Blepharoplasty

About Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty is eyelid surgery that removes or repositions excess skin, muscle and fat of the upper or lower eyelids. Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is performed both for cosmetic reasons and for functional reasons, when drooping skin hangs over the lashes and obstructs the upper field of vision, which can be documented with visual field testing. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty addresses bags and hollows under the eyes and is usually cosmetic. In upper lid surgery the incision is hidden in the natural eyelid crease. Lower lid surgery can be performed through an incision just below the lashes or through the inside of the lid, the transconjunctival approach, which leaves no visible scar, and fat may be removed or repositioned to smooth the contour. The operation is commonly performed under local anesthesia with or without sedation by plastic surgeons, oculoplastic surgeons and facial plastic surgeons. It is often combined with brow lifting or facelift surgery. Blepharoplasty is one of the most commonly performed facial cosmetic procedures, and assessment of dry eye and eyelid position is important beforehand.