What is an Oculoplastic Surgeon?

Oculoplastic surgeons are ophthalmologists who have had additional training in plastic surgery of the eyelids.

What Is Blepharoplasty or Eyelid Surgery?

Blepharoplasty (pronounced blef’ ah-ro-plas-te) is a type of plastic surgery performed on the upper or lower eyelids to remove excess skin and fat from around the eyes. Sagging eyebrows or eyelids may be corrected at the same time. 

Why have Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is done to improve visual function and/or cosmetic appearance. Excessive upper eyelid tissue can block the upper part of the visual field. It can be determined whether excess upper eyelid tissue is obscuring your vision by lifting the skin of the upper lids with your fingers to see if the upper visual field improves or vision brightens. A formal visual field test may be helpful to determine whether a portion of your vision is being obscured by your eyelids. If your vision is being blocked, you may be suffering headaches and fatigue from trying to lift your eyelids far enough to see well. Occasionally the excess skin can even cause eyelashes to turn in and irritate the eye.

If Blepharoplasty Is Plastic Surgery, Then Why Consult An Ophthalmologist?

The fact is that this type of procedure is linked to and can affect the function and lubrication of the eye. An ophthalmologist is trained specifically to treat the eye and is, therefore, particularly qualified to help you decide whether you should think about this surgery or not.

How Is Blepharoplasty Performed?

First, the amount of skin and fat to be removed is determined by the doctor. After this has been determined, upper and lower incision lines are marked along natural skin creases.  Incision lines generally extend into the "crow’s feet" or "smile lines" at the outer edge of the eye, so that once healed, the incision lines will be hidden and nearly invisible. The procedure is usually performed with local anesthesia and sedation.