How Does Blepharoplasty Work?

Home » Blog » How Does Blepharoplasty Work?

Posted by: Missouri Eye Institute in Blog on November 10, 2022

As you get older, you lose the elasticity in your skin. This happens all over your body. When it occurs on your eyelids, it can cause them to droop and sag.

Even if you are a vibrant person, droopy eyelids can make you look tired. Many people don’t like the way this looks, which can impact the way they feel about themselves.

In some cases, sagging eyelids can even affect your vision. The skin can hang low enough to partially cover your eyes. 

It can cause the inside of your bottom eyelid to become exposed, which leaves your eye exposed and vulnerable to infection. The solution to this is a surgery known as blepharoplasty.

Keep reading to learn more about how blepharoplasty works!

What Happens During a Blepharoplasty Consultation?

During the blepharoplasty procedure, your eye surgeon removes excess skin and fat around the eyes. Before you can schedule the blepharoplasty procedure, you’ll need to visit your eye surgeon at Missouri Eye Institute for a consultation to ensure you are a good candidate for the procedure.

During this consultation, your eye doctor will ask you about any previous surgeries you’ve had or ongoing vision problems. It is important to set the right expectations for the procedure. 

The blepharoplasty procedure is often very successful. To ensure it is successful in your case, you will undergo a complete eye exam and have your vision tested prior to being qualified as a candidate. 

Your eye doctor will also take some photos of your face and eyelids. These photos will assist your eye doctor with planning the surgery. If the blepharoplasty is medically necessary, the photos can also help support an insurance claim. 

What Happens During the Blepharoplasty Procedure?

The surgery is outpatient, so you will be able to go home on the same day as your procedure. However, you will need to set up a ride from the clinic since your vision may be blurry for a while after the procedure. 

When it comes to the actual surgery, the process is pretty straightforward. For an upper eyelid blepharoplasty, your eye surgeon will make a thin incision along the fold of the eyelid. 

This effectively hides any scarring. The skin and fat are then removed, as well as some muscle, if necessary.

The lower eyelids are much the same, except the incision is made just below the eyelash line. It may also be made inside the eyelid.   

Once the incisions are closed with stitches, you will spend some time recuperating in the clinic.

What is Recovery Like After Blepharoplasty?

By the time you get home, you may be experiencing some mild symptoms such as light sensitivity, mild discomfort, bruising and swelling around the eyes, and blurry vision. These symptoms should go away on their own, but you can help speed up the process. 

Using ice packs often for the first night and the following day will reduce swelling. You should also sleep with your head raised slightly above your chest. 

Your eye doctor may prescribe you ointment or eye drops in order to encourage healing and prevent any complications.

Are you interested in learning more about blepharoplasty? Schedule an appointment at Missouri Eye Institute in Springfield, MO, today!