What Happens During Eyelid Surgery?

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Posted by: Missouri Eye Institute in Blog on March 4, 2024

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that aims to improve the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. During this procedure, excess skin, muscle, and fat are removed or repositioned to smooth bags, reduce hooding, and enhance the visible contours around the eyes. 

Keep reading to learn what happens during eyelid surgery!

Why Do People Get Eyelid Surgery?

Blepharoplasty is performed for a variety of reasons. The skin on and around your eyelids can sag and droop, especially as you get older. 

This is caused by fat and excess skin that becomes too heavy for your eyelids to support. In some cases, the muscles that hold your eye open can weaken, making it impossible to open your eye all the way. 

Eyelid surgery can be considered medically necessary. While insurance does not cover blepharoplasty in most cases, it might if the eyelids are affecting your vision. 

Eyelids can droop so far that they actually impact your vision. Typically, this is due to an eye condition called ptosis.

If you have ptosis, your eye doctor may recommend an alternative procedure called ptosis repair, or they may recommend a combination procedure. Many people desire to change the look of their eyes or eyelids through blepharoplasty for cosmetic reasons. Eyelid surgery is one of the most effective ways to achieve a more youthful look. 

After all, the eyes are what most people look at during conversation. Eyes that are constantly puffy and tired-looking can make you uncomfortable with your appearance.

What Happens During Eyelid Surgery?

What happens during eyelid surgery will primarily depend on which procedure you are having. The steps for each procedure are different, depending on what is being corrected.

Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty

During a typical upper eyelid surgery, the eye surgeon first maps out a patient’s existing eyelid creases and contours. Then, small incisions are then made within the natural upper eyelid folds.

The location of the incision is carefully made to be easily concealed once you heal. Then, they will remove any excess skin or fat that is causing your eyelids to droop. 

The incisions are then meticulously closed, disappearing into the natural crease.  

Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Lower eyelid blepharoplasty address separate concerns like puffiness and wrinkles beneath the eyes. First, your eye surgeon will make tiny incisions just under the lashes to provide access to remove or restructure fat pockets causing eye bags.

The incisions made in lower eyelid blepharoplasty are also carefully placed to have the most natural appearance after you’ve healed from the procedure. 

For both upper blepharoplasty and lower blepharoplasty, you will need to return to your eye doctor for a series of follow-up appointments to ensure that you are healing properly from the procedure. In general, blepharoplasty is a quick and effective procedure that can help improve the appearance of your eyes and eyelids.

Do you want to learn if you might be a candidate for blepharoplasty? Schedule an appointment at Missouri Eye Institute in Springfield, MO, today!