What is blepharoplasty?

It is the surgical alteration of the eyelid, which can be both functional and cosmetic.  Excess tissue like skin and fat are taken out or relocated, and muscles and tendons that surround it may be augmented.

Frequently, blepharoplasty is used cosmetic reasons, often to better puffy lower eyelids and decrease the wrinkling of the skin.  Double eyelid surgery, usually favored by east and southeast Asians, is a special kind of blepharoplasty that creates a crease in the upper eyelid.  The functional aspect of blepharoplasty ushers to correct the large amount of skin that may hamper regular activities such as driving or reading, and possibly cause a loss of peripheral vision.

Recovery from a blepharoplasty procedure may last up to a few weeks, where patients are given home care instructions with ample painkillers on the side.  Patients must avoid bending at the waist for about five days and performing any strenuous activity — especially those that raise blood pressure, like lifting and rigorous sports — for around ten days to three weeks.  However, lighter activities such as TV-watching and reading is allowable after two or three days.  Patients who have work can attend in a week or ten days after the operation.

As with any surgery, blepharoplasty is no stranger to post-operation marks like bruises and scars.  With a bit of patience, they will subside and normally fade in time.