Eyelid surgery, or Blepharoplasty, is a procedure to remove fat and in many cases, excess skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. Eyelid surgery can correct drooping upper lids and puffy bags below your eyes; features that make you look older and more tired than you feel, and that may even interfere with your vision. However, it won't remove crow's feet or other wrinkles, eliminate dark circles under your eyes, or lift sagging eyebrows. Blepharoplasty can be done alone, or in conjunction with other facial rejuvenation procedures such as a Face Lift or Brow Lift.

During your initial consultation, Dr. Hernandez will assess your face and eyelids. She will make her recommendations after discussing your personal goals with you. Her recommendation will cover whether to do all four eyelids or just the upper or lower ones, whether skin as well as fat will be removed, and whether any additional procedures are appropriate.

THE BEST CANDIDATES FOR EYELID SURGERY

Eyelid surgery is commonly performed on people who are forty and older, who have droopy, baggy eyelids, or if it is hereditary, you may decide to have eyelid surgery at a younger age.

You may be a good candidate for eyelid surgery if you have any of the following conditions:

• Excess skin that hides the natural fold of the upper eyelids.
• Loose skin that hangs down from the upper eyelids.
• Puffiness in the upper eyelids that creates a tired look.
• Excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelids.
• Puffy “bags” on lower lids.

After surgery you will need to keep your activities to a minimum for four days and avoid strenuous activities for about three weeks. You should be able to read or watch television within two or three days. Most people feel ready to go out in public and back to work in a week. However, you won't be able to wear contact lenses for about two weeks.