Blepharoplasty is the repair of drooping or sagging eyelids. As an individual ages their eyelids stretch. This stretching is caused from the muscles weakening and the excess of fat that has gathered above and below the eyelids. This can cause an individual to have sagging eyebrows and loose skin that is noticeable under the eyes. This baggy skin can cause an individual to have blurred vision and makes the individual appear much older.

Eyelid surgery such as blepharoplasty is designed to repair droopy eyelids. During the surgical procedure the excess skin, muscle or fat is removed from around the area of the eyelids. There are both risks and benefits involved with this type of eyelid surgery.

Blepharoplasty

An individual may want to consider have blepharoplasty performed if that individual has baggy or puffy upper eyelids, dark circles or bags under the eyes or excess skin on lower eyelids. This excess skin is what can cause an individual to have blurred vision. An individual may want to consider having eyelid surgery is there is excess tissue around the eyes that is causing the individual to not be able to open their eyes completely. After eyelid surgery an individual will have a more alert and youthful appearance.

In order to prepare for blepharoplasty an individual must contact a doctor and evaluate their medical history. Once a patient has gone through their medical history the patient will then have to have a physical examination performed. After the physical examination is performed the doctor will take photographs of the patient’s eyes from several different angles. After the photographs have been taken the doctor will then discuss with the patient what to expect during and after the surgery.

An individual who is having eyelid surgery performed should avoid taking medications that contain ibuprofen two weeks before and after the surgical procedure. These types of medications are known to increase the amount of bleeding a patient experiences. A patient should also avoid exposure to sunlight one week before surgery and then up to three months after surgery. Sunlight can cause damage to the skin especially around the surgical area.

The side effects of having eyelid surgery performed are a temporary numbness of the eyelid skin, impaired eyelid function, dry eyes, irritation, scarring and a very small risk of blindness. An individual should know both the risks and benefits of having eyelid surgery performed. An individual will feel like a younger person after having the surgical procedure.