In all forms of communication, your eyes tell the story. They can communicate your level of energy, reflect your comfort level, and show your level of exhaustion. They are the first thing a person notices in passing. Which is why eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is increasing as people continue to want to make a good first impression.

Eyelid surgery, technically called blepharoplasty, decreases the signs of aging that occurs around the eyes. The process consists of the removal of excess fat and skin from the surrounding eye area. It can consist of upper lid, lower lid, or a combination of the two.

The upper lid surgery removes extra skin with a small amount of fat from the center part of the eye. In many cases, the patient describes her eyes as tired looking or droopy eyes, and has the desire to widen them. The lower lid surgery removes fat and excises a small amount of skin from beneath the eye.

While both types of surgeries can have a dramatic effect on your looks, you should maintain realistic expectations when considering this type of surgery. The best way to feel satisfied with your results is to have clearly defined and well understood goals for the surgery.

Also keep in mind that blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, in some cases is medically necessary, as in cases where excess skin can impair vision. A visual field test can help determine if a patient is a candidate and insurance sometimes will consider coverage for the surgery.

The best candidates for eyelid surgery are men and women who are physically healthy and have realistic expectations for the outcome of the surgery. Most are over the age of 35, or have a family history of baggy eyelids.

A few medical conditions make eyelid surgery more risky. They include high blood pressure or other circulatory disorders, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, thyroid problems such as hypothyroidism and Graves' disease, or dry eye or lack of sufficient tears. A detached retina or glaucoma may also add to the risk. Discuss your medical condition with your plastic surgeon before proceeding.

The surgery typically takes one to two hours, depending on the combination of surgeries being performed. Stitches will be removed three to seven days following surgery. Depending on how well a person does through surgery and recovery, they can usually begin moderate exercise after the seventh day, and be back up to pre-surgery activity within the first month.

The full results will be realized with six months, and should continue to improve for the first year. As a patient, consult with you physician for a complete schedule of patient recovery.