Is Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery Right For You?

One of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures, blepharoplasty—or eyelid surgery—involves removing drooping skin from the upper lids and excess fat from the upper and lower eyelids. Benefits include:

• Decreases bagginess or puffiness under the eyes
• Brightens “tired” appearance
• Minimizes dark circles under the eyes
• Lifts excess skin that may impair vision

The surgery doesn’t eliminate dark circles completely, but additional techniques may help for even better results. And in some cases, people think their eyelids are drooping when in reality, their brow is sagging, which may make them a better fit for a brow lift.

Your surgeon will discuss if eyelid surgery is right for you, but keep in mind that in general, ideal candidates don’t smoke and don’t have any serious eye conditions.

The Penn Experience

What to expect before, during and after eyelid surgery

Prior to surgery, your care team will provide you with specific instructions on how to prepare for your eyelid surgery, including any foods, drinks and medications to avoid. Your care team also will share individualized aftercare instructions to help quicken your recovery.

Any incision lines your skilled surgeon makes will be well concealed within your eyelid region’s natural structures. You and your surgeon will discuss your cosmetic goals in detail before your surgery, and based on what you share, your surgeon will choose the best eyelid surgery approach.

Even though eyelid surgery is an outpatient procedure, it requires anesthesia, which means you will need to arrange for transportation home. Your care team will give you individualized instructions on how to care for your surgical site and advise you on complications to watch for.

Back at home, you’ll need to sleep in an elevated position for a few days after surgery, and most swelling or bruising should subside within two to three weeks. At that time, you’ll begin to see your refreshed, brighter appearance.

Eyelid surgery cost

Eyelid surgery cost varies based on your specific treatment goals and other services you may also undergo. Your surgeon will discuss the cost of eyelid surgery with you during your consultation.

Eyelid surgery risks

Cosmetic eye surgery is typically safe, but as with any surgery, risks include infection, bleeding, or scarring. To avoid these, follow your care team’s pre- and post-operative instructions, and keep an open dialogue about any concerns you have throughout the recovery process.

Potential complications specific to eyelid surgery are rare and minor, but include:

• Blurred vision for several days
• Slight imbalance
• Ectropion (a more serious but treatable issue that occurs when the lower lid pulls outward)