by Dr. Chad Norton
As we age, the delicate skin around the eyes can appear puffy or saggy. Eyelid skin stretches, muscles weaken, and the normal deposits of protective tissues (skin, muscle or fat) is called Blepharoplasty.
Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper eyelid, lower eyelid or both. The surgery is performed for either cosmetic or functional reasons. Sometimes excess upper eyelid tissue obstructs the upper visual field or can weigh down the eyelid and produce tired-feeling eyes. Most often, people choose blepharoplasty to improve vision, rather than for cosmetic reasons only, it may be covered by insurance.
Blepharoplasty for the lower lid removes the large bags under the eyes. It is unusual for third party payers to cover lower lid blepharoplasty.
The surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis and can take less than one hour. Upper lid incisions are made in the natural crease of the lid, and lower lid incisions are made just below the lash line. A procedure for lower blepharoplasty, called transconjunctival blepharoplasty, removes excess fat through an incision inside the lower lid. Incisions are closed with fine sutures. Swelling, bruising, and blurry vision are common after blepharoplasty.
Chad Norton, MD