Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) FAQ’s

I am 24 years old and I can not put on make-up on my upper eyelids. Am I too young for eyelid surgery?

There is no set age for eyelid surgery. Need for surgery is based on physician assessment and patient needs. What determines excess skin and fat in the eyelid area are:

Heredity
Age
Gravity
Predisposing medical conditions – If you truly have excess skin, upper eyelid surgery can make a dramatic improvement.

Some of my friends have had eyelid surgery and it is easy to tell. They looked startled or surprised. How does this happen?

Some surgeons are extremely aggressive or prefer an “overdone” look. At the Mandell-Brown Plastic Surgery Center in Ohio, we strive for a natural look. With conservative surgery, the patient should look improved and natural. It is so important to know your plastic surgeon’s philosophy. Be sure to see pictures of other patients. If you don’t like what they show you, chances are you won’t be happy with them. If they refuse to show samples of their work-beware!

What anesthesia is required for eyelid surgery?

We usually provide oral relaxation with medication such as Valium. Local anesthetic is then injected in the upper eyelid skin. The patients do great with this, but someone should drive the patient home. For lower eyelid surgery, we utilize intravenous sedation to relax the patient in a deeper state. For transconjunctival surgery in which the incision is made on the inside of the eyelid, anesthesia personnel are utilized to provide even deeper relaxation. General Anesthesia in which the patient is “put to sleep” is not required.

Do men have eyelid surgery?

Approximately 25% of our blepharoplasty surgery are male. Often they have heavy brows that also contribute to the upper eyelid excess. See more information on the brow lift procedure.

If I have lots of wrinkles under my eyes will the eyelid surgery help eliminate them?

The eyelid surgery removes excess fat and skin. Wrinkles are better treated with facial peels, lasers, or Botox®.

Botox® helps the wrinkles when smiling and wrinkling the eyelids. The peels and lasers help eliminate the lines that are present when your face is relaxed. The physicians will discuss this at the time of your consultation.