American Society of Plastic Surgeons
For Medical Professionals
 

Eyelid Surgery

Blepharoplasty

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the eyelids.

View this content in Español

What are the steps of an eyelid surgery procedure?

An eyelid surgery procedure includes the following steps:

Step 1 – Anesthesia

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.

Step 2 – The incision

The incision lines for eyelid surgery are designed so the resultant scars will be well concealed within the natural structures of the eyelid region.

The upper eyelid can be corrected through an incision within the natural crease on the eyelid. This allows for removal or repositioning of fat deposits, tightening of muscles and removal of excess skin.

eyelid surgery upper eyelid incision

Conditions of the lower eyelid may be corrected with an incision just below the lower lash line. Through this incision, excess skin in the lower eyelid is removed. Again, the excess fat can be repositioned or removed.

A transconjunctival incision, created on the inside of the lower eyelid, is an alternate technique to correct lower eyelid conditions and redistribute or remove excess fat. With this technique, no skin is removed.

eyelid surgery lower eyelid incision

Step 3 – Closing the incisions

Eyelid incisions typically are closed with sutures or skin glue. Sutures are removed within one week.

Your surgeon may also suggest use of a laser or chemical peel to reduce discoloration of the lower eyelids.

Step 4 – See the results

The results of eyelid surgery will appear gradually as swelling and bruising subside to reveal a smooth, better-defined eyelid and surrounding region, and a more alert and rejuvenated appearance. Get more information about eyelid surgery results.



Logo

Surgeons In Your Area

Munique Maia Headshot

Munique Maia, MD

8100 Boone Boulevard, Suite 730
Tysons Corner, VA 22182

(703) 574-4500

Timothy Mountcastle Headshot

Timothy Mountcastle, MD

44095 Pipeline Plaza Suite 430
Ashburn, VA 20147

(703) 858-3208

Amir Ghaznavi Headshot

Amir Ghaznavi, MD

13454 Sunrise Valley Dr STE 130
Herndon, VA 20171

(703) 239-3190

Shlomo Widder Headshot

Shlomo Widder, MD

8230 Leesburg Pike Suite 630
Vienna, VA 22182-2641

(703) 506-0300

Michael Brown Headshot

Michael Brown, MD

45155 Research Place Suite 125
Ashburn, VA 20147

(703) 726-1175

Wendy Gottlieb Headshot

Wendy Gottlieb, MD

1800 Town Center Drive Suite 418
Reston, VA 20190

(703) 668-9499

Navin Singh Headshot

Navin Singh, MD

7601 Lewinsville Rd. Suite 300
McLean, VA 22102

(703) 3454377

George Weston Headshot

George Weston, MD

1825 Samuel Morse Drive
Reston, VA 20190-5317

(703) 893-6168

Logo

Patient Care Center