Reasons for Considering Eyelid Surgery:

• Dark circles or bags under the eyes.
• Excessive skin or wrinkles surrounding the eyelids.
• A tired appearance or puffiness due to inherited factors.

Blepharoplasty is a procedure used to improve the appearance of one’s eyelids.  The procedure is often performed on those who have “bags under the eyes” as a result of aging or simply genetics.  The upper eyelids tend to droop with age and can even fall to the point of altering one’s ability to see normally.  For both of these problems, blepharoplasty offers solutions.

For “tired” sagging upper eyes, an upper blepharoplasty is generally performed. 

This procedure can be done under sedation and local anesthetic.  Patients are specially marked in the preoperative area and are then taken to the operating room.  After sedation is induced, local anesthetic is injected into the upper eyelid on each side.  The excess skin is then carefully trimmed.  Because many people have excess fat underneath the eyelid muscle which causes the eyelid to look “aged,” this fat is also carefully removed.  After removal of the fat, the eyelid skin is carefully closed so as to minimize scarring.

When patients complain of “bags under the eyes” and “tired” eyes, lower blepharoplasty is a commonly offered procedure.  In younger patients, the bags are often due to excess fat under the eyelid.  These patients may be good candidates for a repair done through the eyelid instead of underneath it.  In those suffering from the effects of aging, repairs are typically under the eyelid as this technique allows removal of baggy skin as well as fat.  The procedures performed on the lower eyelid are very similar to that of the upper lid.  After sedation is induced, local anesthetic is injected and a small incision is made.  The extra fat underneath the eyelid is cauterized or directly removed which alleviates the “bags.”  After this is done, a small amount of skin is removed (in those who have excess skin) and the incision is closed carefully so that the scar is practically invisible.

Upper and lower blepharoplasties can be performed at the same time and in conjunction with other facial procedures.  Recovery is fairly easy, though patients should expect bruising which should subside within seven to ten days.  If ice is regularly applied during the first thirty-six hours after surgery, bruising is minimized.  Sutures are removed in one week and patients can return to work within a few days if bruising is mild.  Patients are strongly encouraged to use natural tears solution frequently as well as eye lubrication at night for the first several weeks in order to minimize dry eye syndrome.

If you are interested in eyelid rejuvenation procedures, please call our office to arrange a consultation with Dr. Dampier.