Eyelid surgery, also referred to as blepharoplasty, is a simple cosmetic procedure that can usually produce dramatic results. It removes wrinkles and bags under the eyes, as well as reduces hooding and excess skin by taking weight off the upper lid. During the procedure excess skin is excised and fat is repositioned to decrease puffiness. Incisions are completely hidden and are placed so that they will not change the overall shape of your eyes.

Plastic surgeons will often combine eyelid surgery with a brow lift. This allows less skin to be removed from the eyelid and leaves a more natural look. A chemical peel done several days after the procedure may reduce fine wrinkles of the skin.

Blepharoplasty can enhance your looks and give your self confidence but won't make you look entirely different. So be realistic in your expectations.

1. The best candidates for eyelid surgery are men and women who are physically healthy, psychologically stable.

2. Most are 35 or older.

3. If droopy, baggy eyelids run in your family, you may decide to have eyelid surgery at a younger age.

4. The medical conditions which make blepharoplasty more risky are thyroid problems such as hypothyroidism and graves' diseases, dry eye or lack of sufficient tears, high blood pressure or other circulatory disorders, cardiovascular disease.

5. If you have a detached retina or glaucoma. Check with your ophthalmologist before you have surgery.

The surgery itself lasts between one and one half hours. Anesthesia will generally be IV sedation, also known as "twilight sedation," which will keep you asleep through the procedure. You will generally return home on the same day as the procedure, and will likely be back to work within one week. You should be able to be reading immediately and walking around without assistance within one day. Makeup can be worn five days after surgery after the stitches have been removed from the office. It is important to make sure that your head is elevated during recovery. Ice packs may also be used to control any swelling that may occur.

Frequently Asked Questions about Eyelids
Q: Are facelifts, brow lifts, and eyelid lifts ever performed all at the same time?
A: Yes. Doing all three procedures at once during the same procedure creates better harmony between all areas of the face, because no one area appears much younger than others that have not received treatment. In addition, more detailed attention can be paid to the different procedures in order to maintain proper proportions.