Eye Lid Surgery

Eyelid surgery (technically called blepharoplasty) is a procedure to remove excess skin, fat, and muscle from the upper eyelids. Eyelid surgery can correct drooping upper lids that may interfere with your vision.

If you're considering blepharoplasty, this information will give you a basic understanding of the procedure-when it can help, how it's performed, and what results you can expect. It can't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on the individual patient and the surgeon. Please ask your Milwaukee Eye Care provider any questions you may have.

The Best Candidates for Eyelid Surgery

The best candidates 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.

All Surgeries Carry Some Uncertainty and Risk

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

The minor complications that occasionally follow blepharoplasty include double or blurred vision for a few days; temporary swelling of the eyelids; a slight asymmetry in healing or scarring; or an increase in symptoms of dry eye.

Following surgery, some patients may have difficulty closing their eyes when they sleep; in rare cases this condition may be permanent.

Planning Your Surgery

The initial consultation with your surgeon is very important. The surgeon will need your complete medical history, so check your own records ahead of time and be ready to provide this information. Be sure to inform your surgeon if you have any allergies; if you're taking any vitamins, medications (prescription or over-the-counter), or other drugs; and if you smoke.

In this consultation, your surgeon will test your vision, assess your tear production, measure your eye lid position, and assess the general health of your eyes.

Your surgeon will explain what you can expect from blepharoplasty and take a complete medical history including any bleeding disorders or problems with scarring from prior surgeries. Factors to be weighed include age, skin type, ethnic background, and degree of vision obstruction. Furthermore, you can expect an open and honest exchange between you and your surgeon, which will establish the basis for a successful outcome.

After a mutual decision is made by both you and your surgeon, the technique indicated for your individual surgery will be discussed. The type of anesthesia, the surgical facility, and the risks and costs inherent in the procedure will be outlined.

Cost of Blepharoplasty

Many insurance companies will cover the costs associated with blepharoplasty if the upper eyes are interfering with your vision. Careful measurements and photos of your eye lid position will be taken to determine if loss of vision is present.  A test of your field of vision and a summary of your measurements will be submitted to your insurance company for approval.

Preparing For Your Surgery

Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Carefully following these instructions will help your surgery go more smoothly.

While you're making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, and to help you for a few days if needed.

The Surgery

In upper eyelid surgery, the surgeon first marks the individual lines and creases of the lids in order to keep the scars as invisible as possible along these natural folds. The incision is made, and excess fat, muscle, and loose skin are removed. Fine sutures are used to close the incisions, thereby minimizing the visibility of any scar.

Blepharoplasty usually takes one hour, depending on the extent of the surgery.

After Your Surgery

After surgery, ointment will be used to lubricate your eyes. Your eyelids may feel tight and sore as the anesthesia wears off, but you can control any discomfort with the pain medication that will be prescribed. If you feel any severe pain, call your surgeon immediately.

Your surgeon will instruct you to keep your head elevated for several days, and to use cold compresses to reduce swelling and bruising. (Bruising varies from person to person: it reaches its peak during the first week, and generally lasts anywhere from two weeks to a month.) You'll be shown how to clean your eyes, which may be gummy for a week or so. We typically recommend lubricating eye drops, since your eyelids may feel dry at first and your eyes may burn or itch. For the first few weeks you may also experience excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, and temporary changes in your eyesight, such as blurring or double vision.

Your surgeon will follow your progress closely for the first month or two. The stitches will be removed a week after surgery. Once they're out, the swelling and discoloration around your eyes will gradually subside, and you'll start to look and feel much better.

Getting Back to Normal

You should be able to read or watch television after two or three days. However, you won't be able to wear contact lenses for about two weeks, and even then they may feel uncomfortable for a while.

Most people feel ready to go out in public (and back to work) in a week to 10 days. By then, depending on your rate of healing and your doctor's instructions, you'll probably be able to wear makeup to hide the bruising that remains. You may be sensitive to sunlight, wind, and other irritants for several weeks, so you should wear sunglasses and use tear drops as necessary.

You should keep your activities to a minimum for three to five days, and to avoid more strenuous activities for about three weeks. It's especially important to avoid activities that raise your blood pressure, including bending, lifting, and rigorous sports. You may also be told to avoid alcohol, since it causes fluid retention.

Your New Look

Healing is a gradual process, and your scars may remain slightly pink for six months or more after surgery. Eventually, though, they'll fade to a thin, nearly invisible white line.

To schedule an evaluation for possible blepharoplasty

We are always happy to schedule an eye lid evaluation. Please call Milwaukee Eye Care Associates at 414-271-2020.