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The Cleveland Clinic

Eyelid Surgery
(Blepharoplasty)

Got tired eyes or bags under the eyes? Then consider eyelid surgery. This procedure, called blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure that reduces bagginess from lower eyelids and removes excess skin from the upper eyelids.

The procedure involves the removal of excess skin, muscle and underlying fatty tissue. While it is primarily a cosmetic procedure, blepharoplasty is also an effective method for improving sight in older patients whose sagging upper eyelids obstruct their vision.

Blepharoplasty will not eliminate dark circles under the eyes, remove crow's feet or other facial wrinkles. It is often performed in conjunction with other facial surgery procedures such as laser resurfacing or forehead lifts.

The Eyelid Aging Process

As skin ages, it gradually loses its elasticity. A lack of elasticity, combined with the constant pull from gravity causes excessive skin to collect in the upper and lower eyelids. Excess skin on the lower eyelid causes wrinkles and bulges and on the upper eyelids an extra fold of skin forms which can hang over the eyelashes and obstruct vision.

Bulges in the upper and lower eyelids can also be caused by the fat that cushions the eyeball from the skull. The thin membrane that holds the fat in place weakens with age, allowing the fat to protrude into the lids.



Next: Who Is a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery? »

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