Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty (surgery on the eyelids) is a common procedure for both men and women. It can be either a cosmetic, elective procedure to restore a more youthful and less tired appearance, or performed to address reduced vision from sagging or drooping eyelids, which tend to occur with increasing age. An eyelid lift may be done alone or in combination with other surgeries, such as a brow lift or facelift. Blepharoplasty is performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting. The surgeon makes tiny cuts into the natural folds of the eyelids to remove loose skin and extra fat tissue and tightens the eyelid muscles. Eyelid surgery will not remove wrinkles around the eyes, lift sagging eyebrows, or get rid of dark circles under the eyes. The eyelids will be covered with ointment and bandaged, and they may feel uncomfortable and sore as the numbing medicine wears off.

Why UAB

UAB Ophthalmology has more than 25 physicians, many of them named among the top doctors in their fields nationally. Our ophthalmologists who perform cosmetic eye surgery have received additional training in plastic surgery and are experts in conditions and treatments of the delicate eye area. They are renowned for their advances in eye care, breaking through old ways of treating blinding eye diseases and revolutionizing many areas of ophthalmology.

Ophthalmology care at UAB is located in UAB Callahan Eye Hospital, one of the busiest eye hospitals in the country, where specialists work together to treat complex cases. The UAB Callahan Eye Hospital surgical suite houses nine operating rooms dedicated to eye surgery as well as a 24/7 eye emergency room, which is the region’s only Level I ocular trauma center. More than 11,000 surgeries are performed at UAB Callahan Eye Hospital each year, and we conduct more reconstructive eye surgeries than any other facility in the world. Patients come from around the nation to be treated for eye conditions at UAB.

Through ongoing research and clinical trials, UAB continues to make great strides in the field of ophthalmology. In addition to our physicians, we have a team of vision scientists who are fully dedicated to researching causes, preventions, and cures for eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Many UAB ophthalmologists have received funding from prestigious research organizations and institutions and collaborate in clinical care to deliver the latest in scientific discovery to our patients. 

Images and Videos

Priscilla Fowler, MD Assistant Professor and Director of the Cornea Service in the Department of Ophthalmology at UAB, discusses how easily "red eye" can be misdiagnosed.

See how UAB’s Bioptic Driving Program is paving the road for those who are severely nearsighted to get behind the wheel safely. 

UAB pilot program brings glaucoma screenings closer to home.

UAB Callahan Eye Hospital helped save a young baseball player’s career and, most importantly, his sight.

After being hit in the eye with a bottle rocket, Dianne Peterson underwent sight-saving surgery at UAB Callahan Eye Hospital. 

Related Conditions

This procedure may be used to treat or diagnose several different conditions. We have listed some of these conditions below for your convenience. Please note that this is not a comprehensive list and may vary depending on your specific diagnosis.

Clinical Trials

UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials for Blepharoplasty. We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information.

View Clinical Trials