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Eyelid Surgery – Blepharoplasty

Home / Facial Plastic Surgery / Eyelid Surgery – Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty is the medical term for eyelid surgery, also known as an “eyelid lift.” This is a very popular procedure designed to enhance and rejuvenate areas around the eyes, and is often considered by both women and men who would like to achieve a more rested, youthful, and refreshed appearance in the upper facial region. Eyelid surgery can also be an ideal solution for patients who are experiencing a visual obstruction caused by inelastic skin that hangs over the eyes. During your initial consultation with our plastic surgeon, Dr. Dana Coberly will talk with you about your goals and help you determine whether eyelid surgery is the best option. If that’s the case, Dr. Coberly will develop a customized treatment plan designed to renew the appearance of your eyes with results that look both beautiful and natural.

What Are the Benefits of Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery offers a number of cosmetic advantages with its ability to address prominent signs of age and fatigue that commonly occur around the eyes. The potential benefits of this treatment include:

While eyelid surgery can certainly provide significant rejuvenation on its own, this treatment can also be combined with a brow lift, facelift, or other procedure to produce a more comprehensive facial enhancement. Dr. Coberly can talk with you about additional treatments for which you may be interested and answer any questions you may have.

Who Is a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

Good candidates for eyelid surgery are generally healthy individuals who wish to improve the appearance of sagging or puffy eyelids. Ideal candidates may have drooping upper lids that impair vision, excess skin, or under-eye bags that make them look tired or older than they feel. Candidates should not have serious eye conditions and should maintain realistic expectations about results. Oftentimes, both men and women who seek eyelid surgery desire a more youthful, refreshed look. A consultation with Dr. Coberly can help determine if eyelid surgery is appropriate for your needs and goals.

Eyelid Surgery vs. Brow Lift

Eyelid surgery and brow lift procedures target different concerns but can complement each other. Eyelid surgery is designed to remove excess skin, fat, and puffiness from the upper or lower eyelids, helping eyes appear more youthful and refreshed. A brow lift, on the other hand, repositions a drooping or heavy brow, smooths forehead wrinkles, and opens the eye area by lifting tissues above the eyes. If sagging brows are the main issue, a brow lift may be recommended, while eyelid surgery can be ideal for eyelid-specific concerns. In some cases, combining both procedures provides the most natural and rejuvenated appearance.

What Does the Eyelid Surgery Procedure Involve?

Eyelid surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia or sedation. If both upper and lower eyelid areas are being treated, this can often be performed in a single procedure; however, Dr. Coberly may advise they be performed in separate appointments depending on what is best for each patient in terms of mitigating individual risk factors.

Upper Eyelid Surgery

During upper eyelid surgery, Dr. Coberly will make an incision in the eyelid’s natural crease. Excess skin will be removed and excess fat will be extracted and/or repositioned. The skin around the eyelids will then be tightened and smoothed.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

In lower eyelid surgery, the incision can be made just beneath the eyelashes, or it may be created on the inside of the lower eyelid. The incision technique will depend on each patient’s individual needs; however, any residual scars should be virtually unnoticeable. Excess fat will be removed or relocated to rejuvenate these areas and reduce signs of puffiness.

Sutures from upper and/or lower eyelid surgery are typically removed about four to six days after the procedure.

Blepharoplasty Before-and-After Photos

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What Is the Eyelid Surgery Recovery Process Like?

While the specific recovery experience for each patient varies, individuals can generally expect some degree of bruising and swelling for approximately 10 days after eyelid surgery. Dr. Coberly may prescribe eye drops to ensure the eyes stay properly moisturized. Patients will need to refrain from wearing contact lenses during the recovery period. It is also helpful to keep the head elevated as often as possible to control swelling. Discomfort while the eyelid areas are healing can be reduced with medication. Most patients are able to return to normal daily activities in about a week to 10 days. It is very important to follow the detailed post-operative instructions that will be provided by Dr. Coberly in order to ensure the smoothest recovery possible.

Are Eyelid Surgery Scars Noticeable?

The general lack of noticeable scars after eyelid surgery is one of the most prominent advantages of this procedure. In most cases, the incisions required for eyelid surgery are created in areas that are either completely inconspicuous or in natural skin creases that “hide” the scars quite effectively. Dr. Coberly makes every effort to ensure residual scars from blepharoplasty are barely detectable.

How Long Will the Results of Eyelid Surgery Last?

The results of eyelid surgery can last for very long periods of time—many patients have experienced the aesthetic benefits of eyelid surgery for up to 15 years. With this in mind, proper skin care and attention to overall health is necessary to maintain the results for as long as possible. Effective skin moisturizers, daily application of sunscreen, and avoiding smoking are all positive steps toward maintaining the outcomes of eyelid surgery long into the future.

What Procedures Complement Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery can be complemented by several procedures to enhance overall facial rejuvenation. A brow lift can address sagging brows and forehead lines, while a facelift can improve the midface, jawline, and neck for a more youthful profile. Non-surgical treatments such as BOTOX® Cosmetic, dermal fillers, and laser skin resurfacing can further smooth wrinkles, restore lost volume, and improve skin texture. Together, these treatments typically create a more balanced and refreshed appearance. During your consultation, Dr. Coberly can recommend personalized combinations to best achieve your aesthetic goals and ensure natural-looking results that blend well with your eyelid surgery.

Is it Possible to Get an Eyelid Lift Without Surgery?

Certain non-surgical treatments can effectively rejuvenate the upper facial region; however, such procedures are generally best suited for less severe signs of facial aging. Blepharoplasty was developed specifically to smooth and tighten excess skin above and below the eyelids, and is considered the gold standard for these purposes. As such, this surgery is typically able to address moderate to severe signs of aging around the eyes, and often produces results that last much longer than those of a non-surgical procedure.

What Are Some of the Alternatives to Eyelid Surgery?

Although no non-surgical treatment currently exists that can match the results of blepharoplasty, Dr. Coberly offers a few alternatives for less pronounced aesthetic concerns that may be affecting areas near the eyes. One such example is BOTOX® Cosmetic, an injectable treatment that can reduce the appearance of existing wrinkles by temporarily preventing targeted muscles in the treatment area from contracting and causing lines to develop. Select dermal fillers, such as JUVÉDERM®, can also address issues like crow’s feet, puffiness, and hollow skin around the eyes. It is important to remember that, while some patients may have concerns that can be sufficiently addressed with non-surgical alternatives, the results will not last as long as eyelid surgery and may require occasional touch-up treatment sessions to prolong the effects. Dr. Coberly can talk with you about your needs and help you determine the most ideal solution.

How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost?

Eyelid surgery typically costs between $3,000 and $6,000 at our practice. The total cost of this procedure is highly dependent on each patient’s customized treatment plan, which is why the final price can vary significantly among patients. Factors taken into account for the total cost of eyelid surgery include whether upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or both options are being performed, the overall extent of treatment, fees for the surgeon, operating facility, and anesthesia, and other associated expenses. Dr. Coberly is a firm believer in providing patients with a full estimate of all treatment costs upfront so individuals know what to expect. During your initial consultation, a member of our team will present you with a cost estimate that includes all related expenses. We will be happy to talk with you about the array of payment methods we accept at our practice, and we can answer any questions you may have about plastic surgery financing options if that is something you would like to pursue. We work with CareCredit®, which is one of the most widely-used healthcare finance companies in America and offers a range of convenient plans for qualified applicants.

Additional Eyelid Surgery Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best age to get an eyelid lift?

There is no “best” age for an eyelid lift, as the procedure is generally based on individual needs rather than age. Many patients consider surgery in their 40s to 60s, when sagging skin, puffiness, or drooping lids typically become more noticeable. However, younger individuals may benefit if genetics cause early eyelid concerns. The ideal time is often when eyelid changes affect your appearance, vision, or confidence. A consultation with Dr. Coberly can help determine the right timing for your goals.

Can eyelid surgery improve my vision?

Eyelid surgery can improve vision if drooping upper eyelids obstruct your line of sight. By removing excess skin and lifting the lids, blepharoplasty can expand the visual field, making it easier to see clearly, especially in the upper and peripheral areas. While many patients also seek the procedure for cosmetic reasons, functional improvement is a significant benefit for those with eyelid-related vision problems.

Are there any risks associated with eyelid surgery?

Like any surgery, eyelid surgery carries some risks. Possible complications include infection, bleeding, dry eyes, difficulty closing the eyes, scarring, or asymmetry. Rare risks may involve vision changes or injury to surrounding structures. Most side effects, such as swelling and bruising, are temporary and can improve with healing. Choosing a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Coberly greatly reduces risks and helps ensure safe, natural-looking results.

If you would like more information on eyelid surgery, or if you are ready to schedule a consultation with Dr. Coberly, please contact our office today.