In blepharoplasty or eyelid-lifting, excess fat and skin and, sometimes, excess muscle are removed from the upper and/or lower eyelids. Skin thins as it ages, becomes loose and is affected by the force of gravity. With time, eyelid skin stretches, muscles weaken, and fat that cushions the eyeball moves forward around the eyes, causing "bags". Sagging upper eyelids may result in hooding over the eyes.
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Blepharoplasty can tighten droopy or hooded eyelids, restore the contour to the lids and eliminate bags under the eyes.
Blepharoplasty takes about 2 to 2 1/2 hours for both upper and lower lids. Blepharoplasty is usually performed under local anesthesia. First, eye drops are used to anesthetize the eyes, then protective contact lenses may be placed over the eyes during the surgery.
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty involves an elliptical incision across the eyelid crease, in the natural skin fold. Excess skin is removed and a thin strip of muscle is also removed to give eyelid crease more definition. Excess fatty tissue is also removed or may be reduced with cautery. The incision is then closed with a single layer of sutures, hiding the scar within the natural fold of the upper eyelids. Very fine electrocautery is used throughout the operation to minimize bleeding. |
