Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty):

What is eyelid surgery?

Eyelid surgery is a procedure to remove fat--usually along with excess skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. Eyelid surgery can correct drooping upper lids and puffy bags below your eyes - features that make you look older and more tired than you feel, and may even interfere with your vision.

How is the procedure performed?

Eyelid surgery usually takes one to three hours and is most often performed under local anesthesia (to numb the area around your eyes) along with oral or intravenous sedatives. You'll be awake during the surgery, but relaxed and insensitive to pain.

Typically, Dr. Bootstaylor makes incisions along the natural lines of your eyelids: in your upper eyelid's creases, and just below the lower lid lashes. Working through these incisions, Dr. Bootstaylor separates the skin from underlying fatty tissue and muscle, removes excess fat, and trims sagging skin and muscle. Once completed, the incisions are closed with fine sutures.

How quickly will I heal?

You should be able to read or watch television after two or three days. However, you can't wear contact lenses for about two weeks, and even then they may feel uncomfortable.

Most people feel ready to go back to work in a week to 10 days. By then, depending on your rate of healing and your doctor's instructions, you'll probably be able to wear makeup to hide the bruising that remains. You may be sensitive to sunlight, wind, and other irritants for several weeks, so you should wear sunglasses and a special sunblock made for eyelids when you go out.

Dr. Bootstaylor will encourage you to keep your activities to a minimum for three to five days, and to avoid more strenuous activities for about three weeks. It's especially important to avoid activities that raise your blood pressure, including bending, lifting, and rigorous sports. You may also be told to avoid alcohol, since it causes fluid retention.

What are my risks?

Complications with eyelid surgery are infrequent and usually minor. Nevertheless, there is always a possibility of complications, including infection or a reaction to the anesthesia. You can reduce your risks by closely following Dr. Bootstaylor's instructions both before and after surgery.