Blepharoplasty FAQs

Q-What is blepharoplasty?
A-Blepharoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure designed to improve the appearance of puffy lower eyelid bags and drooping of the upper eyelids in order to restore a more youthful and refreshed appearance. During the surgery, excess fat, muscle and skin are removed from the upper and/or lower eyelids.

Q-Is blepharoplasty right for me?
A-If you are looking to improve the appearance of puffy lower eyelid bags and/or drooping of the upper eyelids and are physically healthy and realistic in your expectations, then blepharoplasty may be right for you. Patients must understand that the surgery will not affect dark circles, wrinkles around the lines, or sagging of the eyebrows. Dr. Donath is happy to meet with you for a consultation to help you decide if blepharoplasty is right for you.

Q-What happens at the consultation for blepharoplasty?
A-During the consultation for blepharoplasty, Dr. Donath will meet with you to examine your eyes, discuss your goals, and take a thorough medical history. If you have certain medical conditions like circulatory or ophthalmologic problems, special considerations may need to be made. Dr. Donath will also weight other factors like your age, skin type and you attitude toward surgery in order to determine if blepharoplasty is right for you. He will go over the recommended technique, the anesthesia, the surgical facility, the risks and the costs. Any questions or concerns that you may have will also be discussed. If necessary, Dr. Donath may recommend complementary surgery, such as a browlift or skin resurfacing, to help you achieve your desired look.

Q-What anesthesia is blepharoplasty performed with?
A-Blepharoplasty may be performed with local anesthesia and sedation or with general anesthesia.

Q-How is the surgery for blepharoplasty performed?
A-Dr. Donath begins the blepharoplasty surgery by making the incisions. For the upper eyelids, these are located along the natural lines and creases. For the lower eyelids, these may be located along the lash line and smile creases. Once the incisions are made, he will remove excess fat, muscle and loose skin. The incisions will then be closed with fine sutures. Patients who have just eyelid puffiness caused by excess fat may be candidates for transconjunctival blepharoplasty in which excess fatty tissue is removed through an incision on the inside of the lower eyelid.

Q-How long is the surgical time for blepharoplasty?
A-Blepharoplasty may take one to three hours to complete depending on the extent of the work and the technique used.

Q-Where are the blepharoplasty incisions made?
A-The incisions for blepharoplasty are made along the natural lines and creases of the upper eyelids and along the lash line and smile creases of the lower eyelids. For transconjunctival blepharoplasty, the incisions are made on the inside of the lower eyelids.

Q-Will I have scars after blepharoplasty surgery?
A-For traditional blepharoplasty, the incisions are located in such a way so as to be as inconspicuous as possible. For transconjunctival blepharoplasty, the incisions are made on the inside of the lower eyelids and leave no visible scarring.

Q-Does blepharoplasty involve much pain?
A-Patients may experience some soreness and tightness of the eyelids along with some temporary tearing and burning. Prescription medication can help to alleviate discomfort.

Q-What is the recovery from blepharoplasty like?
A-Some soreness and tightness of the eyelids may occur after surgery along with temporary dryness, itching, burning, tearing, sensitivity to light, and blurred or double vision. Discomfort can be managed with prescription pain medication. Swelling and bruising may occur and can be relieved with cold compresses and keeping the head elevated. An ointment will need to be regularly applied to the eye area for a period of time to help prevent dryness.

Q-When will I be able to resume work after my blepharoplasty surgery?
A-Work and most other normal activities can usually be resumed with about five to ten days after the blepharoplasty surgery.

Q-When will the stitches be removed after my blepharoplasty procedure?
A-Stitches are usually removed or dissolve on their own within about three to five days.