Eyelid Surgery

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KEY POINTS

• Eyelid surgery, called blepharoplasty, is surgery to remove excess skin or fat around your eyes or to raise the eyelids. This procedure corrects vision problems caused by droopy eyelids. Also, you may look younger and less tired.
• Ask your provider how long it will take to recover and how to take care of yourself at home.
• Make sure you know what symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them.

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What is eyelid surgery?

Eyelid surgery, called blepharoplasty, is surgery to remove excess skin or fat around your eyes or to raise the eyelids. Excess skin can develop because of:

• Aging
• A history of puffy eyelids because of allergies or water retention
• Droopy eyelids that run in your family
• Past eye surgery
• Problems with the muscles or nerves that raise your eyelid

When is it used?

This procedure may be used when:

• The upper part of your vision is partly blocked by droopy eyelids.
• You have aches in your brow from using your forehead muscles to lift drooping eyelids.
• The extra skin around your eyes folds over on itself and the skin becomes irritated.
• You want to change the way your eyelids look.

This procedure corrects vision problems caused by droopy eyelids. Also, you may look younger and less tired. Ask your healthcare provider about your choices for treatment and the risks.

How do I prepare for this procedure?

• Plan for your care and a ride home after the procedure.
• Tell your provider if you have had kidney problems or an allergy to chemicals, such as contrast dye. Contrast dye is used for some scans.
• You may or may not need to take your regular medicines the day of the procedure. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements that you take. Some products may increase your risk of side effects. Ask your healthcare provider if you need to avoid taking any medicine or supplements before the procedure.
• Do not wear eye makeup on the day of the surgery.
• Follow any other instructions your healthcare provider gives you.
• Ask any questions you have before the procedure. You should understand what your healthcare provider is going to do. You have the right to make decisions about your healthcare and to give permission for any tests or procedures.

What happens during the procedure?

Most of the time a local anesthetic and sedative are used. The local anesthetic numbs your eye and the sedative relaxes you. Sometimes a general anesthetic is used instead. General anesthesia relaxes your muscles and you will be asleep. The excess skin and fat pads in your eyelids will be removed. You will be able to go home when you are fully awake, usually 1 to 2 hours after the surgery.

What happens after the procedure?

You may have swelling or bruising around your eyes that lasts for several weeks. Ask your healthcare provider:

• How long it will take to recover
• If there are activities you should avoid, including how much weight you can lift, and when you can return to your normal activities
• How to take care of yourself at home
• What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them
• If you have been using contact lenses, ask your provider when you can start using them again.

Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup. Keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.

What are the risks of this procedure?

Every procedure or treatment has risks. Some possible risks of this procedure include:

• You may have problems with anesthesia.
• You may have a serious infection or bleeding that can permanently damage your eyes.
• You may have dry eyes and need to use eye drops frequently.

Ask your healthcare provider how these risks apply to you. Be sure to discuss any other questions or concerns that you may have.