Questions about Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Albany, Schenectady, Troy & Saratoga Springs, New York Eyelid Surgery

What is blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is a surgery performed to remove excess skin, herniated fat, and atrophied muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. Fat herniation is normal and happens to everyone eventually, though some individuals have herniated fat in the upper area of their eyes as early as their teens.

How is eyelid surgery performed?

Eyelid surgery may be performed using either local anesthesia with light sedation or general anesthesia. Incisions are made within the natural creases of the eyelids. Schenectady plastic surgeon, Dr. Bruce Barach then removes the fat and skin before suturing the incision with very fine hair-like sutures.

Will a blepharoplasty rid me of my eye wrinkles?

Eyelid surgery is not designed to remove wrinkles like crow's feet and glabellar lines from the eye area. It is designed to remove the excess skin and fat from the lid areas only. Other procedures such as a facelift, dermal fillers, and chemical peels are available to get rid of wrinkles.

What should I expect after the surgery?

Swelling and bruising should be expected. Your eyelids may feel tight and sore as the anesthesia wears off, but pain medication should be able to control any discomfort you might experience. Your vision may be a little blurry for the first few days due to the swelling, and your eyes may be watery or dry. Minor irritation is common, but you should not feel any extensive pain.

Will I experience any scarring from eyelid surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, some scarring should be expected. However, it is quite minimal and practically invisible after several months. The scars are placed within the normal creases and folds of the upper and lower eyelids so that when the eyes are open, the scars cannot be seen.

When will I be able to see the results?

Once the swelling has gone down, you will be able to see a big difference in the amount of over-hang in the upper eye area. It is important to understand that when you wake up, no matter what time of day, there will be increased swelling. This is due to fluids pooling, especially if you are not elevated properly. This will be less apparent if you sleep with your head well-elevated with two pillows. Some people have a tendency toward a swollen, puffy, dark appearance to their lower lids. Though this can be improved, it is often not possible to completely eliminate this problem.

Please contact our New York plastic surgeon today to schedule your initial eyelift consultation. Upstate Plastic Surgery serves patients in Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga Springs, New York.