What to Do if Sagging Eyelids Block Your Vision

As you age, the thin skin on your eyelids is one of the first places to see fine lines, wrinkles, and sags. Sometimes, the sagging is so severe that the skin blocks part of your visual field.

At Arizona Ocular and Facial Plastic Surgery, oculofacial plastic surgeon Dr. Dustin Heringer and our team have the expertise to address the problem and give you back your sight. The procedure is called blepharoplasty, and here’s what you need to know about it.

Cosmetic vs. medical: two types of blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin from the upper and/or lower eyelids. With age, skin loses its collagen support structure, the eyelids stretch, and the muscles that support them weaken. That means excess skin and fat are free to gather above and below the lids, leading to sagging eyebrows, droopy upper lids, and bags under the lower lids.

Most blepharoplasties are done for cosmetic reasons. Many people feel the sagging upper lids make them look perpetually tired or angry, or the puffy lower lids make them appear ill or fatigued.

The doctor can perform surgery on either the upper or lower lids, or he can work on both. There’s no doubt the surgery can make your eyes look younger and more alert. Just be aware that if you’re having the procedure done for cosmetic reasons, your insurance likely won’t cover the cost.

Some blepharoplasties, though, are done for medical reasons: the sagging skin reduces your peripheral (side) vision, so you’re unable to see clearly. The doctor performs a visual field test to determine if your lids are causing you problems. Check with your insurance to be certain it’s covered.

What happens during a blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is done in an outpatient setting. Dr. Heringer may give you injections into the eyelids to numb them and medications through an IV to help you relax.

If you’re having the procedure done for medical reasons, the doctor only works on the upper eyelids. If you’re having both the upper and lower lids done for cosmetic reasons, he always starts with the upper one.

For the upper lid, Dr. Heringer cuts along the natural fold to hide the scar. Next, he removes excess skin, weakened muscle, and maybe some fat. Finally, he sutures the incision closed.

If your upper eyelid droops close to the level of your pupil, the doctor may perform the blepharoplasty along with a procedure called ptosis, which lifts the eyelid as well as removes excess eyelid skin.

What’s recovery like?

After surgery you might temporarily have:

• Blurred vision from lubricating ointment
• Watery eyes
• Light sensitivity
• Double vision
• Puffy, numb eyelids
• Swelling and bruising like a black eye
• Pain or discomfort

Dr. Heringer gives you complete aftercare instructions, including what to do to relieve the symptoms. Make sure you follow them exactly.

If sagging lids block your vision, a blepharoplasty might be just the thing for you. To learn more or schedule a consultation with Dr. Heringer, call us at either of our locations, or book online today.