With time, both men’s and women’s eyes can be weighed down by sagging and excess tissue in the eyelid area. To remedy this mostly unsightly discomfort, blepharoplasty is available.

What is blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure that corrects certain defects of the lower or upper eyelids, such as:

  • Bags under the eyes
  • Droopy eyelids
  • Excess skin above the eyes
  • Dark circles
  • Crow’s feet

The procedure is typically not painful or dangerous.

How is the surgery performed?

Blepharoplasty is performed using several surgical techniques to ensure a less “tired” appearance.

Upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin and any bags from the upper eyelids. It is performed under local anesthesia; light sedation may be administered if necessary. 

The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes, and scars are almost invisible, as they are hidden in the eyelid crease.

Lower blepharoplasty removes excess skin, lifts residual skin, and eliminates bothersome puffiness, sometimes even improving the dark circles area. The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia and possible light sedation. The operation is performed through a small incision at the level of the eyelid margin.

Depending on the patient’s needs, surgery can be performed on either the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. Blepharoplasty can also be performed as a single procedure or in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures such as facelift, mini lifting, rhinoplasty, and lipofilling.

How many years does it last?

The duration of the effect of a blepharoplasty is variable. Depending on the characteristics of the patient’s skin, it can last from a few years up to ten.

Recovery time

Recovery from upper blepharoplasty is almost immediate, and stitches are removed 5-7 days after surgery. The presence of minor bruising and some bruising, which resolves in a few days, can be masked with makeup or a pair of sunglasses.

The recovery time for lower blepharoplasty is slightly longer, as it takes about 10-14 days for the swelling and bruising to resolve.