Eyelid surgery (technically called Blepheroplasty) is a procedure to remove excess skin [wrinkled skin] and muscle [fat--usually along with ] from the upper and lower eyelids. Eyelid surgery can correct drooping upper lids and puffy bags below the eyes - features that make you look older and more tired than you feel, and may even interfere with your vision. While it can add an upper eyelid crease to Asian eyes, it will not erase evidence of your ethnic or racial heritage. Blepheroplasty can be done alone, or in conjunction with other facial surgery procedures such as a facelift or brow lift.

If you're considering eyelid surgery, this information will give you a basic understanding of the procedure-when it can help, how it's performed, and what results you can expect.

Planning the surgery

The initial consultation with cosmetic surgeon is very important. The surgeon will need your complete medical history, so check your own records ahead of time and be ready to provide this information. Be sure to inform your cosmetic surgeon if you have any allergies; if you're taking any vitamins, medications (prescription or over-the-counter), or other drugs; and if you smoke.

You and your surgeon should carefully discuss your goals and expectations for this surgery. You'll need to discuss whether to do all four eyelids or just the upper or lower ones, whether skin as well as fat will be removed, and whether any additional procedures are appropriate.

Cosmetic surgeon will explain the techniques and anesthesia he or she will use, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, and the risks and costs involved.

Don't hesitate to ask your doctor any questions you may have, especially those regarding your expectations and concerns about the results.

Cosmetic surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Carefully following these instructions will help your surgery go more smoothly.

While you're making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, and to help you out for a few days if needed.

Eyelid surgery may be performed in a surgeon's office-based facility, an outpatient surgery center, or a hospital. It's usually done on an outpatient basis; rarely does it require an inpatient stay.

Types of Anesthesia
Eyelid surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia-or-general anesthesia.

The Operation
Blepheroplasty usually takes one to two hours, depending on the extent of the surgery. If you're having all four eyelids done, the surgeon will probably work on the upper lids first, then the lower ones.

In a typical procedure, the surgeon makes incisions following the natural lines of your eyelids; in the creases of your upper lids, and just below the lashes in the lower lids. The incisions may extend into the crow's feet or laugh lines at the outer corners of your eyes. Working through these incisions, the surgeon separates the skin from underlying fatty tissue and muscle, removes excess fat, and often trims sagging skin and muscle. The incisions are then closed with very fine sutures.