THE SURGERY: The operation can be done on an outpatient basis at one of the ambulatory surgery centers or, on occasion, can be done in the office. The anesthetic is usually a combination of local anesthetic with intravenous sedation. This causes a twilight sleep which most patients find quite agreeable. In the upper eyelid, an incision is made in the natural crease line, and the excess tissue is removed. The incision is then closed with a stitch that runs underneath the skin. This stitch is usually removed about one week later. In the lower lid, an incision is sometimes made on the inside lower part of the eyelid. Through this small incision, the fat causing the puffiness can be removed. In this case, there is no external incision line. If the skin itself needs tightening, a small incision is made on the outside of the lower eyelid just below the eyelashes, and the extra skin is removed. Sometimes, a light acid peel is done in the lower eyelids in conjunction with the blepharoplasty to lighten dark circles and smooth the skin. All these options are discussed thoroughly during your consultation to determine which technique is best for you.

RECOVERY: Immediately following the surgery and for the next 24 hrs. to 48 hrs., we recommend the use of cold compresses on the eyes. This helps diminish bruising and swelling. We also recommend that you sleep with your head slightly elevated. The operation itself does not cause a lot of pain or discomfort, but there might be a feeling of tightness. Usually, extra-strength Tylenol or an occasional pain pill is all that is needed to control any discomfort. If sutures are used within the lower eyelids, they are usually the dissolving type which disappear after about four to five days.

You may be as active as you wish a day or so following eyelid surgery. If you feel up to it, you may be up and around, you may drive a car, and you may do pretty much as you wish. We do advise not to do any heavy lifting or bending, however. A pair of dark sunglasses will mask the bruising and allow you to be out and about.

The first postoperative visit is made about one week after the operation. At that time, the sutures are removed and you may use make-up. We recommend that you wait approximately one week following surgery before resuming the use of contact lenses. If you wear hard lenses, you may wish to consult your optometrist regarding methods of removing them without pulling the lids. During the next several weeks, you will feel irregularities of the lids as the healing process continues. You may also have numbness of the upper and lower lids. All this is to be expected, and will improve as time goes by. Sensation usually returns to normal two to four weeks following surgery.

COMPLICATIONS: Complications are rare. This topic will be discussed with you at the time of your consultation.