Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty can be performed on either the upper or lower eyelid. Upper eyelid surgery is a fairly straightforward surgery to improve the cosmetic appearance lids by excising excess eyelid skin and creating a more youthful, rested, and open eyed appearance. Recovery after upper blepharoplasty is quite short. Pain is typically controlled with extra-strength Tylenol. Most patients are capable of performing day to day activity 48 hours after surgery. Stitches come out around day 6 after surgery and most patients are social at this point. Most bruising should be resolved at this point.

Lower eyelid surgery treats the bags and dark circles under the eyes. Depending on how involved the work is for the lower eyelid, recovery is typically 10-14 days. There is a little more bruising than upper eyelid surgery and some more swelling. Also a fairly painless procedure, lower eyelid blepharoplasty postoperative pain can be easily controlled with Tylenol or light narcotics.

Dr. Funk is a board certified facial plastic surgeon specializing in eyelid surgery in Houston, TX.