Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

The eyes are often one of the first areas of the face to develop visible signs of aging. As the thin delicate skin around the eyes loses firmness and elasticity, wrinkles and bags can obscure the smooth, youthful contours of the eyes. For men and women who experience drooping and/or puffy eyelids that make them appear older, tired, or even sad, a customized plastic surgery procedure called blepharoplasty can beautifully rejuvenate the eyes. Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Robert Rothfield, MD, is experienced in performing cosmetic eyelid surgery and uses a variety of techniques to address multiple cosmetic concerns related to the upper and lower eyelids:

• What Is Eyelid Surgery?
• Eyelid Surgery Benefits
• Eyelid Surgery Candidates
• Types of Eyelid Surgery
• Eyelid Surgery Procedure
• Eyelid Surgery Recovery
• Eyelid Surgery Cost
• Eyelid Surgery Results
• Does Eyelid Surgery Hurt?
• Eyelid Surgery Alternatives
• Eyelid Surgery Complementary Procedures
• Eyelid Surgery FAQs
• Patient Forms

What Is Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery is an effective procedure that can create a more youthful and revitalized look around the eyes. It can address numerous cosmetic issues, as well as drooping skin that may be obstructing your field of vision. By removing or repositioning excess tissue and tightening the skin, blepharoplasty can produce a more alert appearance and even improve visibility in certain cases.

If the upper eyelid condition is also accompanied by sagging of the eyebrows, a brow lift may also be recommended. Blepharoplasty is also commonly performed in combination with other facial plastic surgery procedures and non-surgical treatments, such as facelift surgery and injectable dermal fillers, and BOTOX^® Cosmetic to achieve more comprehensive rejuvenation.

What Are the Benefits of Eyelid Surgery?

The potential benefits of eyelid surgery include both physical and emotional improvements. By removing excess skin and fat in the upper and/or lower eyelid areas, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) may produce improvements such as:

• Smoother, tighter skin around the eyes
• Restored upper eyelid contour and definition
• Reduction of wrinkles and drooping skin
• Elimination of puffiness and bags
• Correction of eyelid ptosis for improved vision

Along with these aesthetic and functional enhancements, patients may also notice a boost in their confidence and self-esteem as they become more satisfied with their appearance.

Who Is a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery is popular among those experiencing drooping, sagging, or puffy eyelids that contribute to a tired or aged appearance. Suitable candidates are typically patients who are in good overall health with realistic expectations for the outcome. Individuals considering this procedure are often seeking to correct cosmetic concerns or improve vision obstructed by excess skin. Candidates must be adults with no medical condition that may impair healing. During your consultation, Dr. Rothfield can assess your aesthetic needs and goals to help determine if eyelid surgery is right for you.

What Are the Different Types of Eyelid Surgery?

Dr. Rothfield can perform eyelid surgery on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both depending on the type and degree of rejuvenation that is necessary to achieve your goals:

Upper Eyelid Surgery

Upper eyelid surgery can focus on addressing loose, sagging skin above the eye, as well as sculpting and removing fat deposits that cause a heavy or puffy look.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

Lower eyelid surgery is designed to reduce excess skin and fat below the eyes that create the appearance of undereye bags and wrinkles.

Your eyelid surgery procedure will be customized to suit both your needs and desired outcome. With each blepharoplasty patient, Dr. Rothfield develops a highly personalized surgical plan to deliver natural-looking symmetry and rejuvenation, while avoiding results that appear overdone or change the essence of one’s signature appearance.

What Does the Blepharoplasty Procedure Entail?

Eyelid surgery is usually performed under twilight or general anesthesia on an outpatient basis at the Surgery Center of Weston. The procedure typically takes about one to two hours to complete depending on the unique details of your surgery. To avoid the appearance of visible scarring following eyelid surgery, Dr. Rothfield carefully places the incisions along the upper eyelid crease and/or along the lower lashline. With these incisions he is able to access and adjust deeper tissue (fat and musculature), as well as remove excess skin. When surgical enhancement of the lid is complete, the incision is precisely closed with tiny stitches. At the end of surgery, cool compresses are placed to limit swelling and provide comfort.

What Is Eyelid Surgery Recovery Like?

After eyelid surgery, you can expect to experience some mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Prescription medication, over-the-counter pain relievers, cold compresses, and elevation of your head can help control discomfort and inflammation. It is important to attend your post-operative visit with Dr. Rothfield the day after your surgery so that he can check on your progress and ensure you are recovering properly. For the majority of patients, bruising lasts for up to one week and most individuals feel comfortable returning to work and social activities after two weeks of healing. As you recover, it is critical to closely follow your post-operative care instructions, attend all follow-up visits, and get plenty of rest to support optimal healing. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact Weston Plastic Surgery as soon as possible. If you have a problem that requires immediate attention, our office team can schedule you an urgent appointment. Dr. Rothfield always takes a proactive stance toward treatment, as addressing small concerns early can help prevent larger, more complicated issues from developing.

How Much Does Blepharoplasty Cost?

The cost of blepharoplasty will vary depending on the patient, the extent of the work required by our surgeon, and the type of eyelid surgery. The general cost of eyelid surgery is between $5,800 and $8,600. Our team will be able to give a more accurate estimate at the initial consultation when a comprehensive treatment plan can be created.

How Long Do Eyelid Surgery Results Last

Eyelid surgery results are typically long-lasting, and rarely need to be repeated. Of course, the natural aging process will continue, and factors like skin quality, genetics, and lifestyle can influence how long results are maintained. Adhering to a healthy lifestyle and protecting the skin from sun damage can help prolong the outcome.

Review before-and-after photos of Dr. Rothfield’s eyelid surgery patients by exploring our digital photo gallery.

Does Eyelid Surgery Hurt?

Dr. Rothfield performs eyelid surgery under twilight or general anesthesia, meaning patients will not feel pain during the procedure. After the surgery, patients may experience some discomfort, inflammation, and bruising around the eyes, which are common side effects and can often be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications and cold compresses. Following post-operative care instructions can help minimize that discomfort and increase your chances of a smooth recovery.

Are There Alternatives to Eyelid Surgery?

There are no alternative treatments when it comes to addressing excess skin and/or fat in the eyelids. Laser resurfacing and chemical peels can also be effective at tightening the skin and improving skin texture. Additionally, medical-grade skin care products can help enhance skin elasticity and reduce fine lines. These alternatives are good adjuncts to blepharoplasty, but they do not provide the transformative results of a surgical procedure.

What Procedures Complement Eyelid Surgery?

Several cosmetic procedures can complement eyelid surgery to create a more balanced and rejuvenated appearance. A brow lift is commonly paired to address sagging eyebrows and forehead wrinkles, enhancing the results of upper eyelid surgery. Facelift surgery or a mini facelift can improve the lower face and jawline, providing overall facial harmony.

Non-surgical treatments like BOTOX^® Cosmetic or dermal fillers can smooth fine lines, restore lost volume, and enhance the eye area further. Laser skin resurfacing or chemical peels may also be recommended to improve skin texture and reduce pigmentation around the eyes.

By combining treatments, patients can generally achieve more comprehensive, natural-looking results that address multiple signs of aging at once.

Additional Eyelid Surgery Frequently Asked Questions

Is eyelid surgery covered by insurance?

Eyelid surgery will likely only be covered by insurance if the reason for the procedure is due to a medical condition that is impairing your vision. If eyelid surgery is being sought out for strictly cosmetic purposes, the insurance company will not help with the total cost. Our team will be able to help you review your insurance policy at your initial consultation to determine if coverage is available. Our practice also offers several financing options that can aid patients in managing the overall cost of eyelid surgery.

Can I get an eyelid lift without surgery?

While there are alternatives to eyelid lift surgery, there are no nonsurgical options that can replicate the results that are achieved through the surgical procedure. BOTOX^® Cosmetic is a popular injectable treatment that is aimed at relaxing facial creases and smoothing out wrinkles to provide a more youthful and vibrant facial appearance.

Will eyelid surgery improve my vision?

Eyelid surgery is not designed to improve the vision of patients and is instead focused on enhancing the overall aesthetic appearance of eyelids. In some cases where the drooping or loose eyelid skin is obstructing a person’s vision, eyelid surgery can improve their sight by removing the excess tissue, therefore expanding their field of vision.

How can I reduce swelling after eyelid surgery?

Following eyelid surgery, patients may experience some form of swelling and discomfort in and around their eyelids where the procedure took place. To reduce potential swelling, patients can utilize cold compresses on the eyelids within the first two days. To further mitigate discomfort and swelling, patients should keep their head elevated to prevent excess amounts of blood flowing to the affected area.

When can I wear makeup, glasses, and contacts after surgery?

After eyelid surgery, most patients can wear glasses immediately, as they should not interfere with healing. Contact lenses are typically safe to use after about one to two weeks, once swelling and irritation have improved. Makeup should usually be avoided for at least two weeks to reduce the risk of infection and allow incisions to heal properly. Always follow Dr. Rothfield’s specific recommendations, as timelines may vary based on your recovery.

Will eyelid surgery change the shape of my eyes?

Eyelid surgery is designed to refresh and rejuvenate the appearance of your eyes, not change their natural shape. The goal of surgery is to remove excess skin or fat and restore a more youthful, rested look while preserving your unique features. However, subtle changes, such as a more open or defined eye appearance, may occur. Choosing a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Rothfield can help ensure natural-looking results that enhance rather than alter your overall look.

Patient Forms

• Informed Consent – Eyelid Surgery

For more information about eyelid surgery or to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Rothfield, please contact Weston Plastic Surgery.