Eyelid Surgery or Blepharoplasty* | Dr. Daniel Townsend
Correct those Droopy Eyelids
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, (or, slang, "eye job") is an operation that corrects sagging, or drooping eyelids as well as bags and bulges around the eyes. These conditions develop as a result of laxity of the eyelid skin and protrusion of fat around the eyes.
It is not limited to older patients, as many individuals inherit a predisposition toward development of fat pouches at an early age. Excess skin is treated by excision or occasionally by laser resurfacing. If excess fat is present, it can be removed simultaneously.
Surgical correction is appropriate for all age groups. In some cases, the condition will be caused by other medical problems such as allergy or thyroid disorders. In these patients, the proper treatment may be medical rather than surgical.
Enhancing your appearance with eyelid surgery
The procedure can improve the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. The goal of blepharoplasty is to give the eyes a more youthful look so you look more rested and alert.
Am I A Good Candidate For Eyelid Surgery?
Your eyes are often the first thing people notice about you, and are an important aspect of your overall appearance. Young eyelid skin is smooth, but over time, the eyelid skin stretches, the fat bulges, and the muscles weaken. Age, heredity and sun exposure all contribute to this process.

- Loose baggy lids detract from your overall appearance and make you look tired or older. When severe enough, the upper eyelid skin may hang over the lashes and obstruct peripheral vision.
- Any one or combination of the following conditions indicate that you may be considered a good candidate for eyelid surgery:
- Loose or sagging skin that creates folds or dis turbs the natural contour of the upper eyelid, sometimes impairing vision
- Excess fatty deposits that appear as puffiness in t he upper eyelids and my obscure the natural fold of the upper eyelid
- Bags and dark circles under the eyes
- Droopiness of the lower eyelids, showing white below the iris (colored portion of the eye)
- Excess skin and "crepe paper type" fine wrinkles of the lower eyelids
Patient Videos
Blepharoplasty or Eyelids Surgery
The procedure can be performed in Dr. Daniel Townsend's Boston office under local anesthesia.
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Upper Eyelids
Excess skin and fat are removed from the upper lid through an incision hidden in the natural eyelid crease. If the lid is droopy, the muscle that raises the upper lid can be tightened. The incision is then closed with very fine sutures. Because the incision follows the natural contour of the upper eyelid, it usually is inconspicuous.
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Lower Eyelids