Blepharoplasty also known as Eyelid Surgery, is one of the fastest growing cosmetic surgery procedures today. Eyelid cosmetic surgery is a basic procedure to remove excess fat, skin and sometimes muscle from both the upper and lower eyelids. Eyelid surgery helps to correct sagging upper eyelids, as well as puffy or baggy skin below your eyes that often contributes to a tired or "older than you are" look. Eyelid surgery is particularly effective when combined with a browlift, for those people that also suffer from sagging eye brows. Eeyelid surgery cannot remove dark circles under the eyes.

The overall top five surgical cosmetic plastic surgery procedures in 2003 were nose reshaping (356,554), liposuction (320,022), breast augmentation (254,140), eyelid surgery (246,633), and facelift (128,667).

Eyelid surgery

Eyelid surgery is generally considered to be a safe procedure - however, like all surgeries you should consult with a qualified surgeon to understand all possible risks. Typical eyelid surgery will take between 1-3 hours, and typical recovery time is about 1-2 weeks. Some bruising after the surgery is common, and your surgeon will watch closely after your surgery to make sure all is well. Typical eyelid surgery costs between $2,000-$3,000, depending on your location, the surgeon, and your candidacy.

If your considering Eyelid Surgrey there are lots of resources and useful information on eyelid surgery and eyelid surgeons on the Internet.

Choosing A Surgeon

With the growing popularity of plastic surgery, and the increase in number of physicians performing cosmetic procedures every year, it's important you understand the credentials of the person you choose to be your plastic surgeon.

Step I: Develop A List of Candidates' Names

• Seek recommendations from a family member or friend.
• Seek recommendations from your family doctor or nurse.
• Verify the surgeon has completed residency in Plastic Surgery.
• Check if the surgeon is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
• Inquire about any privileges the surgeon may have to do your specific cosmetic procedure at an accredited hospital.

Step II: Check All Credentials

• Once a list of names is compiled, check credentials by contacting hospitals (verify official approval of privileges), professional societies, and even the surgeon's office to verify the type of training and experience the surgeon has had.

Step III: The Consultation

• Once your list is narrowed down, consider a consultation with 2-3 candidates to discuss their opinions on which surgery is best suited for you, type of anesthesia to be used, post-surgical protocol and their fees. If the procedure is to be performed on an outpatient basis, it is important to verify the location is an accredited operating facility. Accredited facilities have been reviewed by an independent organization and means the medical facility meets national health and safety standards. See resources below for information on accredited facilities.

Now it's time to choose the surgeon that's right for you.

• If you've obtained your proposed cosmetic surgeon's name from a reliable source, checked his or her medical and professional credentials, are satisfied with your initial consultation, and have realistic expectations for the surgery, chances are very good that you'll be happy with the outcome of your plastic surgery or facial contouring procedure.