Blepharoplasty - Risk and Rewards of Eyelid Surgery

Blepharoplasty is generally considered a cosmetic procedure that most insurance companies will not pay for the procedure, however, if your eyelids are encroaching upon your field of vision, the procedure may be covered as "medically necessary" surgery. This surgery requires approximately 1 week of recovery time before normal daily activities can be resumed, and because this is a surgical procedure, it is important that patients be in good health and free of any infections prior to undergoing this procedure. The difference between before-and-after photos can be quite dramatic, and people generally appear much younger and more refreshed after surgery.

Blepharoplasty procedures are performed by surgeons with specialized training in plastic and reconstructive surgery, and they are most commonly performed in outpatient facilities or in private professional offices. The surgery helps restore a more energetic and youthful appearance, and is an excellent procedure under local injections of anesthesia with or without sedation, or in some cases general anesthesia can be used. This is a very safe surgery, and complications are rare, there is however a small risk of infection or bleeding with any surgery.

Although blepharoplasty will not stop your eyes from aging, the procedure is usually very long lasting. This surgery is designed to correct this condition and to restore the youthful, alert appearance of your eyes and can be done alone, or in conjunction with other facial surgery procedures such as a facelift or browlift.

After surgery, patients may experience a tight or sore feeling in the eyelids, and medication can help to manage any discomfort. The stitches are removed in three to five days and patients who have a natural tendency to bruise easily will experience slightly more bruising in the initial recovery period. Patients may also experience some other temporary symptoms including itching, dryness, burning, tearing, blurred or double vision, or sensitivity to light.