Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, helps sculpt or lift the tissues around the eyes. It can be performed on the upper or lower eyelids to remove excess skin and fat and smooth out fine wrinkles.

Some seek eyelid surgery for cosmetic purposes—to help tighten sagging skin and bring a more open look to the eyes. Others are recommended for the procedure because skin around the eyes is impairing vision.

Eyelid surgery is done by a plastic surgeon and may be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. The operation begins with the surgeon making an incision. With the upper eyelid, the incision is usually made around the natural crease of the eyelid. This allows the surgeon to remove or reposition excess fat, readjust muscles, and remove excess skin.1With the lower eyelid, the surgeon makes an incision beneath the eyelashes. Excess skin is removed, and fat is removed or redistributed. An incision can also be made on the inside of the lower eyelid. With this, excess fat is removed or redistributed but no skin is removed