You may want to consider Blepharoplasty or Eyelid Lift if you have excessive, sagging, or wrinkled upper or lower eyelid skin. Sometimes, excess upper eyelid skin will interfere with vision. An eyelid lift may also be indicated if you have puffy pouches of fat in the upper or lower lids.

Blepharoplasty is intended to restore a more youthful and rested appearance to the eyes. This procedure may also improve your field of vision if excessive upper eyelid skin blocks your ability to see up and to the side.

In this procedure, excess skin and fat are surgically removed. Incisions are concealed in the natural upper lid crease, or just below the eyelashes in the lower eyelid. If only excess fat is present in the lower lids, it may be removed through an incision inside the lower lids with no external incision or scar. This is called a transconjunctival blepharoplasty.

This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and takes about an hour under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. All sutures are usually removed at 5 days. You will be given a prescription to control the discomfort after the procedure, which is usually mild. Bruising around the eyes lasts about a week, and can be hidden with make-up or sunglasses. Swelling disappears over 1 to 2 weeks. Eye makeup may be applied after the sutures are removed. Contact lenses may be worn when comfortable — usually within 7 to 10 days.

If blepharoplasty is being performed to improve the field of vision, it may be covered by our insurance plan. A visual field test is required to confirm visual field obstruction. Otherwise, the procedure is considered cosmetic, and the patient is responsible for payment.

The best candidates for this procedure are healthy non-smokers. Patients with dry eyes should consult their ophthalmologist before planning eyelid surgery.

The specific risks and the benefits of an eyelid lift for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are rare. To learn more about this procedure, schedule a consultation with Dr. Miles.