It is often said that the eyes are the windows to the soul. Unfortunately, due to age and heredity, puffiness, bags, sagging and wrinkles can occur in the upper and lower eyelids, making us appear older or more tired than we are. Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure which can help by removing excess fat, skin and muscle of the upper and lower eyelids in order to restore a more youthful and rested appearance. If you are concerned with drooping upper eyelids or puffy under-eye bags, then blepharoplasty may be right for you.

Eyelid surgery is often performed with either local anesthesia and sedation or with general anesthesia. The incisions made during surgery are generally well concealed to allow for minimal visible scarring. For the upper eyelids, the incision is commonly made within the natural creases. For the lower eyelids, the incision may be made along the lower lash line or, when a transconjunctival blepharoplasty is performed, on the inside of the lower eyelid. These incisions will then allow for the removal of excess fat, sagging skin and muscle. The transconjunctival blepharoplasty procedure is a less invasive technique which addresses just the pocket of fat beneath the lower eyelids and does not involve any removal of excess skin. Surgical times for eyelid surgery average one to three hours.

As with any surgery, the recovery after blepharoplasty can include some swelling, bruising and discomfort. Other side effects such as dryness, itching, burning, tearing or blurring of the eyes may also result. Pain medication can help to alleviate discomfort, while cold compresses and elevating the head can help to minimize swelling and bruising. The bruising may last for up to two to four weeks. Surface sutures will be removed within two to seven days of your surgery and contact lenses can be worn after two or more weeks. You should feel recovered enough from your eyelid surgery to return to work after seven to ten days. However, you will need to hold off on more strenuous activities for at least three weeks.

With locations in Fort Myers and Bonita Springs, Florida, Dr. Flaharty specializes in facial cosmetic surgery. As a board certified ophthalmologist with extensive training and surgical experience, he is able to provide his patients with beautiful, natural, long-lasting blepharoplasty results.