Eyelid surgery can correct drooping upper lids and puffy bags below your eyes - features that make you look older and more tired than you feel and may even interfere with your vision. However, this surgery will not remove crow's feet or other wrinkles, eliminate dark circles under your eyes, or lift sagging eyebrows. While it can add an upper eyelid crease to Asian eyes, it will not erase evidence of your ethnic or racial heritage. Blepharoplasty can be done alone, or in conjunction with other facial surgery procedures such as a facelift or brow lift.

Who's eligible for the surgery?

The best candidate for eyelid surgery are men and women who are physically healthy, psychologically stable, and realistic in their expectations. Most are 35 or older, but if droopy, baggy eyelids run in your family you may decide to have eyelid surgery at a younger age.

What are the risks associated with the surgery?

When eyelid surgery is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor. Nevertheless, there is always a possibility of complications, including infection or a reaction to the anesthesia. However, this risk can be reduced by closely following your surgeon's instructions both before and after surgery.

Other minor complications that occasionally follow blepharoplasty include double or blurred vision for a few days; temporary swelling at the corner of the eyelids; and a slight asymmetry in healing or scarring. Tiny white heads may appear after your stitches are removed, which will be removed by your surgeon with a very fine needle.

Following surgery, some patients may have difficulty closing their eyes when they sleep; in rare cases this condition may be permanent. Another rare complication is ectropion, a pulling down of the lower lids. In this case, further surgery may be needed.

Eye lid surgery does not hurt. However, it is bothersome because of the inflammation around the eyes, which makes vision difficult for a couple of days.

How should I prepare for the surgery?

If you are smoker, you will be asked to refrain from smoking 2-3 weeks prior to your surgery. You will also be asked to eliminate the intake of aspirins. You should arrange to have someone to be with you during, before and after your surgery. You should also arrange to have someone care for you for the first 24 hours after the surgery. 

How will I initially look and feel?

The amount of time that it takes to heal varies greatly among patients. The first day after the surgery, the patient will have to remain with his or her head elevated. The patient may feel a numb sensation around the eyes and a certain degree of discomfort due to the inflammation and bruising. Some patients experience various degrees of inflammation and bruising that can last for several weeks. The bruising disappears within 7-10 days. The patient's eyes may become temporarily sensible to the light and may also experience either a dry sensation or watery eyes. During the first week, the doctor will allow you to use make-up to cover the bruises. The stitches will be removed from 4-6 days after the surgery. 

When will I be able to continue my normal activities?

It is recommended that patients will have one week of rest. This time will be enough for the bruises to disappear. Although many patients feel that they can return to work immediately after the surgery, in most cases, patients will be able to resume all normal activities within 10 days.

How long will the results of the surgery last?

The results of this surgery are long lasting but can be affected by factors such as hereditary conditions, and the patient's lifestyle. In addition, the results of aging can also alter the results of the surgery. Even though the process of aging continues, most patients are very satisfied with the results of the surgery.