What to Know About Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, corrects drooping upper eyelids or puffy bags below your eyes. It is performed by removing fat and excess skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. This popular cosmetic procedure can dramatically improve the appearance of the face, resulting in a more youthful, rested and alert look.

Eyelid surgery can help treat:

• Puffiness in the upper eyelids
• Loose skin that hangs down from the upper eyelids
• Excess skin that hides the natural fold of the upper eyelid
• Excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelids
• Puffy bags under the eyes

Eyelid surgery may be performed in a hospital or outpatient surgery center. If you are admitted to the hospital or surgery center, you can expect to stay one or two nights. Surgery time is typically between one and three hours.

To keep you comfortable during your procedure, you will be given local or general anesthesia. Local anesthesia numbs the eyelid and surrounding area while keeping you sedated but awake during surgery. General anesthesia keeps you asleep throughout the entire procedure.

If the upper eyelids are being treated, incisions will be made along the natural creases of the upper eyelids. These incisions extend from the upper inner corners of the eyelids to the “crow’s feet” region. Dr. Perman will then remove excess skin, muscle and fat as necessary.

For traditional lower blepharoplasty, Dr. Perman will typically make an incision along the lash line and natural smile creases of the lower lid. Excess fat, muscle and skin are then trimmed away.

Lower eyelid puffiness caused by excess fat may be corrected with either of two basic blepharoplasty techniques, an incision made along the inside surface of the eyelid (transconjunctival) or a skin incision placed just below the lashes.

If you are considering eyelid surgery in Washington DC, the first step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Perman. During your visit, Dr. Perman will go over your medical history and evaluate any excess skin or fat around your eyelid area, the position of your eyebrows and the muscles around your eyelids. If you decide to have eyelid surgery and Dr. Perman thinks that you are a good candidate, you both will discuss the surgery and recovery details at that time.