Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is not recommended for patients suffering from one or more of the following:

• Dry eye syndrome 
• Hyperthyroidism 
• Detached retina 
• Glaucoma 
• Diabetes 
• Cardiovascular disease 
• Hypertension 

How Long Should You Stay In The Hospital After The Surgery? 

Usually, an overnight stay is not required.

How Long Does The Procedure Take?

1 to 3 hours.

How To Prepare For The Surgery?

Patients should avoid smoking for at least a month before and after going in for blepharoplasty surgery. Blood thinners, herbal teas, and vitamins are prohibited at least 2 weeks before the eyelid surgery.

These measures are taken in order to limit potential side effects such as bruising and swelling during the blepharoplasty surgery recovery period but also to ensure the results of the procedure.

Eyelid Surgery Recovery Timeline 

The blepharoplasty surgery recovery period lasts around 2 weeks. Alcohol consumption is prohibited for at least 2 days before and after the blepharoplasty surgery. Patients can use water or a special type of gel to keep their eyes region clean during the blepharoplasty surgery recovery period.

Eye drops can be used by patients with dry eyes. Steri-strips may also be used during the blepharoplasty surgery recovery period, in order to provide better support to the eyelids. In around 3 to 5 days the sutures are removed and in around a week the patient may begin using makeup around the eyes.

Blepharoplasty Procedure Complications 

Blepharoplasty complications can include: 

• Over-removal of fatty tissue 
• Asymmetry 
• Scarring 
• Hematoma 

Patients can experience some pain, swelling, and bruising during the blepharoplasty surgery recovery period. Cold compresses can help reduce swelling and bruising. Painkillers can also be used to soothe discomfort.

Other side effects can include an increase in sensitivity to light, teary eyes, dry eyes, and an itching sensation in the eye region after eyelid surgery.

Eyelid Surgery Treatment Success Rate

The average blepharoplasty surgery success rate is over 95%, with 97% of patients recommending this procedure to family or friends. Blepharoplasty surgery results last around 10 to 15 years, but some patients may require revision surgery during this period.

Types of Eyelid Surgery

Every eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty is different because each individual has different skin types and underlying tissue. Individuals tend to have age differences as well, so patients opting for eyelid surgery have different needs and expectations – this requires a multitude of techniques in order to ensure that these expectations are met in full.

Eyelid lift procedures fall into three main types of surgery, depending on the placement and type of incision applied. Here are the main types of eyelid lift procedures:

Upper Eyelid Surgery

Upper eyelid surgery is usually performed in order to improve the functionality of the eye. With age, the upper eyelid will start to lose its elasticity and begin to droop, affecting the eyelid’s functionality and ultimately impairing vision. Activities such as writing, driving, or reading are much harder for patients with droopy upper eyelids.

While this procedure is very effective at correcting the eyelid’s functionality, it also provides patients with aesthetic benefits. This procedure usually lasts between one and two hours and the recovery period usually lasts between one and two weeks. The benefits of this procedure will last around eight to ten years or even more.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

Lower eyelid surgery is the second-most common procedure, also called lower eyelid blepharoplasty. While upper eyelid surgery was performed in order to improve the functionality of the eye, lower eyelid surgery is mostly cosmetic, with the goal of improving the appearance of the eye region.

This procedure will diminish the bags under the eyes and tighten the skin underneath the eyes, removing any wrinkles. Lower eyelid surgery is recommended for patients wishing to improve the look of their eye region.

The procedure usually lasts about one or two hours, with a recovery period between 10 days and up to 2 weeks. As with upper eyelid surgery, the benefits of this procedure will last around eight to ten years or more.

Combined Eyelid Surgery

The third main type of eyelid surgery is called combined eyelid surgery or combined blepharoplasty. This procedure is used to fix any problems in both eye areas, including the lower eyelid and the upper eyelid. Combined eyelid surgery is mostly cosmetic, rejuvenating the appearance of both eye sections.

When combined with a brow lift, the results tend to be more pleasing due to the fact that any wrinkles above the eyes are eliminated as well. This procedure usually lasts between one and three hours, with a total recovery period of between 10 days and 2 weeks. 

After the procedure is done and the recovery period is completed, patients can enjoy a more youthful appearance that lasts around eight to ten years.

While these are the three main types of eyelid surgery, other procedures can be performed for different defects or problems in the eye region, including benign cysts removal. A consultation with a professional plastic surgeon is the best way to find out which solution is better suited to fulfill your needs and expectations.