As you age, the eyes' supporting muscles weaken. The fat migrates onto the area above your upper eyelids. Often, too, it drops to your lower lids. For many, upper eye puffiness is not simply an aesthetic matter; it can also impair the vision. Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure performed by a plastic surgeon to reposition the fat and remove the excess skin that makes eyelids puff and sag. A surgeon makes a cut along the natural crease of your eye, performs necessary repairs, and sutures or tapes the incision shut. Blepharoplasty is only appropriate after underlying medical causes for persistent puffy eyes have been ruled out, such as kidney or thyroid disease or allergies, say experts at the Mayo Clinic.
Step 1
Choose a surgeon you know you can trust, advises the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). The ASPS advises that you narrow your list of cosmetic surgeons to those who have had five years of surgical training, at least two years in plastic surgery and a demonstrated proficiency in eyelid surgery. Make sure your doctor practices at an accredited facility, is up-to-date on his or her continuing medical education requirements and is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Step 2
Consult with your surgeon to discuss all aspects of blepharoplasty. Discuss what you expect from the eyelid surgery. Your doctor will get your medical history and a list of all medications to which you are allergic. She will also evaluate you to make sure you do not have a pre-existing health condition that makes you a bad candidate for surgery. The ASPS points out that your surgeon will present all your options and may make recommendations as to the correct plan of treatment.
Step 3
Prepare for your eyelid surgery, according to your surgeon's instructions. You may be required to have lab testing performed. You may also be asked to adjust or refrain from any medications you are currently taking, including aspirin, anti-inflammatory medicines and herbal supplements. You may also be asked to stop smoking before your surgery, says the ASPS.
Step 4
Let your cosmetic surgeon perform the surgery. Either general or local anesthesia will be used prior to the procedure, says the ASPS. Your doctor will tell you which is appropriate for you. Mayo Clinic experts indicate that eyelid surgery generally takes less than two hours from start to finish. After that, you will be monitored by a nurse or physician's assistant before you go home to make sure there are no complications.
Step 5
Take time to recover. You will be given a plan of care to follow at home, which may include the use of ointments, cool compresses and prescription antibiotics to prevent infection. Of particular note is that sun protection, including wearing darkly tinted sunglasses when outdoors, is extremely important during the healing process.
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