Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty)

Blepharoplasty surgery, also known as cosmetic eyelid surgery or eyelid lift surgery, is a type of facial plastic surgery designed to improve the appearance of the eyelid areas. Various types of the surgery exist to treat a number of issues. For instance, upper blepharoplasty treats the upper eyelids, while lower blepharoplasty treats the lower eyelids.

Eyelid lift surgery treats issues associated with facial aging, including puffy eyelids, drooping skin that hangs over the eyes (which can obstruct your vision), fatty bags under the eyes, saggy upper or lower eyelids, and lines and wrinkles on the lower eyelids.

Lower and upper blepharoplasty before and after comparisons should show remarkable changes, including a fresher, rejuvenated look and improved vision in cases where sagging skin partially blocks the patient’s visual field.

Undergoing blepharoplasty surgery is not a matter of age but rather a matter of whether you can benefit from making your eyes appear more youthful and radiant. Some patients have an eyelid lift in their thirties, while peak numbers for the operation occur typically in a person’s forties. Patients in their fifties and sixties also see an increase in the number of procedures performed, often in conjunction with a facelift for aesthetic symmetry.

Those who have facial aging symptoms, who are in good health, and who have realistic expectations about the procedure are ideal candidates for blepharoplasty surgery.

Scars are an inevitable consequence of any surgical procedure; however, the tissue near the eyelid heals exceptionally well, making any scars barely visible. In addition to this, several of the techniques used by Dr. Singleton aim to hide scars as best as possible, only being visible to someone who knows what they are looking for.

The deep lines on the side of your eyes, often referred to as “crow’s feet,” will not be improved by eyelid lift surgery. Alternative cosmetic treatments, such as Botox^® or dermal fillers would be more appropriate and effective for getting rid of side-eye wrinkles.

A significant portion of individuals born of Asian descent lack a crease or fold separating the portion of the eyelid covering the eye and the portion attached to the brow. Cosmetic Asian eyelid surgery, also known as “double eyelid” surgery, helps to create this crease in the upper lid, typically seen in other ethnicities. Double eyelid surgery can give Asian individuals the appearance of larger eyes, allowing for more expression and for the improved appearance of various types of makeup products, such as mascara.

For most patients, blepharoplasty surgery produces long-lasting results as skin and fat are permanently removed during the surgery. However, due to the effects of time and gravity on our skin, some patients may choose to undergo minor touch-ups to their eyelid area fifteen or twenty years later.

No. Blepharoplasty surgery does not alter the facial structures that produce the typical surprised appearance. Rather, a brow lift may lead to such a result if the central portion of the brow is raised too high during the procedure.

Common side effects include bruising, swelling, and redness at the treatment areas. It’s also possible to experience sensitivity to light, watery eyes, and double vision.

While these side effects are most pronounced immediately after the procedure, they subside quickly. Using cool compresses during the first 48 hours can reduce the swelling and bruising. Light exercise such as walking can contribute to faster healing. Your surgeon will prescribe creams or eye drops to help you manage any discomfort, as well as provide you a list of things to do and avoid doing during the recovery.

After your blepharoplasty surgery, it will take about two weeks for your swelling to be completely unnoticeable to others, with any bruising usually disappearing in one to two weeks.

Very rarely, bleeding can occur that puts pressure on the eye that if left untreated can lead to blindness. Fortunately, bleeding is an obvious symptom and is recognized very quickly allowing you to seek medical attention right away. Other obvious indicators of eyelid lift surgery complication include excessive eye swelling, severe pain, and loss of vision. If any of these symptoms occur, it’s highly recommended to immediately go to your closest emergency room.

The recovery time for an eyelid lift—whether it’s upper blepharoplasty or lower blepharoplasty—varies per individual, but it is generally short. After surgery, most people are able to resume regular activities in seven to ten days. Expect the majority of swelling and bruising to disappear in around two weeks post-surgery. You’ll have to wait a month or more for a full recovery.

Avoiding wearing eyeglasses soon after getting an eyelid lift is unnecessary. In fact, glasses can be a great way to mask any visible swelling during the blepharoplasty recovery period.

After surgery, it is recommended to wait about one to two weeks before wearing contact lenses. This is because the skin around your eyes is still healing. You will want to avoid pulling up or down on your eyelids during the recovery phase.

Your eyelid lift cost will depend on your specific goals, and the complexity and type of the procedure required to achieve those goals.

As such, your upper and/or lower blepharoplasty cost will also depend on your unique needs.

Insurance will cover the eyelid lift cost only if your vision is being obstructed by the overhanging skin. Insurance carriers will typically require medical documentation of this issue before agreeing to cover surgery costs.

To get an eyelid lift without surgery, you’ll have to turn to nonsurgical cosmetic treatments such as Botox^® and dermal fillers. Though such treatments are extremely effectively at improving the appearance of your eyelids, their results are temporary. For more permanent results, you’ll need blepharoplasty surgery.

The surgery may be performed at a surgeon’s clinic, a hospital, or an outpatient surgical facility.

The best blepharoplasty surgery is offered at Capital Facial Plastic Surgery clinic at 2 Wisconsin Cir #820, Chevy Chase Village, Maryland. Learn more about the procedure by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Singleton, our fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon.