A blepharoplasty is a surgical rejuvenating procedure that may be performed on the upper and/or lower eyelids.

An upper blepharoplasty may include excision of drooping eyelid skin, repair of the muscle that opens the eyes, and removal of excess fat.

A lower blepharoplasty corrects undereye bags with repositioning and possible removal of redundant fat and skin. It also treats sagging lower lids that may reveal excess white space beneath your iris (the colored circular portion of your eyes surrounding your black pupil).

Upper Lid Blepharoplasty

As you age, the decreased production and organization of collagen and elastin may result in redundant or sagging eyelid skin. This is referred to as Eyelid Ptosis. When the descent of your skin becomes clinically apparent, it is referred to as Ptosis. Sometimes, the fibers that connect the muscles that open the eye become detached, or dehisced, as you age and causes your upper eyelid to droop. This is called blepharoptosis and can be repaired by your plastic surgeon with or without an upper blepharoplasty procedure. Fat may also herniate into the thin upper eyelid tissue as we age due to weakening connective fibers, and this may result in puffy and droopy eyelids.

Eyelid ptosis may also be caused by brow ptosis. This would require a brow lift for correction. The cause(s) of the eyelid ptosis is important for your plastic surgeon to identify for appropriate surgical planning. Your plastic surgeon will also perform testing to assess for the presence of dry eyes. If present, your surgeon will have to modify the surgical procedure and prepare you for appropriate postoperative planning.

The degree of upper eyelid drooping may be severe enough to obstruct a portion of your visual field. This becomes an issue that is medically necessary to treat. You may qualify for insurance coverage if this is the case.

Lower Lid Blepharoplasty

Similar to the upper lids, the lower lids are also subject to the effects of aging. As we age the skin in this area tends to become thinner, connective and soft tissues under the eye descends and bulges into unsightly bags. Fluid may also collect in these areas, worsening the appearance of the under eye bags.