Questions About Blepharoplasty in Houston (Eyelid Surgery)

What is blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is designed to remove the excess fat, skin, and atrophied muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. It is a very popular procedure as hooded eyes seem to lack luster and seem old or tired to our patients. Many individuals who choose this procedure are very aware that their upper eyelids have seemed to disappear within the fat of the upper eye area. Fat “herniation” is quite normal and will happen to everyone once we age. However, some individuals have herniated fat in the upper area of their eyes even in their early teens, and this condition can be genetic, too.

Sometimes a blepharoplasty can improve a patient’s vision. This is achieved by removing the excess fat and skin that may block an individual’s peripheral field of vision. Whatever the case, the purpose of a blepharoplasty is for the aesthetic appeal that wider, youthful eyes possess.

How is the procedure performed?

Blepharoplasty is usually performed using local anesthesia and light sleep sedation or general anesthesia. The incisions are made within the natural creases of the eyelids. Pearland Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Lapuerta removes the herniated fat and excess skin and sutures the incision with very fine hair-like sutures.

Does blepharoplasty leave scars?

As with any surgical procedure, some scarring should be expected. The scarring associated with blepharoplasty is quite minimal and practically non-existent after several months. The scars are placed within the normal creases and folds of the upper and lower eyelids so that when the eyes are open the scars are invisible. With lower blepharoplasty, where the fat is to be removed only with no skin excision, the incision can be made either on the inside of the eyelid or right under the lash line.

At what age is blepharoplasty typically performed?

Although there is no set age when blepharoplasty is performed, the usual ages that patients start making consultation appointments for blepharoplasty is from 35 years of age and up. However, this is a highly individual preference, and patients may want to remove this excess skin at an age younger than 35.

Will a blepharoplasty rid me of my eye wrinkles?

A blepharoplasty is not designed to remove the wrinkles (sagging brows and Crow’s feet) from the eye area. It is designed to remove the excess skin and herniated fat from the lid areas only. There are other procedures available that are area-specific to these complaints, and Dr. Lapuerta can discuss these with you at the time of your initial consultation.

To learn more about how a blepharoplasty eyelid surgery is performed by Dr. Leo Lapuerta in Houston, Texas, please contact our facial plastic surgery office today to schedule your initial consultation. We serve patients in and around Pearland, Sugar Land, Friendswood, and Houston.