What to Expect After Blepharoplasty

Eyelids have thin skin, and it continues to thin as you age. Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery can rejuvenate your upper or lower eyelids. This procedure addresses a range of concerns around the eye area, including puffy undereye bags and drooping eyelids.

What is an Eyelid Lift or Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is often called an eyelid lift or eyelid surgery. It addresses signs of aging that affect the upper or lower eyelids. The eye area often shows signs of aging before other parts of the face due to the thin skin and constant motion. Blepharoplasty restores an alert, refreshed appearance that helps you look noticeably younger. 

How is Blepharoplasty Performed?

You can have eyelid surgery on your upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. An upper blepharoplasty uses an incision hidden in an eyelid crease to tighten the skin. Removing excess skin eliminates the appearance of tired, drooping eyelids. Lower blepharoplasty corrects undereye bags by tightening the skin and removing or repositioning fat pads. 

What Can Blepharoplasty Treat?

The benefits of an eyelid lift go beyond tighter, smoother eyelids. Blepharoplasty corrects common problems such as:

• Eyes that look hooded or tired
• Makeup that disappears into a deep eyelid crease
• Loose skin that gets in the way of your peripheral vision
• Undereye bags, which often have a strong genetic component
• Worry over whether others notice your tired, drooping eyelids

You can combine eyelid surgery with other procedures to maximize your results. You may also benefit from non-surgical procedures that can fade dark circles under the eyes and improve the appearance of your skin. 

What is Recovery Like After Blepharoplasty?

You will have some swelling and bruising after your procedure. Dr. Greenberg will recommend keeping your head elevated, using ice packs to control swelling, and taking pain medication as needed for the first few days. Most people can return to work in about a week. Those with very active jobs may need more time to recover before returning to their normal workload. 

You can usually resume light activity and wearing glasses after two weeks, and most people can resume their exercise routine after three to six weeks. Swelling will gradually resolve over the following months, so your results will continue to improve. 

Do I Need a Brow Lift or Eyelid Lift?

If you have noticeable sagging above your eyes, you might wonder whether your eyelids or your brows are the problems. Blepharoplasty will correct drooping upper eyelids but not raise the brows or the skin beneath them. A brow lift makes an excellent option for those whose brows have sagged and lost their youthful arch. A brow lift and eyelid lift offer you full rejuvenation of the eye area. 

Am I a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?

Most healthy adults make good candidates for blepharoplasty. Candidates for the procedure should have reasonable expectations and no health issues with their eyes or eye area. Good candidates have concerns like drooping skin or undereye puffiness that can be corrected with this procedure. 

Take the Next Step

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

*Individual results may vary