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Call Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, removes excess skin and fat from the upper or lower eyelids to restore a brighter, more youthful appearance.
In many cases, the first signs of aging will appear around the eyes. As the skin in this area is rather thin and fragile, it’s susceptible to wrinkles, becoming loose or saggy, or puffiness. This can make individuals appear tired or older than their actual age. A common solution to this problem is eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty.
With over 30 years of experience in facial rejuvenation, triple-board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Leo Lapuerta brings meticulous attention to detail to every procedure. Each blepharoplasty procedure is uniquely designed around the patient’s needs and can include upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or a combination approach. Schedule a consultation today to learn how eyelid surgery can help refresh your entire look.
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Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is an excellent way to address droopy or tired eyes. Often, this leads to a more youthful and rested appearance.
During eyelid surgery, excess tissue around the eye region is removed. Upper blepharoplasty focuses on removing excess, sagging skin from the upper eyelids while lower blepharoplasty smooths away bags and wrinkles under the eyes. Although some patients only have the procedure done on the upper or lower eyelids, most prefer having the procedure performed on both.
Incisions are made below the eyelashes for the lower eyelids, and in the crease for the upper eyelids. Regardless of whether lower or upper eyelid surgery is performed, the incision will be strategically made to minimize scarring.
Eyelid surgery can be performed:
The choice of anesthesia technique depends primarily on medical history and patient preference. When given the option, most patients elect to have a deep sedation or general anesthesia. Regardless of the method, patients will be kept comfortable and safe. Deeper sedation allows for the possibility that patients may hear or sense things that are going on during the surgery whereas with general anesthesia, patients will be completely asleep and unaware.
The surgery is an outpatient procedure that must take place in an accredited surgical facility. Patients usually elect to have eyelid surgery performed at Dr. Lapuerta’s on-site AAAASF accredited outpatient surgical facility.
For upper or lower eyelid surgery only, the procedure generally takes about 60-90 minutes. If the patient elects to have both upper and lower eyelids addressed, surgery can last up to two hours. Many patients also have Botox, facial fillers, or fat injections done at the same time as eyelid surgery.
The surgical technique will vary depending on which type the patient needs. The most commonly requested forms of eyelid surgery are:
During an upper eyelid procedure, a carefully placed incision is created along the natural crease of the eyelid and extended outward. This allows Dr. Lapuerta to address additional skin folds beyond the upper eyelid's central area. Through this incision, excess skin, tissue, and sometimes a small segment of the orbicularis oculi muscle—responsible for eyelid movement—are removed. Once the necessary adjustments are made, the incision is skillfully closed, allowing it to heal inconspicuously within the natural contour of the upper eyelid.
This procedure is often sought by patients dealing with dark under-eye circles, frequently caused by a lack of fat in the area. To address this, injectables can be used to fill soft-tissue deficits and improve the overall appearance of the circles. For lower eyelid surgery, an incision is typically made just beneath the lash line, allowing Dr. Lapuerta to remove excess fat and tissue effectively. In cases where patients have puffy lower eyelids but maintain good skin elasticity, a transconjunctival blepharoplasty may be recommended. This method involves making the incision inside the lower eyelid, leaving no visible external scar.
Double eyelid surgery is the best option for patients who want to give their eyes a larger appearance. Double eyelid surgery creates an additional fold of skin above the upper eyelashes, reshaping the eyes to make them appear larger in size.
Blepharoplasty can address several common concerns in the eye area:
In addition to refreshing the appearance of the eye area, upper blepharoplasty can provide functional benefits, removing excess skin that may be impacting vision.
People who have drooping or heavy eyelids, and puffy bags under their eyes, are generally the best candidates for this procedure. Potential patients must also be in good overall health and have realistic expectations for the expected outcome of the procedure.
If you think you might be the ideal candidate for eyelid surgery, we recommend that you come and have a consultation with Dr. Lapuerta. During this time, he will fully describe what to expect before, during, and after surgery.
Generally, eyelid surgery patients only experience mild discomfort following their procedure. Immediately following surgery, the area around the eyes will be bruised and swollen. Dr. Lapuerta provides special cooling masks for patients to wear in recovery and during the postoperative period at home. Some patients report a stinging sensation in their eyes due to the local anesthesia, which can be easily resolved by flushing the eyes with sterile saline eye wash. You can pick this up at your local drug store.
Patients may also experience difficulty opening their eyes, or notice blurry vision for the first 23-36 hours following their procedure. This is due to swelling. To treat this bruising and swelling, patients should apply the special cool eye masks which Dr. Lapuerta provides.
Following their procedure, we recommend that patients keep their head elevated. Dr. Lapuerta suggests sleeping in a recliner or on several pillows during recovery. Patients are usually able to return to work within a few days and can resume exercising around two weeks after the procedure.
Results from blepharoplasty are noticeable once initial swelling subsides. Patients enjoy a smoother, more youthful appearance, with enhanced definition in the upper lids and rejuvenation of the lower eyelids. These results often last for many years, particularly when patients maintain a healthy lifestyle and protect their skin from sun exposure.
Recovery time
Average Procedure time
Post-op Follow-up
Procedure Recovery Location
1-2 Weeks
2 Hours
1 Week
Outpatient
The cost of blepharoplasty varies based on each patient’s needs and whether the procedure addresses the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. On average, the price ranges from $4,700 to $6,800. For patients whose vision is obstructed by excess upper eyelid skin, part of the procedure may qualify for insurance coverage. Our practice also provides a variety of financing options to accommodate different financial needs.
Scars from blepharoplasty are discreet due to the strategic placement of incisions. For upper eyelids, incisions are hidden within the natural crease, while for lower eyelids, they are made just below the lash line or on the inside of the eyelid. As a result, scars are nearly invisible once healed.
While blepharoplasty removes excess skin and reduces puffiness around the eyes, it is not specifically designed to treat crow’s feet. For targeted treatment of crow’s feet, options such as Botox or a brow lift are more effective and commonly recommended.
Mild irritation or dryness is possible after surgery, but these symptoms are typically temporary. To ease discomfort, we may suggest using eye drops or ointments during the recovery period. Patients are also advised to shield their eyes from wind and sunlight with dark sunglasses for several months post-surgery to ensure optimal healing.
Yes, it can! In addition to rejuvenating your appearance, blepharoplasty can remove excess eyelid skin that may have been obstructing your field of vision, providing both cosmetic and functional benefits.
