Eyelid surgery is indicated in men or women who seek correction for puffy or baggy eyelids. Blepharoplasty is the plastic surgical term used to describe surgical correction of the eyelids, upper or lower. Most patients seeking surgery are over 35 ? 40 years of age, although patients may seek surgery at a younger age due to familial tendencies or the effects of excess sun exposure and lifestyle.

Eyelid surgery can help reduce saggy upper and lower eyelid skin and correct a certain amount of ?bagginess?. It can help you look younger, fresher, and less tired. However, it will not remove ?crow?s feet? wrinkles, nor address the dark circles around your eyes. It will also not change your underlying ethnic features.

If you suffer from recurrent dry eyes, thyroid eyes disease or have conditions such as glaucoma or retinal detachment, eyelid surgery may be unsafe. An ophthalmologic assessment may be necessary before proceeding.

Most problems can be dealt with by excision of excess skin and fat. The incisions are placed carefully in the correct crease location for the upper eyelid. In the case of the lower eyelid, the incision can be on the inside of the eyelid (if no excess skin is present) or more usually just underneath the eyelash line. Excess fat in the lower eyelid pads can be removed with the excess skin to improve the contours.

You may have some excess tear formation and some blurring of vision after your procedure. With delicate suturing, the scars heal well and are usually hard to see. Eyedrops may be necessary as you may find some irritation after the operation, and will be prescribed as necessary. There will be some light bruising and swelling which will resolve over two to three weeks.

Depending on your healing it may be possible to disguise your bruising with make-up after about ten days. Most patients find that they can return to work within ten days after surgery, although vigorous physical activity is discouraged for at least four weeks. Sunglasses and a light sunblock are recommended for several weeks after your procedure.

For patients who have significant drooping of the eyebrow, a brow-lift rather than a blepharoplasty procedure may be required, although both can be carried together if necessary (see brow-lift section).

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It is important to keep your eyes well lubricated after the procedure. Avoid strong sunlight - some patients find wearing sunglasses helpful. You may have some bruising but this should be almost completely resolved by approximately ten days. Eyelid surgery may not correct the dark skin shadows around the eye.

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