# Blepharoplasty > A **Blepharoplasty** or **eyelid surgery** can dramatically improve the appearance of tired droopy looking eyes. - Canonical page: https://doctormaresky.co.za/procedure/blepharoplasty - Category: [Facial Surgery](https://doctormaresky.co.za/procedure-category/facial-surgery) - Procedure directory: https://doctormaresky.co.za/procedures.md - Medical disclaimer: https://doctormaresky.co.za/medical-disclaimer ## Overview This is accomplished by removing excess skin and pockets of fat from the upper and lower eyelids. Many patients combine **blepharoplasty** with alternative treatments such as a brow lift or cosmetic dermal fillers used to treat crow's feet. This relatively minor cosmetic surgery procedure can refresh the appearance of the face and leave it looking years younger. ## The procedure Upper eyelid surgery can best benefit patients who have sagging skin reducing their field of vision. This procedure removes fatty deposits and excess skin from the upper eyelid, it can be performed either under **local or general anesthetic**. Incisions are made in the natural crease of the eye. A lower eyelid surgery removes fatty deposits and skin from the lower lid. A small incision is made on the inside of the eyelid to hide the scar. This creates a firmer more youthful look. Lower eyelid surgery allows the surgeon to transfer fat or dermal fillers to hollowed areas under the eye, creating a plump smoother appearance. **Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty** is for patients with less pronounced under eye bags. This procedure alleviates the appearance of bags and sagging by removing fatty deposits without removing any excess skin. Since this is performed through tiny incisions there is minimal to no scarring. ## Candidate information - **Description:** Not everyone is an ideal candidate for eyelid surgery. The right candidate will understand that eyelid surgery is performed exclusively to remove under-eye bags, correct puffy upper eyelids, and restore vision that is obscured by excess skin and fat in the eyelids. Unfortunately, the presence of certain ophthalmic and medical conditions can exclude one from having the blepharoplasty procedure performed. ### Criteria - Puffy upper eyelids - Tired looking eyes - Excess upper eyelid skin - At least 18 years old - In good physical and mental health - Realistic expectations ## Preparation - **Timeline:** **2-4 weeks** before surgery ### Medical tests - **Complete blood count (CBC)** - **ECG if over 40 years old** - **Chest X-ray if indicated** - **COVID-19 test if required** ### Medications #### Medications to discuss stopping - **Stop** aspirin and blood thinners **2 weeks** prior - **Stop** NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) **1 week** prior - **Stop** herbal supplements (ginkgo, garlic, ginseng) **2 weeks** prior - **Stop** vitamin E supplements **1 week** prior #### Medications to continue - **Continue** essential medications as advised by **Dr Maresky** - **Inform Dr Maresky** of all current medications during consultation ### Lifestyle - **Smoking:** **Quit** smoking at least **4 weeks** before surgery to promote proper healing and reduce complications - **Alcohol:** **Avoid** alcohol **48 hours** before surgery - **Fasting:** No food or drink after midnight the night before surgery (**NPO after midnight**) ### Arrangements - **Arrange** transportation home after surgery - you cannot drive - **Arrange** for a responsible adult to stay with you for the first **24-48 hours** - **Prepare** recovery space at home with comfortable clothing and easy access to essentials - **Stock** up on prescribed medications and recommended supplies - **Arrange** time off work (**1-2 weeks** recommended, varies by procedure) - **Plan** for help with childcare and household tasks during recovery ## Recovery and aftercare Though eyelid surgery is a minimally invasive procedure, there is some pain associated with the post-operative recovery phase. Following eyelid surgery, your eyelids will most likely feel sore and tight while the anesthesia is wearing off. Following eyelid surgery, swelling is likely to occur around the incision areas. Avoiding excessive blinking as well as strenuous activities that increase blood flow to the eyes can help to reduce or even prevent extreme swelling. Recovery time can take anything from **1 week to 4 weeks**. ## Risks and considerations ### Normal Side Effects - **Description:** After undergoing the surgery, the patient may feel all or none of these very normal and common side effects: #### Effects - Bruising and swelling - General discomfort - Pain ### Other Side Effects - **Description:** As with all surgeries, eyelid surgery comes with risks and potential complications that vary in severity. These complications can result from eyelid surgery, including: #### Effects - Ectropian (A drooping effect causing the lower lid to invert) - Retinal detachment (Retina is separated from the outer layer of the eye) - Hematoma - Infection - Scarring - Excessive tearing - Adverse reaction to anesthesia - Dryness, burning of the eyes - Formation of whiteheads - Difficulty keeping eyes closed when sleeping - Blurred or double vision - **Disclaimer:** These risks will be fully disclosed and explained by the surgeon. If at any point post surgery a patient suffers from any serious side effects – please consult your surgeon immediately. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is Blepharoplasty Surgery? Blepharoplasty is eyelid surgery that removes excess skin and pockets of fat from the upper and lower eyelids to rejuvenate tired-looking eyes and improve vision obstruction. ### How long is the recovery time? Recovery time can take anything from **1 week to 4 weeks** depending on the procedure chosen and the size of the incision made. ### Will I have visible scars after blepharoplasty? Incisions are carefully placed in the natural crease of the upper eyelid or inside the lower eyelid to minimize visible scarring. Most scars fade significantly over time. ### Can blepharoplasty improve my vision? Yes, **upper eyelid blepharoplasty** can improve vision when excess skin is obstructing your field of vision, making it both a functional and cosmetic procedure. ### What is the difference between upper and lower blepharoplasty? **Upper blepharoplasty** removes excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids, while **lower blepharoplasty** addresses under-eye bags and can involve fat repositioning or removal. ### How much does blepharoplasty cost in Cape Town? Blepharoplasty costs vary based on whether you need upper, lower, or both eyelids treated. A detailed quote is provided during your consultation with **Dr Maresky**. ### Can I combine blepharoplasty with other procedures? Yes, blepharoplasty is often combined with procedures like brow lifts, facelifts, or dermal fillers for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. ### What is transconjunctival blepharoplasty? This technique removes fat from the lower eyelids through an incision inside the eyelid, leaving no external scars. It's ideal for patients with minimal excess skin. ## Indicative pricing - Estimate: R35,000 to R55,000 ZAR - Cost factor: Upper vs lower lids - Cost factor: Amount of skin and fat removal - Cost factor: In-office vs in-theatre - Detailed cost page: https://doctormaresky.co.za/cost/blepharoplasty - Final pricing is confirmed after an individual consultation. ## Consultation and contact - Consultation: https://doctormaresky.co.za/procedure/general-consultation - Contact: https://doctormaresky.co.za/contact