Blepharoplasty is one of the most common forms of cosmetic surgery. It is widely known for its popularity among the celebrity world; however, many forms of blepharoplasty are actually employed to reduce the effects of various disfigurations and defects surrounding the eye area.

What is Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty refers to the specific form of cosmetic and plastic surgery that focuses on the periorbita, the region of the face between the eyebrow and the upper portion of the cheek. Blepharoplasty offers aesthetic modifications of this region of the face, and is more commonly known as an eyelift, lid lift, or eyelid surgery.

What is the purpose of blepharoplasty?

The blepharoplasty procedure is intended to restore proper function to the periorbita. Of course, blepharoplasty is also used for cosmetic or aesthetic purposes, where it is intended to reduce the appearance of puffiness or drooping around the eyes. Blepharoplasty may also restore the youthful and refreshed look of an individual.

How is blepharoplasty procedure accomplished?

Blepharoplasty focuses on restoring the correct function to the eyelids, as well as the aesthetics of the periorbita, by excising, removing, and/or repositioning excess skin and fat while reinforcing the muscle and tendon tissues. In some cases, the underlying muscle needs to be smoothed while the supporting structures need to be tightened. The excess fatty tissue is then resected and re-draped to produce the smooth transition between the lower eyelid and the cheek. The surgical incisions are generally made along natural skin lines—specifically, the creases of the eyelids—in order to hide any remaining surgical scars, although, in some very rare cases, excess surgical scarring persists. The preceding is a general description. Methods and results vary.

The blepharoplasty can take anywhere from one to three hours to complete, during which time the patient receives a local anaesthetic. While some surgeons (and patients) prefer the patient to remain under a general anaesthetic, putting him or her completely to sleep, it is generally better for specific surgeries if the patient can respond and co-operate, allowing the surgeon to make aesthetic modifications based on how the eyelid opens and closes. Patients generally retain no memory of the procedure. Any pain associated with the blepharoplasty operation generally subsides after the first recovery day.  Again, results and recover time will vary.  In very rare cases the pain might persist. Swelling and bruising of the periorbital area generally lasts between one and two weeks; however, in unusual cases the swelling persists for up to a month.

The effects of eyelid surgery can be quite profound, offering an enhancement of looks to individuals who are insecure about their image, either do to age, a particular condition, or even a disfiguring accident. Blepharoplasty can rejuvenate an individual’s appearance, result in better vision, and can even help to repair one’s self-esteem.