Blepharoplasty commonly known as eyelid surgery can correct drooping upper lids and puffy bags below your eyes. These features may make you appear tired, and older than you feel.  Drooping upper eyelids may even interfere with your vision.

Risks Involved
As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks involved. With a blepharoplasty procedure complications are infrequent and usually minor. However, each patient varies greatly in their anatomy, their physical reactions, and their healing abilities, and the outcome is never completely predictable.  Some of the complications that may occur include infection and reactions to the anesthesia.

Surgical Procedure
After determining the amount of skin to be excised, an incision is made in the crease of the upper eyelid.  Skin along with a layer of muscle is removed.  Herniated fat is dissected free and removed if necessary: most commonly from the nasal compartment.  The skin is closed with one continuous inside suture.

Next, another incision is made just below the lower eyelash line and a skin and muscle flap is elevated.  Herniated fat is removed from the designated compartments of the lower eyelid, if protrusion is noted pre-operatively.  A 2-4mm strip of skin is excised with a layer of muscle.  The skin is then re-draped and closed with one continuous inside suture.  If laxity or weakness of the lower eyelid is noted on exam, a canthoplasty/canthopexy procedure is performed to tighten the lower eyelid in the corner.  Also, if no skin is required to be excised on the lower eyelid, an inside incision is made in the conjunctiva of the eyelid and fat is removed without skin.  This avoids an external incision, which usually heals very well overall.  Cold compress is placed on both eyes to help reduce swelling and the surgery is complete.  The approximate length of time for the procedure is one to two hours.

Pre-operative Preparation
Specific instructions will be given to you by Dr. DiTredici on how you should prepare for your surgery.  For your safety on the day of your surgery you should make arrangements for someone to escort you home.

Post- Operative
After the procedure you may experience some minor discomfort, in which, Dr. DiTredici will prescribe some medication to help alleviate. After the surgery Dr. DiTredici may advise you to keep your head elevated and apply cold compresses for a couple of days to reduce swelling.  Further individualized instructions will be given upon discharge.