Eyelid surgery, known as blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the eyelids.

This surgery can be applied to the upper lids, lower lids, or both. Typically, Dr. Supasid combines eyelid surgery with procedures like facelifts or facial fat transfers. This approach aims to revitalize the eye area comprehensively, tackling all signs of aging. This involves tightening lax tissues, eliminating surplus skin, and restoring lost volume.

Whether you seek to enhance your appearance or are dealing with functional issues related to your eyelids, blepharoplasty can refresh the area surrounding your eyes.

Conditions addressed by eyelid surgery:

• Loose or sagging skin causing folds or affecting the natural contour of the upper eyelid, occasionally leading to vision impairment.
• Fatty deposits causing puffiness in the eyelids.
• Under-eye bags.
• Drooping lower eyelids that expose white space beneath the iris.
• Excess skin and subtle wrinkles on the lower eyelid.

Candidates:

• Healthy individuals with no medical conditions that can impair healing
• Nonsmokers
• Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic goals
• Individuals without serious eye conditions

Remember that the eyelids are part of the face. The appearance of a drooping upper lid may also be due to relaxation of the forehead skin and eyebrow. Sometimes stretching out of the upper eyelid muscle may cause a drooping eyelid. This is called eyelid ptosis and requires a different surgical treatment.

Risks and safety:

Possible eyelid surgery risks include:

• Anesthesia risks
• Bleeding from the incision lines
• Changes in skin sensation or numbness of the eyelashes
• Difficulty closing your eyes
• Dryness to the eyes
• Ectropion, an outward rolling of the lower eyelid
• Infection
• Lid lag, a pulling down of the lower eyelid, may occur and is often temporary
• Pain, which may persist
• Possible need for revision surgery
• Sensitivity to sun or other bright light
• Swelling and bruising
• Temporary or even permanent change in vision, and very rare chance of blindness
• Unfavorable scarring

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It is important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.

Preparation:

Before undergoing eyelid surgery, you might need to:

• Undergo lab tests or a medical assessment 
• Make adjustments to your medication or take specific medications 
• Refrain from smoking 
• Avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, and herbal supplements to minimize bleeding and bruising risks 

It's important to arrange for a friend or family member to provide transportation to and from the surgery and to stay with you on the first night after the procedure.

Recovery:

During your eyelid surgery recovery, lubricating ointment and cold compresses are applied, and in some cases your eyes may be loosely covered with gauze, after your procedure is completed.

Initial healing may include some swelling, bruising, irritation, dry eyes and discomfort that can be controlled with medication, cold compresses and ointment. Irritation at the incision sites is also possible.

You must practice diligent sun protection and use darkly tinted sunglasses until the healing process is fully complete.