Eyelid surgery

Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) can rejuvenate puffy, sagging and tired-looking eyes by addressing excess skin, muscle and fat in eyelids. It is typically a cosmetic procedure but can also improve vision by lifting droopy eyelids out of the patient’s field of vision.

The procedure is usually performed with local anesthesia or combined with sedation and may take 1 to 2 hours. Incisions are made along the eyelids in inconspicuous places (in the creases of the upper lids, and just below the lashes on the lower lids). Excess skin, muscle and fat are removed and closed with fine sutures. Dr. Sabry prefers to reposition the fat in the lower eyelids rather than removing it to avoid a “hollow” appearance postoperatively. In the case that no skin needs to be removed, a transconjunctival blepharoplasty can be performed, where the incision is made inside the lower eyelid and there are no visible scars.

Stitches are removed after four days and most people return to work in ten. Contact lenses may not be worn for two weeks. Eyes can be sensitive to light and wind and may be slightly irritating for a short while; eye drops and cool compresses help to alleviate these discomforts.

Complications from the procedure are uncommon, and can include: infection, temporary swelling, double or blurred vision, tiny whiteheads, and difficulty closing eyes when going to sleep. Uneven healing and scarring, and ectropion (pulling down of the lower lids) are very rare and may require surgical correction.

Blepharoplasty may be performed alone or can be combined with other cosmetic procedures such as endoscopic browlift, facelift, fillers (Restylane®, Juvéderm™, Radiesse™) and BOTOX® treatments.