Blepharoplasty is done to remove bagginess and tightens loose skin of the eyelids. It does not remove fine wrinkle lines, these require resurfacing the skin. The forehead and face are not tightened by eyelid surgery.
Method: The method of surgery is to undermine the skin and remove the excess; this tightens the skin. At the same time it is often necessary to remove the fat pads which have come close to the surface. The incisions are placed in the natural crease lines of the upper and lower eyelids. Some patients are candidates for transconjunctival blepharoplasty. In this operation for lower lid bagginess, the incision is placed on the inside surface(the conjunctiva) of the lower lid. This avoids a visible scar. The operation is done under either local anesthetic (you are awake) or general anesthetic (you are asleep). You can choose. Most of the time this is an outpatient operation and a stay in the hospital is not needed.
Problems: All operations have some risk. The risks of surgery are divided into two groups. First those that are seen in all operations and second those that are unique or special for this operation. In the first group, the main risks are swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, a scar and numbness or change in feeling. The main problem which is special for this operation is ectropion or pulling down of the lower lid. Asymmetry of incision, dryness of the eyes and inability to completely close the eyelids have also been described.
Postoperative care: The recovery takes one to two weeks. Most people are back to work within a week or two.
For more information see the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) or check with your doctor.