Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty)

Blepharoplasty—also known as eyelid surgery—can help reduce and reverse the signs of facial aging by lifting and contouring the skin and fat around the eyes. Since the skin of the eyelids is so delicate, it is particularly prone to drooping, sagging, and becoming puffy, often contributing to a tired, sad, or angry appearance. In extreme cases, excess dropping skin can even interfere with your field of vision. Fortunately, our experienced plastic surgeon, Dr. Steven Holzman, can help restore a more youthful facial aesthetic by treating the upper and/or lower eyelids with blepharoplasty.

Who is a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?

An ideal candidate for blepharoplasty is someone who is dissatisfied with the function and/or appearance of their eyelids and who has reasonable goals for what the procedure can accomplish. Possible concerns that can be treated using blepharoplasty include:

• Puffiness or heaviness in the upper eyelids caused by excess fatty deposits
• Loose, sagging skin that impairs the natural contours of your eyes
• Prominent under-eye bags or loose folds of excess skin
• Visual impairment as a result of excess skin or fat that has sagged into your field of vision

During your initial consultation, Dr. Holzman will assess the condition of your eyelids and review your cosmetic goals in order to formulate a customized treatment plan. In some cases, upper and/or lower blepharoplasty may be able to achieve all of your goals. In other cases, Dr. Holzman may recommend an alternative or additional procedure, such as a brow lift or BOTOX^® Cosmetic, for further facial enhancement.

What Are the Different Types of Eyelid Surgery?

Depending on your goals, there are several different methods of eyelid surgery that Dr. Holzman can employ.

Upper Eyelid Surgery

Upper blepharoplasty is designed to address concerns associated with the upper eyelid. This typically involves excising loose, sagging skin and removing pockets of fat that have accumulated along the eyelid, which can drag the lid down and create a puffy and/or droopy appearance. For patients experiencing vision impairment, upper eyelid surgery can often help remove the excess skin and fat that is obscuring their line of sight.

Lower Blepharoplasty

Lower blepharoplasty targets the region below the eyes, including under-eye bags and sagging or wrinkled skin folds, and excess fatty deposits. By smoothing the under eye contours and removing excess drooping skin, the entire eye region can be effectively “lifted” for a more refreshed, well-rested, and youthful appearance.

Double Eyelid Surgery

Double eyelid surgery—sometimes also referred to as “asian eyelid surgery” due to its popularity in East Asia—is a specific style of blepharoplasty that is designed to create a crease along the upper eyelid. This often makes the eyes appear larger and more prominent. Patients often pursue this form of blepharoplasty to increase their eyelid symmetry or to achieve a specific eye aesthetic.

What is the Eyelid Lift Procedure Like?

The precise details of the blepharoplasty procedure will vary depending on whether you are undergoing upper and/or lower eyelid surgery. For lower eyelid surgery, the initial incision is typically made along the lower lash line. For upper blepharoplasty, the incision is typically made along the upper eyelid crease. Both of these incision placements allow for extremely minimal scarring that blends very naturally into the surrounding contours. During the procedure, any excess fat deposits will be either removed or repositioned and smoothed out in order to improve the contours around the eye area. Excess skin is also removed, reducing sagging and wrinkling.

What is Eyelid Surgery Recovery Like?

Blepharoplasty is typically a relatively simple procedure with minimal recovery time. Patients may experience some temporary bruising and swelling, but any discomfort is usually easily managed with rest and pain medication. You may also experience a temporary increase in sensitivity to light, which sunglasses or other protective eyewear can help with. It is important to refrain from touching your eyes, as this can increase your risk of infection and cause general irritation. You should also avoid wearing contacts or applying any form of eye makeup for at least two weeks. Dr. Holzman will provide you with more detailed and personalized recovery instructions both during your consultation and following your procedure.

What Can I Expect from My Blepharoplasty Results?

Patients typically notice a more refreshed and youthful facial aesthetic following blepharoplasty. Once excess skin and fat have been removed from around the eyes, the region should appear smoother and more well-rested, with a marked reduction in wrinkling, sagging, and under-eye bags. For patients looking to further highlight or enhance their results, dermal fillers can be an ideal next step.

Before

After

How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost?

The precise cost of eyelid surgery typically depends on the complexity of the procedure and whether it is being performed on the upper and/or lower eyelids. That said, the average cost for combined upper and lower blepharoplasty at our practice is typically around $7,800. Following your consultation, a member of our team will provide you with a more detailed cost estimate based on your unique goals.

If you have any further questions, contact us today for more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Holzman.