Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Lift)

While there have been reports of vision loss following blepharoplasty, they are extremely rare.

Blepharoplasty surgery is a reliable and effective way to reduce signs of aging in the upper and/or lower eyelids.

The use of cool packs or frozen peas can be effective. Keeping your head elevated also reduces bruising and swelling. Nutritional supplements such as bromelain (found in fresh pineapple) and arnica are also very effective at reducing bruising and swelling after eyelid surgery.

Upper eyelid surgery typically involves the removal of skin and in some cases fat from the upper eyelid through an incision in the upper eyelid crease to eliminate the excess fold of skin in the upper lids.

The procedure typically takes an hour or less.

Hooding can be caused by excess skin in the outer portion of the upper eyelids, or by a low lateral brow. These are easily corrected by surgery. In some cases, the appearance of hooding may be due to ptosis or sagging of the lacrimal gland (the gland that produces tears). This can be more difficult to correct surgically.

Yes. In some cases, this involves an upper lid blepharoplasty. Other cases require a temporal brow lift. Still others may be a candidate for both procedures.

Upper eyelid surgery typically involves the removal of skin and in some cases fat from the upper eyelid through an incision in the upper eyelid crease to eliminate the excess fold of skin in the upper lids. Lower eyelid surgery focuses more on the removal and/or repositioning of fat in the lower eyelids, often through an incision on the inside of the lid to eliminate the bags under the eyes and elevate and soften the junction between the lid and the cheek.

In most cases, a topical anesthetic is applied prior to the treatment to reduce discomfort.

No. While droopy eyelids can reduce your visual field, they do not cause blurred vision.

Yes. It is preferred for the first few days that you sleep on your back with your head elevated to minimize swelling after surgery, but you are able to return to sleeping on your side.

Blepharoplasty surgery is a reliable and effective way to reduce signs of aging in the upper and/or lower eyelids.

Upper eyelid surgery typically involves the removal of skin and in some cases fat from the upper eyelid through an incision in the upper eyelid crease to eliminate the excess fold of skin in the upper lids.

Results from eyelid surgery can last several years.

The bruising and swelling from upper eyelid surgery typically lasts 1-2 weeks.

Plasma skin tightening is a non-surgical procedure that utilizes heat to tighten the skin. Results vary, but like all procedures, the skin does continue to age after the treatment.

The procedure typically takes less than an hour.

Upper eyelid surgery costs approximately $5,000. Lower eyelid surgery also costs approximately $5,000. Upper and lower eyelid surgery done together costs approximately $8,000.

Yes. When performed by a qualified board certified plastic surgeon, eyelid surgery is very safe.

Yes and no. Botox's mechanism of action is to reduce muscle activity, so it really doesn't “lift.” However, when expertly injected, it can improve the appearance of droopy eyelids.

Upper eyelid surgery leaves a scar in the natural crease of the upper eyelid in patients with such a crease. The scar is typically not visible when the eye is open and over time fades. Lower eyelid surgery is often done through an incision in the inside of the lid, thus leaving no visible scar.

Results are seen as soon as the swelling resolves, typically in just a few weeks.

Blepharoplasty does not cause blurry vision. Some mild vision changes due to swelling may occur and typically only last a few days.

In many cases, the only scars from a lower blepharoplasty are inside the lid and heal very quickly. If an incision is placed on the outer aspect of the lower lids, the scar is typically well healed in a few weeks, but can take several months to fully mature.

In some cases, yes. This requires documentation of a significant visual field test. Formal visual field testing should be performed by an ophthalmologist prior to consulting with your plastic surgeon.

When performed by a qualified surgeon, eyelid surgery is quite safe. However, there are rare, but potentially serious risks. Bleeding after surgery can cause vision loss if not identified and treated early. Fortunately, this is very rare and vision loss is preventable if the bleeding is identified and treated when it occurs.

You can expect a more youthful appearance to your eyes with the elimination of excess skin and fat from the upper lids and elimination of bags and dark circles from the lower lids.

Some of the main reasons people choose to have blepharoplasty include having drooping or sagging eyelids, excess skin on the upper or lower eyelids, and bags under the eyes. Most patients undergo this surgery to look younger.

It’s recommended you wait until you’re at least 18 to have eyelid surgery, but most patients are 30 years old or older when they have it done. There are some age-related considerations with eyelid surgery. We must take into consideration your skin elasticity, overall health, and any medications you’re taking.

Yes! A blepharoplasty can remove excess skin that results in impaired vision while also addressing cosmetic concerns.

Most patients can return to work and their normal activities about a week to 10 days after their blepharoplasty. That said, if you have upper and lower eyelid surgery together, you will likely need at least two weeks off work. Results will be noticeable after two weeks, with full healing at six months.

Some of the complications and risks associated with eyelid surgery include bleeding, fluid accumulation, infection, change in vision, and scarring.