Eyelid reduction surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that aims to improve hooded or drooping eyelids or eye bags by removing excess skin and protruding fat from the eyelids that may affect vision or make the eyelids heavy and difficult to open. This surgery would also help produce a more alert appearance and reduce morning swelling.
What does the procedure involve?
Reduction/removal of excess upper eyelid skin is a day-case surgery generally performed under local anaesthesia. Occasionally the surgery can be performed under general anaesthetic or sedation. The operation takes approximately 1 hour for upper eyelid surgery and 2 hours for lower eyelid surgery.
In upper eyelid surgery (upper blepharoplasty), the surgical steps involve:
- Making a cut (incision) along the eyelid crease in the natural skin fold of the eyelid
- Removing excess skin, fat or muscle
- Closing the incision – the scar will be concealed in the natural fold of the eyelid
In lower eyelid surgery (lower blepharoplasty), the surgical steps involve:
- Making an incision either just below the lower eyelashes or on the inside of the lower eyelid
- Repositioning or removing fat from the bags under the eyes, and sometimes also a small amount of skin
- Supporting the muscles and tendon of the eyelid if necessary
- Closing the incision
The surgeon will usually apply thin, sticky strips called suture strips to support the eyelids after surgery, which are removed within a week post-surgery.
Additionally, you can expect some side effects, which are common and temporary after surgery, such as:
- puffy, numb eyelids that are difficult to close at night
- irritated, sensitive or watery eyes – this may last a few weeks
- bruising that looks like a black eye
- scars – these eventually fade to almost be invisible
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