Blepharoplasty (eyelids lift) is surgery to repair droopy eyelids by removing excess skin, muscle and fat.

As you age, your eyelids stretch, and the muscles supporting them weaken. As a result, excess fat may gather above and below your eyelids, causing sagging eyebrows, drooping upper lids and bags under your eyes. Blepharoplasty can reduce make your eyes appear younger and more alert.

An incision is made along the natural fold of the upper eyelid. Then excess skin and some muscle and fat beneath the skin are removed. The incision is closed with tiny stitches that leave a nearly invisible scar.

The incision on the lower lid is made just below the lashes in your eye's natural crease or inside the lower lid. The surgeon removes excess fat, muscle and sagging skin. Stitches follow the lower lid's natural crease.

Blepharoplasty usually takes less than three hours, depending on the amount and location of tissue being removed. Afterward you spend time in a recovery room, you can leave later that day to recuperate at home.

After blepharoplasty a lubricating ointment will be applied to protect your eyes and prevent dryness. The ointment often may cause temporary blurred vision. You may also experience excessive tearing, light sensitivity and double vision just after the surgery. Your incisions will be red and visible at first, and your eyelids may be puffy and feel numb for several days. Swelling and bruising, similar to having "black eyes," will likely last a week or more. Ice packs or cold compresses applied to your eyes can help reduce swelling.

Pain is usually minimal. You may be given a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, for mild discomfort, but remember to avoid Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), other NSAIDs and herbal supplements that may increase bleeding. Stitches are usually removed in about five days.

As with any surgery, blepharoplasty carries some risks, such as

• Bleeding, infection, scarring
• Temporary numbness of the eyelid skin
• Dry, irritated eyes
• Temporary vision changes, such as double vision
• Impaired eyelid function
• A very small risk of blindness due to bleeding behind the eye