Click here for the Blepharoplasty Photo Gallery (Before and After)

Description: Eyelid surgery that removes the excess skin, fat, and/or muscle from both upper and/or lower eyelids. Excess skin creates a heavy, tired look. The excess skin of the upper eyelid will sometimes rest on eyelashes making application of eye makeup difficult. The bulges or puffiness are caused by fat around the eyes pushing through a thin membrane of the orbit similar to a hernia in the abdomen.

Preoperative and Postoperative Considerations

• Function
  The eyelids are instrumental in protecting the cornea. Involuntary blinking helps to wipe a tear film across the cornea. Excess upper eyelid skin can impede peripheral vision. It is important for us to know if you have any problems with your eyes, such as dry eyes or vision problems.

Commonly asked questions before Surgery:

• Where will the incisions be? The incisions, and therefore the scars, are well concealed because the skin around the eye is very thin and heals well. The incision in the upper eyelid will go into the natural fold of the eyelid. Surgery in the lower eyelid to remove the "bags" or bulges can be performed without a skin incision at all. This incision is placed on the inside of the eyelid. This can be combined with resurfacing of the eyelid to improve wrinkling of the lower eyelid or placement of a filler (fat transfer or restylane—these should be links to elsewhere in this site which describes in further detail) to restore areas of hollowing or lost volume around the eyes . An incision in the lower eyelid skin may be necessary to remove excess skin or creepiness. I will show you the incision techniques during your consultation and advise which is best for your particular situation.
  
• How long will I have bruising or swelling?
  The majority of swelling and bruising is gone in one to two weeks with most people being able to return to work in one week. Many patients find that a pair of dark glasses is sometimes helpful in the immediate postoperative period to hide the bruising and swelling. It is important for us to know if you are taking any aspirin products (e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen, advil, etc) or "blood thinners" because these can contribute to swelling and especially bruising. We will instruct you to use cool compresses for 48 hours after your surgery, which will help diminish the bruising and swelling.
  
• When can I wear eye makeup again?
  Most patients can apply eye makeup seven to ten days after the surgery.
  
• How long before my sutures are removed?
  All sutures will be removed in 3-5 days following your surgery. Self-absorbing stitches will dissolve on their own.
  
• What about postoperative care?
  For a week and a half following blepharoplasty the eyes may feel sticky, dry, and itchy. During this period, eyedrops may be recommended, and you will need to clean the eye area regularly. You should not exert yourself physically for two weeks following surgery.
  
• What are the risks?
  There are risks associated with any surgical procedure, but these are usually minimal in facial plastic surgery. Major complications, including the loss of vision, ectropion (the turning down of the eyelid), and lagopthalmos (the inability to close the eye), are extremely rare.

Photo Gallery (Before and After)

Contact us

• Dr. Lin practices at our East Side New York office. If you are interested in making an appointment with Dr. Lin, or would like more information, please call our 86th Street office at (212) 722-5570.
  
• Medical insurance may be applicable in some cases and should be discussed with the office manager during your appointment. Dr. Lin accepts most insurance plans; please call to verify your insurance plan with us.
  
• If your interest is purely aesthetic, please schedule a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Lin.

back to Dr. Lin’s Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Introduction