We are taught from a young age to look a person in the eye. After all, the eyes are the main focal point of the face. However, as we get into our late 20s and 30s or early 40s, our eyelids may begin to appear “droopy” – a result of the thin skin of the eyelids losing elasticity. At that point, we may become self-conscious about our tired looking eyes.

Blepharoplasty (cosmetic eyelid surgery), which can enhance the appearance of the eyes by eliminating excess fat, skin and muscle, is an increasingly popular procedure. It can provide a more rested, youthful look. It can be performed on the upper and/or lower eyelids. South Florida Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Jacob D. Steiger performs the procedure in his state-of-the-art fully accredited outpatient surgical facility.

Conditions often treatable through blepharoplasty are puffiness in the upper eyelids resulting from excess fatty deposits; loose or sagging skin that alters the shape of the upper eyelid, sometimes affecting vision; extra skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelid, bags under the eyes, and droopy lower eyelids. These conditions can result in the eyelid shape being changed, resulting in an aged, tired or sad look.

Those considering blepharoplasty should think about the following:

• There are procedures other than blepharoplasty that can correct eyelid droop. Some non-surgical and others surgical. It’s important to undergo a consultation with a board certified facial plastic surgeon to determine what procedure is best for each individual.
• Good candidates for blepharoplasty must also be in good physical health and have the capacity to go through an elective surgical proedure.
• It’s important that an experienced, board certified surgeon performs the procedure. Be sure that you have seen ample photos of other patients whom that doctor has performed blepharoplasty on. Make sure you agree with his aesthetic and are confident that he can provide you the results that you are seeking.
• Deep sedation or twilight sleep is preferred, but some patients choose a general anesthetic. If only upper eyelid surgery is performed, local anesthetic is another excellent option.
• Blepharoplasty can be performed in an accredited office-based surgical center, outpatient or ambulatory surgical center, or a hospital.
• The procedure takes between one to two hours on average.
• After the procedure, most patients return home comfortably, and go back to work within one week and full activities after 10 days.
• Following the procedure, some patients may experience bruising and swelling around the eyes, irritation or dry eyes and discomfort, which can be alleviated with cold compresses, ointment or a mild analgesic mediation.

Before undergoing blepharoplasty, patients should “look the issue right in the eye,” understanding all that is involved.

Dr. Jacob D. Steiger, M.D. is board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery. He practices in Boca Raton and Delray Beach, Florida, treating patients from Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, and Miami, as well as patients from all over the U.S. and around the world.