The best candidates for eyelid surgery are men and women who are physically healthy, psychologically stable, and realistic in their expectations. Most are 35 or older, but if droopy, baggy eyelids run in your family, you may decide to have eyelid surgery at a younger age.

Your surgeon or a nurse will test your vision and assess your tear production. You should also provide any relevant information from your ophthalmologist or the record of your most recent eye exam.

Eyelid surgery may be performed in a surgeon’s office-based facility, an outpatient surgery center, or a hospital. Eyelid surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia.

After surgery, the surgeon will probably lubricate your eyes with ointment and may apply a bandage. Your surgeon will instruct you to keep your head elevated for several days, and to use cold compresses to reduce swelling and bruising. Your surgeon will follow your progress very closely for the first week or two. The stitches will be removed two days to a week after surgery. You should be able to read or watch television after two or three days. Most people feel ready to go out in public in a week to ten days. Your surgeon will probably tell you to keep your activities to a minimum for three to five days, and to avoid more strenuous activities for about three weeks.

Healing is a gradual process, and your scars may remain slightly pink for six months or more after surgery. Eventually, though, they’ll fade to a thin, nearly invisible white line.