With age, the skin of the eyelids loses its supple quality, and muscles become lax and less supportive. These effects, along with the help of gravity, can cause upper eyelids to sag, creating a constantly tired appearance. Lower lids can droop, and prominent bags can develop.

The best candidates for blepharoplasty are those who are typically in good health and have no other eye conditions. Blepharoplasty is an effective option for improving your appearance. However, it can’t change your natural facial structure. Having realistic expectations for your surgery and results and fully understanding what it can and can’t is important when considering is eyelid surgery is right for you.

Depending on your goals, your surgeon can determine whether you would benefit from surgery of the upper lids, lower lids or both. Eyelid surgery can also be performed in conjunction with facelift or brow lift surgery.

For patients concerned with the appearance of crow’s feet and similar signs of aging, your surgeon may suggest Dysport® or other nonsurgical med spa treatments.

During your consultation at Kaufman & Davis Plastic Surgery, you’ll learn more details about your procedure, including incision placement and how to achieve the most natural results, as well as talk about other treatments that may be complementary to your eyelid surgery. You’ll also be given additional information about what to expect before and during surgery, and how you should prepare for your recovery.

We also offer Vectra 3D imaging to show you what eyelid surgery can do for you alone or with complementary surgeries and help assist with the surgical planning process. Our goal is to educate you on your options so you can make an informed decision and feel confident about exactly what to expect from your procedure.

During eyelid surgery, your surgeon will strategically place the incisions to conceal them within the natural creasing of the surrounding eye area. Most incisions for an upper blepharoplasty are made along the natural crease of the upper eyelid. For lower blepharoplasty procedures, the incisions are made just below the lash line or along the inside of the lower lash line.

From the incisions, excess fat, muscle, and skin will be removed from either the upper or lower lids, or both. Generally, blepharoplasty surgery takes 1 to 2 hours. Small dressings are used to cover the incision sites but should not impede your vision.

Following your surgery, you can expect to feel sore and experience some bruising, swelling and minor fluid drainage. The temporary discomfort can be managed with pain medication, sleeping with your head elevated and using ice and cold compresses for the first few days. Many of our patients find that over-the-counter pain medication is enough to reduce this discomfort and often do not need any after a few days. 

Although the recovery period for eyelid surgery varies, bruising usually takes 2 to 3 weeks to resolve. However, most patients feel comfortable returning to work after about a week. Be sure to use sun protection such as sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats as you heal. Makeup can be worn on the face except on and around the incision sites.

How much does eyelid surgery cost?

When searching for the cost of eyelid surgery, you may find that the price you find online is drastically lower than what you’re quoted at the plastic surgeon’s office. This because those figures are based on national averages and do not include other associated costs such as anesthesia and operating room facility fees. The cost of blepharoplasty also varies by location, the experience level of your plastic surgeon and the specifics of your surgery.

If the cost of eyelid surgery is an obstacle, discuss payment and financing options at your consultation to see how to make your procedure as affordable as possible.

Is blepharoplasty surgery covered by insurance?

Cosmetic eyelid surgery is not typically covered by health insurance. However, if you have a medical need for a blepharoplasty — such as vision impairment due to severely drooping eyelids — some insurance plans may cover all or some of the costs of your eyelid surgery. Contact your insurance company directly to inquire about health insurance coverage for your specific situation.

What should I look for in a blepharoplasty plastic surgeon near me?

Choose a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area who has years of experience performing eyelid surgeries. Facial plastic surgeries like a blepharoplasty are among the most intricate and complex to perform, so experience is a must when searching for the best plastic surgeon. View before and after photos and read reviews online, then schedule an in-person consultation with your top one or two surgeons.

Is eyelid surgery the best solution for me?

Eyelid surgery can be an effective solution for men and women with drooping upper and/or lower eyelids. In some cases, eyelid drooping is so severe that it begins to interfere with your vision. In this case, a blepharoplasty could be the best solution for you.

Does eyelid surgery hurt?

Eyelid surgery is typically tolerated very well by most people, with mild discomfort, bruising and swelling among the most common side effects afterward. These symptoms are usually easily managed with over-the-counter or prescription pain medications, cold compresses and keeping your head elevated.

How long will I need to take off work for eyelid surgery recovery?

Most people plan to take around one week off work to recover from eyelid surgery, although the initial recovery time can vary from person to person. It will take longer for all swelling and bruising to diminish, and you will need to limit strenuous physical activity for several weeks after your blepharoplasty procedure.

How long do blepharoplasty results last?

Eyelid surgery results are long-lasting, usually maintaining results for a decade or more. Know that there is no way to stop the aging process altogether, so you will gradually notice signs of aging such as lines, wrinkles and sagging skin in your brow and eye area over time. That said, you can help prolong your blepharoplasty results by taking great care of your skin and body, including eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep and staying out of the sun.

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