Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Reduction)

Blepharoplasty is a procedure to remove fat--usually along with excess skin and muscle-- from the upper and lower eyelids. 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 that may even interfere with your vision. Blepharoplasty can be done alone, or in conjunction with other facial surgery procedures such as a facelift or browlift.

Blepharoplasty is usually done on an outpatient basis; rarely does it require an inpatient stay. It is performed under local anesthesia and takes from 1-3 hours. You should be able to read or watch television after two or three days, go back to work and wear makeup in a week to ten days, and resume wearing contacts after two weeks. You may be sensitive to sunlight, wind, and other irritants for several weeks.