Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Procedure: Removal of excess skin, fat, and muscle to correct drooping upper eyelids and puffy bags below the eyes. (Upper-eyelid surgery may be covered by insurance if used to correct visual field defects)

Length: 1 to 3 hours.

Anesthesia/Hospitalization: Usually local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia with no hospitalization.

Side Effects: Temporary tightness of lids, swelling, discomfort, and/or bruising. Temporary dryness, burning, itching of eyes. Excessive tearing, sensitivity to light for first few weeks.

Alabama Aesthetic Surgery Associates David J. Gray, M.D.

Home . Meet Doctor Gray . Procedures . The Skin & Laser Center . Facilities . Contact Us . Maps

Facial Surgery Ear Surgery Female Breast Surgery Male Breast Reduction Body Contouring Insurance & Financing (Cosmetassure) The Laser & Skin Care Center Questions		Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) Procedure: Removal of excess skin, fat, and muscle to correct drooping upper eyelids and puffy bags below the eyes. (Upper-eyelid surgery may be covered by insurance if used to correct visual field defects) Length: 1 to 3 hours. Anesthesia/Hospitalization: Usually local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia with no hospitalization. Side Effects: Temporary tightness of lids, swelling, discomfort, and/or bruising. Temporary dryness, burning, itching of eyes. Excessive tearing, sensitivity to light for first few weeks.
	Risks: Vision may be affected temporarily with blurring or double vision. You could develop infection, bleeding, swelling, dry eyes, or formation of whiteheads. Slight asymmetry in healing or excessive scarring sometimes occurs. Difficulty in closing eyes completely may occur but is rarely permanent. If pulling down of the lower lids occurs, you may require further surgery. Blindness is extremely rare. Recovery: You may read in 2 or 3 days and return to work 7 to 10 days. Contact lenses should not be worn for 2 or more weeks. Strenuous activity and alcohol should be avoided for two weeks or more. Bruising and swelling should resolve in 2-4 weeks. Duration of Results: Several years. Sometimes permanent.