Eyelid surgery (technically called blepharoplasty) is a procedure to remove fat along with excess skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. Eyelid surgery can correct drooping upper lids and puffy bags below your eyes - features that make you look older and more tired than you feel.

Procedure:
Correct drooping upper eyelids and puffy bags below the eyes by removing excess fat, skin, and muscle.

Length of Surgery:
1 to 3 hours.

Anesthesia:
Usually locally with sedation.

In/Outpatient:
Usually outpatient.

Side Effects:
Temporary discomfort, tightness of lids, swelling, bruising. Temporary dryness, burning, itching of eyes.

Risks:
Swelling at the corners of the eyelids. Dry eyes. Formation of whiteheads. Slight asymmetry in healing or scarring. Difficulty in closing eyes completely (rarely permanent).

Recovery:
Reading: 2 or 3 days. Back to work: 7 to 10 days. Contact lenses: two weeks or more. Strenuous activities, alcohol: about 3 weeks.

Results:
Several years. Sometimes permanent.

Detailed information on Blepharoplasty at The American Society of Plastic Surgeons web site.