The eyelids are often the first facial features to show signs of aging resulting in a sad, tired appearance in even the most energetic individual. Eyelid skin stretches, muscles weaken, and the normal deposits of protective fat around the eye bulge. The surgical procedure to remove excess eyelid tissues(skin, muscle, or fat) is called blepharoplasty.
Dr. Adler performs the surgery for functional reasons. Sometimes excess upper eyelid tissue obstructs the upper visual field or can weigh down the eyelid and produce tired-feeling eyes. When blepharoplasty is performed to improve vision, rather than for cosmetic reasons only, it may be covered by insurance.
The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and can take one to three hours. Upper lid incisions are made in the natural crease of the lid. Swelling, bruising, and blurry vision are common after blepharoplasty. Stitches are removed three to five days after surgery, except in the cases of transconjunctival blepharoplasty where the self-dissolving sutures require no removal.
Possible complications associated with blepharoplasty include bleeding swelling, delayed healing, infection, drooping of upper eyelid, asymmetry, double vision, and dry eye. It is important to note that the puffiness of the fat pockets may not return, but normal wrinkling and aging of the eye area will continue.