Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

Blepharoplasty, or surgery of the eyelids, can rejuvenate puffy, sagging or tired-looking eyes by removing excess fat, skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. It may be performed for cosmetic reasons or to improve sight by lifting droopy eyelids out of the patient’s field of vision. The procedure is usually performed in an office with local anesthesia in as little as 45 minutes. Blepharoplasty can be combined with a facelift or treatments to raise the eyebrows or reduce the appearance of wrinkles, crow’s feet or dark circles under the eyes.

The lower eyelid is different. Excess skin is not normally a problem, but lower eyelid puffiness or bags develop, giving people a tired appearance even when they are well rested. This puffiness is comprised of collections of fat that become more apparent as tissue in the lower lid relaxes and allows the fat to sag forward.

Many creams, superficial treatments with lasers, cosmetic and filler substances have been developed, and can effectively treat the early stages of aging. However, as you age, they are of limited benefit and surgery is really the only treatment that will provide patients with desired results.