Your eyes are one of the first areas to show signs of aging. Over time, the delicate skin around the eyes can become puffy, saggy, or wrinkled, making you look tired, older, or even obstructing your vision.
Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a transformative solution that can restore a youthful and refreshed appearance while also improving overall eye function. Whether you’re seeking cosmetic enhancement or medical correction, understanding the basics of this procedure is the first step toward a more confident you.
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin, fat, and muscle from the upper and/or lower eyelids. It can correct drooping upper lids, under-eye bags, puffiness, and fine lines around the eyes. The surgery may be performed for aesthetic purposes, to create a more alert and youthful look, or for functional reasons when sagging lids interfere with vision.
What Are the Different Types of Blepharoplasty?
There are two main types of blepharoplasty, and in some cases, they are performed together for comprehensive results:
Upper Blepharoplasty
Upper eyelid surgery focuses on correcting sagging, drooping, or hooded upper lids that can create a tired or aged appearance. Over time, the skin on the upper eyelids may stretch and lose elasticity, causing it to fold over the lash line or even obstruct peripheral vision. This is especially common in patients over 40 and those with a genetic predisposition to heavy eyelids.
During an upper blepharoplasty, the surgeon makes an incision along the natural crease of the upper eyelid, allowing precise access to remove excess skin and fat. The result is a lifted, more open eye contour that enhances both appearance and function.
Lower Blepharoplasty
Lower eyelid surgery is designed to treat puffiness, under-eye bags, and fine wrinkles that can develop due to aging, fluid retention, or hereditary factors. These concerns often leave individuals looking exhausted, even when they are well-rested. The goal of lower blepharoplasty is to create a smoother, more youthful contour beneath the eyes.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Blepharoplasty is ideal for adults in good general health who have realistic expectations. You may be a candidate if:
- You have droopy or sagging upper eyelids that impair your vision.
- You’re bothered by puffiness or bags under your eyes.
- You experience difficulty applying makeup due to loose upper eyelid skin.
- You want to improve tired or aged-looking eyes.
- You do not smoke and are free from serious eye conditions.
A consultation with a board-certified surgeon is the best way to determine your eligibility and develop a customized plan that aligns with your goals.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Blepharoplasty is typically performed on an outpatient basis and takes 1 to 3 hours, depending on the extent of the surgery.
Anesthesia
Most patients receive local anesthesia with sedation, which means the area around your eyes will be numb, and you’ll be relaxed or sleepy but not fully unconscious. If your surgery is more complex or if you prefer, general anesthesia may be used to put you completely to sleep during the procedure.
Incision Placement
To keep scars as hidden as possible, the surgeon makes incisions along the natural creases of your eyelids:
- For upper eyelid surgery, the cut is placed in the crease of the upper lid.
- For lower eyelid surgery, the cut may be made just below the lash line or inside the lower lid (called a transconjunctival approach).
Tissue Removal and Adjustment
Next, the surgeon carefully removes or repositions tissues:
- Fat pockets that cause puffiness or bags may be removed or shifted to smooth out the area.
- Loose skin is trimmed to reduce sagging.
- In some cases, muscles are tightened to help the eyelid hold a firmer, more youthful shape.
We employ specialized techniques to minimize the removal of excess skin or fat, which can compromise the natural appearance and function of your eyelids.
Closure
Once the necessary changes are made, the incisions are closed with fine sutures (stitches). Some of these may dissolve on their own, while others may need to be removed within 5 to 7 days.
Your eyes may be covered with small bandages or ointment after surgery, but most people don’t need full eye patches.
Scar Healing
Because the incisions are made in natural folds, they usually heal very well and become hard to see over time. Following your aftercare instructions carefully will help minimize scarring and speed up healing.
Recovery and Downtime
Recovery from blepharoplasty is typically smooth and relatively quick. Here’s what most patients can expect:
- First Few Days: You may experience swelling, bruising, mild discomfort, or tightness around the eyes. Cold compresses and prescribed medication can help ease symptoms.
- First Week: Most visible swelling and bruising subside within 7 to 10 days. Sutures are typically removed around day 5.
- Back to Normal: Many patients return to work and social activities within 10–14 days, depending on their healing process and the nature of their job.
To promote healing, patients should avoid strenuous activity, keep their head elevated, and protect their eyes from the sun and wind.
Are the Results Permanent?
The results of blepharoplasty can last for many years, with most patients enjoying a refreshed appearance for a decade or more. As the aging process continues, improvements can be long-lasting, especially when combined with healthy lifestyle choices and proper skincare.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If drooping lids or under-eye bags are affecting how you look—or how you see—it may be time to explore your options. Blepharoplasty is a simple yet transformative procedure that can dramatically enhance your appearance and quality of life.
At New England Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center in Weymouth, MA, we take the time to understand your goals and design a treatment plan tailored to you. Contact us today to schedule your personalized consultation and learn how eyelid surgery can help you look more alert, feel more confident, and enjoy long-lasting results with minimal downtime.
