Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is both a functional and a cosmetic surgical procedure intended to reshape the upper eyelid by the removal and/or repositioning of excess tissue as well as by reinforcement of surrounding muscles and tendons. When there is excess upper eyelid skin, the skin may hang over the eyelashes and cause a loss of peripheral vision. The outer and upper parts of the visual field are most commonly affected, lids may feel “heavy” or tired, and the condition may cause difficulty with activities such as driving or reading. In this instance, the doctors at NY Vision Group can perform upper eyelid blepharoplasty to improve symptoms. Patients with a lesser degree of excess skin may have a similar procedure performed for cosmetic reasons. Many patients find that the procedure gives them a rejuvenated, younger appearance.
Blepharoplasty is performed through external incisions made along the natural skin lines of the eyelids, such as the creases of the upper lids and below the lashes of the lower lids, or from the inside surface of the lower eyelid. Typically the scars are hidden and not noticeable by others, even when eyes are closed.
Depending upon the scope of the procedure, the operation takes under one hour to complete. At NY Vision Group the surgery is done on an outpatient basis and requires only local anesthetic agents. Typically only a few stitches are required and these are removed 7 to 10 days later. Most patients have little if any discomfort with the procedure. Initial swelling and bruising usually resolve within one week, however, final results will not become stable for at least several months after the procedure.
