How Long Does Blepharoplasty Surgery Take?

The thin, delicate skin of your eyelids may show signs of aging before the rest of your face. In some cases, heavy upper lids or undereye bags are family traits. Blepharoplasty corrects problems like drooping, loose skin, and puffiness. It restores an alert, bright-eyed appearance that makes your eyes look younger. 

What is Blepharoplasty or an Eyelid Lift?

Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper lids, lower lids, or both. Also called an eyelid lift, blepharoplasty addresses loose skin, muscle, and excess fat. An upper blepharoplasty treats drooping skin and muscle to open up your eyes and even improve your peripheral vision. A lower blepharoplasty often targets puffiness, although it can also tighten the lower lid, so it covers more of the lower part of the eye. 

How Long Does Blepharoplasty Surgery Take?

The length of your blepharoplasty surgery often depends on whether you have your upper, lower, or both pairs of eyelids treated. A lower eyelid lift is somewhat more complex and takes longer than an upper eyelid lift. In general, an upper eyelid lift takes about an hour. A combination of both procedures may take up to three hours, depending on the details of your treatment. 

How Does Blepharoplasty Surgery Work?

During an eyelid lift, Dr. Greenberg uses carefully hidden incisions to tighten loose skin and muscles. He will also remove or reposition fat pads, eliminating the appearance of undereye puffiness. The incisions are hidden within creases of the eyelid or inside the lower lid to ensure that they are nearly invisible when healed. This fairly minor procedure is usually performed in-office with IV sedation, although Dr. Greenberg may recommend general anesthesia on some occasions. 

What is Recovery Like From Blepharoplasty?

Immediately after your procedure you will go to our recovery room, and Dr. Greenberg and his team will observe you for an hour or two. You will have some swelling and discomfort for the first few days, but ice packs and medication will help. You will not be able to wear your glasses for at least a week or two after your procedure. Most people can return to work after about a week. You can add strenuous activities or exercise back into your routine after three to six weeks. 

Am I a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?

You may be a good candidate for blepharoplasty if your eyelids make you look tired or older. Ideal candidates for an eyelid lift have no major health problems and do not smoke. Only a consultation can determine whether an eyelid lift is your best solution. 

Take the Next Step

If you’d like to learn more about blepharoplasty, schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Scott A. Greenberg at Winter Park Plastic Surgery & Laser Center in Winter Park, FL (serving the Central Florida area). (407) 644-3137

*Individual results may vary