Obese and want a blepharoplasty. Would I be a good candidate?

Question

I am currently 30 years old, female, 5'4 and 236lbs. I am hoping to get an Asian double eyelid surgery done sometime this year. I am overall healthy and dont have any health issues (blood pressure slightly high but not on medication for it yet). Would I be a good candidate for the double eyelid surgery, or will the surgeon make me wait till I am at a healthy BMI before getting the procedure done.

Jessica Lattman, MD · Answer

Being overweight is not a contraindication to having an upper eyelid bleparopalsty.  You should make sure that your blood pressure is well controlled before having surgery.  A healthy diet is important for healing.

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

You should be but get consultation first (by oculoplastic specialist). Eyelid procedures can be done under local anesthesia (similar to having dental procedure) which is not invasive.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Before surgery, you will need a pre surgical clearance.  The elevated blood pressure may require medical management.  Given your weight you may also have sleep apnea which is associated with obesity and hypertension.  Some individuals who are obese develop type II diabetes.   These are all medical conditions that can be managed prior to surgery.  Depending on the precise medical issues, this will have a bearing on your tolerance to surgery.  Having said that, it is improbable that these medical issues will prevent you from having eyelid surgery.  The next issue is what type of double fold surgery do you need. Some surgeons perform these in their office under local anesthesia and no monitoring.  I highly recommend that you only have surgery in an accredited surgery center with an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist in attendance where you can be carefully monitored during surgery and medical issues that might emerge during surgery can be effectively managed.

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question. Obesity is not a contraindication to blepharoplasty, but blood pressure should be under control prior to surgery. Good luck,

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Having a high BMI is not a contraindication to blepharoplasty. Fat herniation is generally not a function of body mass in the first place.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

As noted, weight has nothing to do with having your lids done, unless your weight is so profound that your face is also 'overweight' but I cannot imagine this.  Your blood pressure should be managed if you're constantly above 90 diastolic and 140 systolic as pressure spikes post-op can result in bleeding.

Malcolm A. Lesavoy, MD, FACS · Answer

Obesity has nothing to do with eyelid surgery and will have no effect on the shape or incisions to follow.

Suzanne Kim Doud Galli, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

With careful preoperative preparation, you could be a candidate for Asian blepharoplasty. Have your eyelids evaluated by a board certified surgeon who specializes in this procedure.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Patients must be at her ideal body weight to undergo elective cosmetic surgery, including eyelid surgery. In our practice, the patient's BMI must be less than 34.

David A. Schlessinger, MD · Answer

Blepharoplasty can be performed on patients with any body type. Weight fluctuation should not affect the results of the surgery. It is important to have a medical clearance for the surgery to make sure that your obesity has not negatively affected your health which might make the surgical procedure less safe.

Obese and want a blepharoplasty. Would I be a good candidate?

Answers (14)

More Eyelid Surgery Questions

Structural hollow under eyes, not age related. Is there any surgery that could fix recessed eyes? (Photo)

Malar bags still present after lower blepharoplasty. Treatment? (Photos)

Can protruding eyes cause eye bags? How can I reduce them? (Photo)

One eye bigger than the other; what can be the problem and who to visit? (Photos)

I had blepharoplasty. Bags with fluid developed in my upper cheeks. Is this normal? How long will it take to resolve? (Photo)

Drooping eye since surgery: The surgeon told me it was permanent and nothing could be done about it. Is he right?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS