Blepharoplasty Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a common procedure done in Bergen County. As individuals age, the body generates less collagen and elastin, two proteins that are crucial for healthy, elastic skin. Without enough of these proteins, the skin loses its elastic quality and starts to sag. Another consequence of the natural aging process is the displacement of fat. These factors often affect the eye area, causing sagging upper eyelids that can sometimes impede the line of sight, drooping lower eyelids that often lead to the look of dark, puffy under-eye “bags” or both, causing some individuals to get eyelid surgery. 

To improve these aesthetic concerns and provide patients with a rejuvenated look throughout the eyes, Paramus, New Jersey plastic surgeons, Gary D. Breslow, MD and Patrick J. Greaney, MD perform blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery. Blepharoplasty can also create a distinct crease in the upper eyelids for individuals with certain hereditary traits that contribute to the look of “monolids.”

Eyelid surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, with the use of either intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia. The exact details of the eyelid surgery vary, depending on whether the surgeon is addressing both sets of eyelids or the upper eyelids in conjunction with brow lift surgery.  Note that both Dr. Breslow and Dr. Greaney always perform blepharoplasty of the upper eyelids with brow lift surgery to provide optimal rejuvenating results. In general, the eyelid surgery takes about two hours. If both the upper and lower eyelids are treated, the upper eyelids are addressed first. To start the procedure, an incision is made in the natural crease of the upper eyelid, where it is most inconspicuous. Excess skin and fat is removed, and the underlying tissue structures are tightened, if necessary. 

The surgeon then closes the incisions with stitches that are removed about five days after the procedure. To treat the lower eyelids, an incision is made either directly underneath the lower eyelash line or just inside the lower eyelids. Excess skin and fat is again removed, and the underlying tissues are tightened as needed. If the incisions were made below the lash line, the surgeon closes them with removable stitches. If the incisions were made inside the lower eyelid, dissolvable stitches are typically used.

Eyelid surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, with the use of either intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia. The exact details of the eyelid surgery vary, depending on whether the surgeon is addressing both sets of eyelids or the upper eyelids in conjunction with brow lift surgery.  Note that both Dr. Breslow and Dr. Greaney always perform blepharoplasty of the upper eyelids with brow lift surgery to provide optimal rejuvenating results. In general, the eyelid surgery takes about two hours. If both the upper and lower eyelids are treated, the upper eyelids are addressed first. To start the procedure, an incision is made in the natural crease of the upper eyelid, where it is most inconspicuous. Excess skin and fat is removed, and the underlying tissue structures are tightened, if necessary. 

The surgeon then closes the incisions with stitches that are removed about five days after the procedure. To treat the lower eyelids, an incision is made either directly underneath the lower eyelash line or just inside the lower eyelids. Excess skin and fat is again removed, and the underlying tissues are tightened as needed. If the incisions were made below the lash line, the surgeon closes them with removable stitches. If the incisions were made inside the lower eyelid, dissolvable stitches are typically used.

• Recovery time: 1 week out of work and bruising to decrease. Driving after 1 week. Sleep in a beach chair or recliner for one week and on back for 6 weeks.
• Swelling: 2-3 weeks for majority of swelling to decrease.
• Scars: In the upper eyelid’s crease for upper eyelid surgery, and either inside of the lower eyelid or right under the lower eyelash for lower eyelid surgery.
• Drains: none.
• Follow up: 2 days after surgery with the PA, 1 week after with the PA and doctor to remove the sutures, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after with the surgeon.

Note that this information may be different depending on the patient. Patients may be numb in any area that was operated on for up to one year, and some numbness may be permanent. For each procedure everyone is closed the same way, but patients’ scars may vary. Patient can fly within 2-4 weeks of surgery. Patients can swim after 4 weeks.