Blepharoplasty corrects drooping eyelids and under-eye bags, with both aesthetic and functional benefits. What it involves, who's a candidate, and what recovery looks like.
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that corrects drooping eyelids, under-eye bags, and excess skin around the eyes. It can be performed on the upper lid, the lower lid, or both, and is most common among patients aged 40 to 60, though some seek it out earlier for aesthetic reasons.
Beyond aesthetics, the surgery can offer real functional benefits: when excess skin on the upper eyelid obstructs peripheral vision, some patients notice a marked improvement in their field of view after the procedure, along with less eye strain from the constant effort of keeping the eyes open.
Ideal candidates are people with drooping eyelids or prominent under-eye bags affecting their appearance or vision, in good general health, without serious cardiac conditions, glaucoma, retinal detachment, or active eye infections, and with realistic expectations about the results.
The procedure is done under local anesthesia with mild sedation — general anesthesia isn't necessary. The surgeon makes strategic incisions along the eyelid's natural creases, removes excess skin, fat, or muscle, and closes with fine sutures to minimize visible scarring. It typically takes one to three hours, depending on the complexity of each case.
Initial recovery takes 10 to 12 days, though most patients resume normal activities within about a week; swelling and bruising may take a bit longer to fully clear. Final results become apparent one to three months after surgery, and tend to be long-lasting.
Beyond aesthetics, the surgery can offer real functional benefits: when excess skin on the upper eyelid obstructs peripheral vision, some patients notice a marked improvement in their field of view after the procedure, along with less eye strain from the constant effort of keeping the eyes open.
Ideal candidates are people with drooping eyelids or prominent under-eye bags affecting their appearance or vision, in good general health, without serious cardiac conditions, glaucoma, retinal detachment, or active eye infections, and with realistic expectations about the results.
The procedure is done under local anesthesia with mild sedation — general anesthesia isn't necessary. The surgeon makes strategic incisions along the eyelid's natural creases, removes excess skin, fat, or muscle, and closes with fine sutures to minimize visible scarring. It typically takes one to three hours, depending on the complexity of each case.
Initial recovery takes 10 to 12 days, though most patients resume normal activities within about a week; swelling and bruising may take a bit longer to fully clear. Final results become apparent one to three months after surgery, and tend to be long-lasting.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical care.