Eyelid Surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a procedure that involves removal of excess skin or fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids. The goal of blepharoplasty is to correct an aged or tired appearance, which can manifest as “bags under the eyes”, a fold of skin on the upper eyelid, or fine lines/wrinkles around the eyes. For the upper eyelid, the scars are camouflaged in the natural crease making them virtually unnoticeable. For the lower eyelid, fat can be removed without any skin incisions. In order to remove skin from the lower eyelid, Dr Tepper performs a “no touch” technique (pioneered by Dr Glenn Jelks). This involves removing excess skin from just below the eyelashes, without touching the muscle (orbicularis) that is important for closure of the eye.
Patients should also ask about other procedures that can be performed in conjunction with a blepharoplasty, including an eyebrow lift, removal of muscles that cause the “11 Lines” (vertical lines between the eyebrows), and correction of the “tear-trough” or (half-moon depressions under the eye). Blepharoplasty procedures are performed as an outpatient in approximately 2 hours.
