What is blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty, commonly called eyelid surgery, addresses sagging skin on or around the eyelids to tighten and rejuvenate the eyes, achieving a younger, refreshed, and more appealing appearance. Different types of eyelid surgery are designed to focus on the upper eyelids or lower eyelids. These procedures can also be performed at the same time for patients who require both eyelids to be addressed.

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Upper eyelid surgery

Upper eyelid surgery is performed to address loose, drooping skin on and around the upper eyelids, that cause a hooded, tired, or older appearance.

Upper Eyelid Surgery »

Lower eyelid surgery

Lower eyelid surgery is performed to smooth puffy bags and fill dark circles under the eyes to create a more youthful contour.

Lower Eyelid Surgery »

Asian eyelid surgery

Asian eyelid surgery is a procedure designed to create a fold in the upper eyelid and/or reduce excess tissue along the eyelids. Asian eyelid surgery maintains cultural identity while reducing vision impairment and improving the definition and size of the eyes.

Asian Eyelid Surgery »

Before & After Eyelid Surgery in New York City

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Benefits of eyelid surgery

Eyelid surgery provides many benefits for patients who would like to improve the appearance of their eyelids. Benefits of eyelid surgery in NYC or Westchester include the following:

  • Smoothed and reduced eye bags and under-eye puffiness
  • Better line of sight and improved field of vision
  • Eliminated skin irritation (from the rubbing of excess folds of skin)
  • A renewed, refreshed appearance
  • A fuller, more youthful contour beneath the lower eyelids
  • Reduced dark circles under the eyes
  • Reduced muscle tension from forehead muscle straining
  • Lifted, rejuvenated skin
  • Reduced fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes
  • Natural-looking, wider eyes that appear larger
  • Reduced vision impairment from excess skin

Candidates for eyelid surgery

Patients who are not happy with the appearance of their eyes or who would like to reduce sagging, drooping skin may be candidates for this eyelid surgery. Dr. Halaas will consult with you to examine your eyes and discuss your aesthetic concerns and goals. From this consultation, you will determine whether you are an ideal candidate for this procedure. Candidates generally meet the following requirements:

  • Are in good general health
  • Have no serious medical conditions
  • Do not smoke
  • Have no current eye infections or inflammations
  • Have realistic expectations for what eyelid surgery can achieve
  • Would like to improve hooded eyelids, bags, and sagging skin

Preparing for Blepharoplasty

As a part of preparing for your eyelid surgery in Westchester, Dr. Halaas will provide a list of medications to avoid, including aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medications or supplements. You will also need to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home and help you during the first day of your recovery.

During the procedure

Dr. Halaas will perform your eyelid surgery in NYC under local anesthesia. If you prefer general anesthesia, she will arrange this. Once the anesthesia has taken effect, Dr. Halaas will make a small incision in the natural crease of the upper or lower eyelid, which will eventually heal into virtually imperceptible scars. In some cases, Dr. Halaas can make the incision inside the lower eyelid to completely eliminate scarring. 

During lower eyelid surgery, she will tighten the ligaments of the lower eyelid, and reposition and contour the fat pouches that are causing puffiness and bags. This achieves a more youthful, smooth undereye appearance. The incision is closed with biological glue or absorbable sutures.

During upper eyelid surgery, Dr. Halaas will remove the excess, loose skin and tighten the eyelids, creating a refreshed, renewed, and appealing appearance. The incision is closed with absorbable sutures or biological glue.

Recovery and aftercare after Blepharoplasty

After your blepharoplasty in Westchester, expect to take about one week off work or social activities. Swelling and bruising typically peak within the first two days and gradually improve over 1–2 weeks.

To support healing, sleep on your back with your head elevated, avoid bending or strenuous activity for at least 2–4 weeks, and wear sunglasses to protect the area from sun exposure. You may wear glasses the next day, but wait 10–14 days before using contact lenses.

Avoid eye makeup and screen strain for several days. Lubricating drops and gentle incision care may be recommended. Most patients see early results within two weeks, with final results visible by six weeks.

The recovery process is gradual, and while discomfort is minimal, it’s important to follow the recommended aftercare to ensure the best outcome. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to check your healing progress. Most patients report feeling like themselves again after just a few weeks, with a refreshed, youthful appearance that continues to improve over time.

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What Procedures Can Be Combined with Eyelid Surgery?

Combining procedures with eyelid surgery can enhance overall facial rejuvenation by addressing multiple areas simultaneously. Dr. Yael Halaas can recommend the following surgical and non-surgical options available to complement eyelid surgery:

Surgical Procedures

  • Brow Lift: Elevates droopy eyebrows and smooths forehead lines, refreshing the upper face.
  • Facelift: Addresses sagging skin and deep folds in the lower face and neck, creating a harmonious rejuvenation with eyelid surgery.
  • Fat Transfer: Restores volume to areas such as the cheeks or under-eye regions, enhancing the youthful contours achieved by eyelid surgery.

Non-Surgical Enhancements

  • OptiLight for Dry Eyes: A light-based treatment that addresses dry eye symptoms, improving comfort and eye health.
  • BOTOX: Relaxes dynamic wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes, adding a finishing touch to eyelid surgery results.
  • Dermal Fillers: Restore volume to the mid-face, nasolabial folds, or lips, enhancing the youthful look achieved by eyelid surgery.
  • Silhouette InstaLift: Uses dissolvable sutures to lift and reposition sagging facial tissue, providing immediate and long-term results.
  • EMFACE: A non-invasive procedure that simultaneously treats facial skin and muscles without needles, providing lifting and tightening effects.
  • Non-Surgical Brow Lift: Utilizes non-invasive methods to elevate the brow area, complementing the effects of eyelid surgery.
  • Nasolabial Fold Treatment: Addresses deep folds between the nose and mouth, enhancing facial harmony.

Blepharoplasty Cost

The starting cost for upper blepharoplasty is $7,500, lower blepharoplasty is $11,000, and when combined the cost starts at $15,000. When considering cosmetic surgery pricing, it's important to recognize that the final cost is tailored to meet each patient's unique needs. The complexity of the surgery and how long it may take can influence the total cost, which will be discussed in your consultation with Dr. Halaas. This personalized approach ensures transparency and clarity regarding the total investment required for your aesthetic goals. We aim to empower you to make informed decisions about your cosmetic journey by providing a detailed breakdown of costs. Call our office for more details and schedule a consultation for a more personalized quote just for you.

Upneeq

Droopy upper eyelids can also be addressed non-surgically with Upneeq, an advanced eyedrop treatment that opens your eyes, slightly improves your field of vision, and provides a more youthful appearance without a surgical procedure. While Upneeq doesn’t provide the significant change that a surgery can, the results are noticeable and provide a cosmetic and medical benefit.

Upneeq is the first and only FDA-approved prescription eye drop that is clinically proven to lift and tighten drooping upper eyelids. The active medication called oxymetazoline hydrochloride works by contracting the Muller’s muscle in the eyelid, causing the eyelid to become shorter and tighter.

Upneeq eye drops are applied once a day, one drop per eye, providing results very shortly afterward, which are effective for at least 6 hours.

upneeq infographic

Tired-Looking or Droopy Eyelids Got You Down?

Eyelid Surgery FAQ

Will blepharoplasty make my eyes appear larger and more youthful?

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty, removes excess skin and fat that can cause drooping eyelids. By addressing these issues, the procedure can create a more open and alert eye appearance, contributing to a youthful look. However, the surgery doesn't physically enlarge the eyes but enhances their visibility and contour.

Will blepharoplasty affect my sight?

Yes, when sagging upper eyelid skin obstructs the visual field, upper blepharoplasty can be medically necessary to remove the excess tissue, thereby improving peripheral vision.

When can I resume physical activities after eyelid surgery?

Most patients can return to light activities within a week post-surgery. However, it's advisable to avoid strenuous exercises, heavy lifting, and activities that increase blood pressure for at least 2 to 4 weeks to ensure proper healing and minimize swelling.

How long do eyelid surgery results last?

The results of lower eyelid blepharoplasty are typically long-lasting and often considered permanent. Upper eyelid surgery results can last between 5 to 7 years, depending on individual aging processes and lifestyle factors. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help prolong the benefits of the surgery.

What are the non-surgical alternatives to blepharoplasty?

Dermal fillers, Botox, laser skin resurfacing, IPL, chemical peels, and microneedling can all help refresh the eyes.

What are the potential risks associated with blepharoplasty?

Eyelid surgery carries the risks of any surgical procedure, including bleeding, infection, blood clots, scarring, unfavorable outcome (eyelid problems), anesthesia risks, and others.

Can I get upper and lower blepharoplasty at the same time?

Yes, combining upper and lower blepharoplasty in a single surgical session is common and can provide comprehensive rejuvenation of the eye area. This approach also consolidates recovery time and can be more cost-effective.

How soon will I see the final results after eyelid surgery?

Initial improvements are noticeable within a few weeks post-surgery as swelling and bruising subside. However, the final results typically become evident after 6 weeks, with continued subtle improvements over several months.

How long is the procedure?

The surgery usually takes between 1 to 2 hours, depending on whether both upper and lower eyelids are addressed and if additional procedures are performed concurrently.

Does insurance cover the cost?

Insurance covers eyelid surgery if it is deemed medically necessary to remove skin hanging over the eyelash line, impairing the line of sight.

Is eyelid surgery painful?

Blepharoplasty is generally associated with minimal discomfort. Patients may experience mild soreness or tightness around the eyes, which can be managed effectively with prescribed pain medications or over-the-counter analgesics.

Will there be scarring?

Dr. Halaas ensures any exterior incisions are carefully concealed in the natural eyelid crease.

Written by Dr. Halaas

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