon marks the skin that will be removed. He or she may also find fat pads that need to be removed. The surgeon removes these tissues. Then the surgeon sews up the cuts with stitches. The stitches may be the type that dissolve and go away on their own, or they may need to be removed by your provider at a follow-up visit after the surgery.

What happens after the procedure?

You may have swelling or bruising ("black eyes") that lasts for several weeks. You may have mild pain or discomfort right after your surgery. Ask your provider what kind of pain medicine you should take.

Your provider may ask you to rest quietly for a day or two with your head raised. Also, you should put a washcloth moistened with cold water or an ice pack over your closed eyes to reduce swelling and bruising.

Right after the surgery, the incisions are red and visible. Since they are placed in natural creases in your skin, they may not be visible when they heal.

If you have been using contact lenses, ask your provider when you can start using them again. If you wear glasses, you may wear them right away. Wait 2 weeks before using eye makeup.

What are the risks of this procedure?

There is risk with every treatment or procedure. Talk to your provider for complete information about how the risks apply to you. Risks may include:

• bleeding
• infection
• dry eyes
• rarely, double vision or loss of vision

When should I call my healthcare provider?

Call right away if you:

• have severe or worsening pain
• have a loss of vision
• have a lot of drainage or bleeding from your eye
• develop a fever