Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

About eyelid surgery
Are you a candidate for eyelid surgery?
About the operation  
What to expect after the surgery
Your Recovery
Possible complications  

About Eyelid Surgery

Our eyes are considered by many to be the most important features on our face. Over time, their beauty can be greatly reduced by excess skin creases and eye bags. Eyelid surgery, technically referred to as blepharoplasty, is a procedure to remove fat, excess skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. Blepharoplasty is often performed in conjunction with other facial surgery procedures such as a facelift, thought it can be performed alone as well.

For most people, the aging process involves the stretching of the eyelid skin resulting in excess folds, wrinkles, and potentially the sagging of the fat around the eye itself. For many young or middle-aged patients, heredity can also be a factor resulting in changes that are usually associated with advanced age. For them, irregardless of how much sleep they get each night, they wake up looking as if they had not slept at all.

A properly performed blepharoplasty procedure will brighten the face and restore a more youthful appearance. Additionally in some patients the procedure might improve vision by removing the excessive skin of the upper eyelids which can hang down and interfere with peripheral vision. 

Are you a candidate for eyelid surgery?

The strongest candidates are those who are healthy, psychologically stable and well motivated. 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. Should you decide to have a consultation with Dr. Javaheri, he will talk to you about your general medical history and identify any current medical conditions that may result in an increase risk should blepharoplasty surgery be performed. These risks may include thyroid disease, high blood pressure, or tear production disturbances. 

About the operation

Eyelid surgery usually performed on an out-patient basis and normally takes between 45 and 90 minutes depending on the extent of your surgery.

Either a local or general anesthesia will be used depending on a number of factors. For local anesthesia, the skin around your eyes will be numbed using an injection. This is usually accompanied by some intravenous sedation to help you feel relaxed and tolerant to any potential pain. For general anesthesia, you will be completely asleep. Dr. Javaheri will discuss with you which type of anesthetic will be most suitable for you during your consultation. 

 What to expect after the surgery

Following your surgery you will have cool compresses applied to the eye region and will spend a short amount of time under observation to ensure that no bleeding occurs immediately afterwards. The upper eyelid suture consists of a single very fine line beneath the skin surface and the lower eyelids have three to four small individual sutures held in place with a small strip of tape. The sutures are usually removed usually at the end of three days. An application of an antiseptic eye ointment will be applied postoperatively, and may result in the blurring of your vision temporarily. Occasionally, absorbable sutures are used if you are a good candidate.  It is recommended that a large pair of sunglasses be worn to help protect your eyes and hide the effects of the surgery. Once you have returned home, carefully read and follow the postoperative instructions and guidelines to be provided by Dr. Javaheri and contact your him if you have any questions or concerns. 

Your Recovery

After the surgery, you will experience swelling and bruising around the eyes. The amount of swelling varies case to case depending on the extent of your surgery. In addition, you may experience a slight leakage of blood from the incisions, and your eyes may be “gummy” for a week or so afterwards. It is important that your eyelids are not rubbed in anyway. Most of the swelling normally subsides after the first ten days following your operation. However, bruising around your eyes may persist for a longer period often up to one month. The elevation of your head, avoidance of any stooping and the use of cold compresses will help reduce the swelling and bruising typically associated with this surgery.

In addition, your eyelids will probably feel sore and tight as the anesthetic wears off. For most patients, it is normal for this to continue for a few days afterwards, and mild painkillers will alleviate these after effects. It is also common for many patients to experience a feeling of numbness in their eyelid region. This is to be expected and normal sensation usually returns relatively quickly in the weeks following your surgery. However, on rare occasions, this may be delayed and may take up to several months. Some patients may experience dryness in the eyes post operatively which is usually resolved in a few weeks and can temporarily resolved with eye drops.

Please also be aware that some scarring will occur as a result of your surgery. Variations in the healing process do occur from individual to individual, but overall, scars heal relatively well from this surgery. The scars along side the eyelashes usually heal with a near invisible line once several months have passed. Those extending out into the crow’s feet area can become a little reddened and lumpy requiring perhaps additional time to recover completely. The massaging of these scars can speed up the recovery process, and is recommended in all cases.

After several days, you should be able to read or watch television comfortably. If you wear contact lenses, you will need to refrain from wearing them for at least two to three weeks. It is recommended that you plan on taking it easy for the first week following your surgery. During this time get plenty of rest and allow your body to spend its energy on healing.

Once a week has passed you should be able to go back to work and return your normal routine. Though you will still experience some bruising, it can be masked with light makeup. It is important that you wear sunglasses and sun block when outdoors as you may be sensitive to sunlight, wind and other irritants for several weeks. It is especially important to avoid activities that may raise your blood pressure, including vigorous physical activities, bending or lifting. 

Possible complications

As with all surgical procedures, there is always some risk involved. In most cases, complications are infrequent and are usually minor. However, each surgery and period of recovery are never completely predictable as there are many variables that can influence the final outcome.

During your consultation with Dr. Javaheri, he will explain to you the possible risks and complications often associated with your procedure. It is important that you follow the advice and an specific instructions provided by Dr. Javaheri before and after your surgery in order to help avoid possible complications.

Call 415.923.3800 to schedule an appointment to discuss eyelid surgery in San Francisco or Berkeley