Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Eyelid surgery (upper and lower), or blepharoplasty, removes excess, sagging skin that creates folds or disturbs the natural contour of the upper eyelid, sometimes impairing vision, fatty deposits that appear as puffiness in the eyelids, bags under the eyes, drooping lower eyelids that reveal white below the iris, excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelid. Surgery can be performed on the upper lids, lower lids or both.

Procedure Time

1 hour

Time to Final Results

Initial Healing: 2 weeks

Final Results: 1 - 2 months

Recovery Time

10 - 14 days

  • Take certain medications or adjust your current medications

    Stop smoking

    Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

  • During your eyelid surgery recovery, lubricating ointment and cold compresses may be applied, and in some cases your eyes may be loosely covered with gauze, after your procedure is completed.

    You will be given specific instructions that may include how to care for your eyes, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your overall health and when to follow-up with your plastic surgeon.

    Initial healing may include some swelling, bruising, irritation, dry eyes and discomfort that can be controlled with medication, cold compresses and ointment. Irritation at the incision sites is also possible.

    Be sure to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to and from surgery, and to stay with you the first night following surgery.

    You must practice diligent sun protection and use darkly tinted sunglasses until the healing process is fully complete.

    · For the first 3 days apply cool compresses to your eyelids.

    · Keep your head elevated to approximately 45 degrees for the first week.

    · Dark glasses are suggested for a period of 1 week to prevent irritation

    from sun and wind and rest the eyes, even when indoors. This also

    helps to hide the bruising.

    · You may resume reading 2-3 days post-op.

    · Avoid smoking for a minimum of 48 hrs. after your procedure.

    · Sutures are normally removed within 4-5 days after surgery.

    · No alcohol for 1 week after surgery.

    · Limit lifting, pulling, pushing and straining (including bathroom) for at

    least 7 days. Avoid bending over to pick things up from the floor for 1

    week. Do not get your heart rate up for 2 weeks after surgery.

    · If you experience dry eyes, you may use over the counter artificial tears.

    Do not use products like Visine.

    · You will follow up with one of our nurses 1-3 days after surgery and again 1 week after surgery. You will follow up with Dr. Stacey if any concerns arise during this time and you will see him at your last post- op appointment 4 weeks after surgery.

    Call the office if you experience:

    Severe pain not responding to the medications

    Excess swelling or swelling that is greater on one side than the other

    Significant changes in vision (anything more than mild blurring).

    A fever.

    Call if you have any questions.