Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) usually takes one to three hours, depending on the extent of the surgery. Most eyelid procedures are done at Dr. Barrera's fully equipped operating suite, under light sedation and local anesthesia, allowing the patient to go home the same day.

If you're having all four eyelids done, work will probably be done on the upper lids first, then the lower ones.

In a typical procedure, incisions are made following the natural lines of your eyelids: in the creases of your upper lids, and just below the lashes in the lower lids. The incisions may extend into the crow's feet or laugh lines at the outer corners of your eyes. Working through these incisions, the skin is separated from underlying fatty tissue and muscle, excess fat removed, and often sagging skin and muscle are trimmed. The incisions are then closed with very fine sutures.

If you have a pocket of fat beneath your lower eyelids but don't need to have any skin removed, Dr. Barrera may perform a transconjunctival blepharoplasty . In this procedure the incision is made inside your lower eyelid, leaving no visible scar. It is usually performed on younger patients with thicker, more elastic skin.

After surgery, Dr. Barrera will probably lubricate your eyes with ointment and may apply a bandage. Your eyelids may feel tight and sore as the anesthesia wears off, but you can control any discomfort with the pain medication prescribed by your surgeon.

You will be instructed to keep your head elevated for several days, and to use cold compresses to reduce swelling and bruising. (Bruising varies from person to person; it reaches its peak during the first week, and generally lasts anywhere from two weeks to a month.) You'll be shown how to clean your eyes, which may be gummy for a week or so. Eyedrops may be recommended, since your eyelids may feel dry at first and your eyes may burn or itch. For the first few weeks you may also experience excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, and temporary changes in your eyesight, such as blurring or double vision.

The stitches will be removed two days to a week after surgery. Once they're out, the swelling and discoloration around your eyes will gradually subside. You may be sensitive to sunlight, wind, and other irritants for several weeks, so you should wear sunglasses and a special sunblock made for eyelids when you go out. You should avoid strenuous activities for about three weeks. It's especially important to avoid activities that raise your blood pressure, including bending, lifting, and rigorous sports. You may also be told to avoid alcohol, since it causes fluid retention.

Click here for before and after photos of this procedure performed by Dr. Barrera.

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