Do You Look Tired Even When You’re Well Rested?
If you answered yes, then you may want to be one of the thousands annually who improve their appearance by firming up the area around their eyes. As we age, our eyelids stretch, muscles weaken and fat accumulates, all of which can lead to "bags" around the eyes. Eyelid surgery, called blepharoplasty, can reduce the baggy look.

The surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis in a surgeon’s office or at an outpatient facility. Only rarely is a hospital stay required. During the one to three hour procedure, local anesthesia is used with some intravenous sedation.

How Do I Get Rid of the Bags?
Prior to surgery, the surgeon marks the areas where incisions will be made. To minimize scarring, the marks follow the natural lines and creases of the upper and lower eyelids. Fat, excess skin and muscle may be removed during the procedure, and fine sutures make the incision almost invisible.

For younger patients whose skin has more elasticity, fat can be removed from the lower lids with a procedure known as transconjunctival blepharoplasty. This procedure requires making incisions inside the lower eyelid that leave no visible scar.

Does it Hurt?
Postoperative pain is usually mild and relieved with oral medications. Patients should elevate their heads while sleeping and use cold compresses to reduce swelling and bruising. Sutures are removed within the first week of surgery and swelling subsides in a few weeks. Within 10 to 14 days, most people return to work or social situations and feel comfortable in public with makeup covering the incision lines.
You can view more photos of patients who have had Eyelid Surgery.