The Blepharoplasty (Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery) Procedure

Cosmetic eyelid surgery is right for many people, but it is not right for everyone. How does one know if blepharoplasty is right for them? A good candidate for blepharoplasty wants to restore a more youthful and rested appearance to their eyes. Droopy or baggy eyes communicate to others a sense of fatigue, disinterest, and senescence. Many people simply don’t want their face to express to others these qualities when they feel quite the opposite about themselves. The best candidate for cosmetic eyelid surgery wants their appearance to better communicate their feelings of youth, energy, and vitality.

Many people who are interested in cosmetic eyelid surgery tell Dr. Ebroon that they are interested in blepharoplasty but that they truly are not "vain." They’re right! Most people are not looking at cosmetic eyelid surgery as a way to just look better. They realize that although cosmetic eyelid surgery does make the eyes look more beautiful, the appearance of the eyes conveys a deeper quality. The eyes express to those we know and meet something deeper about ourselves before we have a chance to communicate in other ways.

Once it is understood what makes a good candidate for cosmetic eyelid surgery, then it is easy to see who is not a good candidate. A poor candidate for cosmetic eyelid surgery is one who doesn’t truly feel energetic, vital, or interested and is hoping that the surgery will make them so. In other words, those who are hoping the eyelids can be brought into better harmony with who they are on the inside do very well with cosmetic eyelid surgery. However, those who hope the surgery will change who they are on the inside are not as good candidates.

Although cosmetic eyelid surgery is a relatively safe procedure, it is important to review the potential risks. The most dangerous complication from surgery is excessive bleeding after the surgery. The nerve that is responsible for eyesight could be potentially squeezed by excess blood and cause permanent loss of vision. By stopping any blood thinning medications two weeks prior to surgery the chances of such a problem are greatly diminished. Other potential risks of surgery include double vision, dry eyes, infection, a retracted or pulled down eyelid, asymmetry, undercorrection, overcorrection, and the need for more surgery. A brow lift has its own unique set of complications. These include tenderness along the hairline and weakness of the facial nerve. Fortunately, with good surgical technique such problems are rare.

One effect of surgery that is quite common is the formation of milia during the healing process. These are small cysts that can form along the incision line in the weeks after surgery. These cysts are hard to see with the naked eye but can be seen with a magnifying mirror. They are treated at first with simple observation since they usually resolve on there own and they are so difficult for anyone to see. If they don’t go away spontaneously after a few months, Dr. Ebroon can remove them in the office very easily.

For cosmetic eyelid surgery the simple answer is about two weeks healing time. The reality is there are so many factors that go into the healing process that in an individual’s case the healing time can vary. Some factors that affect healing are which procedures are performed, how easily the patient bruises, how well the eyelids are taken care of during the postoperative period, and how good of a healer the patient is.

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty causes bruising and swelling that starts soon after the surgery. The bruising and swelling will worsen the day after the surgery. Most patients will start improving on the third day after surgery and many patients feel comfortable driving on this day. Simple tasks around the house can be done as long as there is no heavy lifting.

Stitches will be removed by Dr. Ebroon between the fifth and seventh day after surgery. Patients who can work while still being bruised and swollen often choose to work after their stitches come out. There is no exact time when the healing stops. Rather it is a process that involves many stages. Most patients look very good after two weeks. Nevertheless, there is often a slight amount of swelling that can slowly resolve for even twelve months after surgery. Also, the hidden incision in the eyelid slowly loses its red color and becomes thinner. This process can take months to heal as well, but since the incision is hidden it is not an issue. Of course, if more surgery is performed then the healing process takes longer. A brow lift or surgery to remove the under eye bags will increase the healing time somewhat.

Dr. Daniel Ebroon is a board certified Oculoplastic Surgeon whom frequently lectures on the Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) procedure.