Surgical rejuvenation of the eyelids or Blepharoplasty is a procedure usually performed on otherwise healthy patients who may have excess skin, muscle, and fat around the eyelids. The operation is done to rejuvenate the eyelids and achieves a more youthful appearance.
Incisions are carefully made along predetermined marks on the skin. These marks are made so the scar will be hidden in natural creases of the skin. Once the incisions are made, the excess skin is removed.
Excess muscle is also carefully removed.
Underneath the muscle, two pockets of fat are exposed. A series of surgical instruments are used to remove the fat.
The incision is closed with small sutures that are usually underneath the skin. The sutures may also be absorbable.
The sutures are usually left in place for three to five days. The patient may have bruising and swelling that will last up to a week or more. Often patients are able to resume fairly normal activities within the first two weeks.