Eyelid Surgery

Name: Yael Halaas MD FACS
Telephone: (212) 688-5955
Rating: 4.4

Blepharoplasty surgery, performed by leading NYC facial plastic surgeon Dr. Halaas, can help rejuvenate your eyelids and improve signs of aging around the eyes.

Blepharoplasty in NYC

Over time, our eyelids begin to change. Typically, eyelids start to droop and sag, with bags starting to appear under our eyes and fine lines starting to form. This is a normal part of the aging process, often influenced by genes, sun exposure, and lifestyle habits such as smoking. These changes can make you look old, tired, and even give the impression that you are upset or sad.

Sagging eyelids can also cause health issues such as limited vision, headaches, irritation, and fatigue. Eyelid surgery in New York City, also called blepharoplasty, is a relatively minor procedure that provides great results. Your eyes and face will look refreshed and your appearance will reflect how you actually feel. Double-board certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Yael Halaas, a specialist in anti-aging procedures, is recognized as one of the best facial plastic surgeons in New York City.

As an expert NYC eyelid surgeon, Dr. Halaas is highly experienced in blepharoplasty procedures and has performed thousands of eyelid surgeries. Besides blepharoplasty surgery in NYC, she also offers Asian eyelid surgery, which preserves the patient’s ethnicity while achieving the desired aesthetic results. Start your journey to a more youthful look by making an appointment with Dr. Halaas today. Learn what eyelid surgery in New York City can do for you.

Before & After

Blepharoplasty

Before and after images of a patient who received upper and lower blepharoplasty surgery.

Learn More

Blepharoplasty

Before and after images of a patient who received upper blepharoplasty surgery.

Learn More

Blepharoplasty

Before & After Upper & Lower Blepharoplasty

Learn More

Initial blepharoplasty consultation in NYC

Before performing your blepharoplasty procedure in NYC, Dr. Halaas will meet with you in her fully accredited NYC clinic to discuss your concerns and aesthetic goals, whether you are concerned about droopy upper eyelids, puffy lower eyelids, crow’s feet (“laugh lines”) or a combination. She will then do a detailed eye examination and analysis to determine the cause of these conditions and the best ways to remedy them. Drooping eyelids are generally caused by too much fat, not enough fat, or loose/wrinkled skin, though Dr. Halaas will assess your specific case and decide which is the best procedure for you. This analysis is important to achieve the best results.

With her special interest in providing patients with the most natural results, Dr. Halaas always takes the surrounding areas of the face into account to achieve coherent, integral results. Her art history training from Columbia University combined with her expert knowledge as a skilled double-board certified facial plastic surgeon means that Dr. Halaas will carefully examine your features to create a treatment that enhances your natural beauty. If it is in line with your aesthetic goals and enhances the results, she may recommend supplementing your blepharoplasty in NYC with skin resurfacing, a brow lift, or a full facelift. During the consultation, feel free to ask any questions you might have about risks, complications, and recovery.

Types of eyelid surgeries in New York City

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty

Upper eyelid surgery removes droopy upper eyelid skin. In this straightforward operation, expert NYC eyelid surgeon Dr. Halaas trims just the right amount of eyelid skin and excess fat needed to obtain your desired result. The incision will be hidden in the natural fold of your upper eyelid. While people will notice your fresh, rejuvenated appearance, they are not going to notice that you had surgery. Recovery is easy with mild bruising that subsides within several days to a week.

Lower eyelid blepharoplasty

Lower eyelid surgery corrects sagging or puffiness of the lower eyelids. In this procedure, Dr. Halaas removes excess skin, muscle, and fat and may also reposition fat and/or tighten lax muscles as needed. The incision is hidden just below the lower lashes in natural crease lines where it is nearly invisible. In cases where excess fat is the main cause of sagging or bulging, the best approach may be to simply remove the fat through an incision inside the lower eyelid (this technique is called transconjunctival blepharoplasty). Furthermore, blepharoplasty is sometimes accompanied by laser treatment to tighten the lower eyelid skin.

Asian eyelid surgery

Also called double eyelid surgery, this is a unique procedure that creates a crease of skin in the upper eyelid partially covering the inner corner of the eye, also called the epicanthal fold. This fold is absent in approximately half of the Asian population. The artful and natural creation of this fold while respecting the patient’s ethnic considerations is key to success. Dr. Halaas performs three types of Asian eyelid surgeries depending on the unique appearance of each patient.

What to expect with a blepharoplasty procedure

When you decide to have blepharoplasty in NYC, you are welcomed at our modern New York City office, conveniently located in the heart of midtown Manhattan. Dr. Halaas will discuss the available options so that you have the most comfortable experience. Often, patients can choose between local anesthesia with a mild sedative or general anesthesia. Incisions are made with the utmost care in natural folds and crease lines, so the procedure will be virtually invisible. The procedure takes 2 to 3 hours depending on the exact treatment area or combination of treatment areas chosen. Blepharoplasty is one of the most successful operations in facial plastic surgery.

After blepharoplasty surgery

After blepharoplasty, your body will need time to heal. During the consultation and before the procedure, aftercare instructions will be discussed in detail. We always recommend bringing someone that can accompany you home. After the surgery, your eyes may feel sticky and dry and your vision may be blurry from swelling and from the healing ointment. Bruising and inflammation can last from a week to a month, but the discomfort should be minimal. To speed healing and minimize swelling, it is recommended to apply cold compresses to the treated area and keep your head upright. You may also be given eye ointments or eye drops. About 3 to 7 days after surgery, your stitches will be removed (unless they are self-dissolving). You can apply makeup to camouflage any bruising after the stitches are removed.

Benefits of eyelid surgery

Eyelid surgery is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the U.S. The benefits are not only cosmetic but medical as well. By removing excess skin, eyelid surgery can greatly improve eyesight, reduce headaches, and make you feel less tired. The cosmetic benefits of this procedure are numerous as it revitalizes one’s appearance. NYC eyelid surgery transforms a tired, swollen, sad look into a confident, rejuvenated, and attractive gaze. Many patients receive positive feedback from their environment after the procedure and they feel like they recognize themselves again in the mirror.

Why choose Dr. Halaas for blepharoplasty in NYC?

A successful surgical procedure starts with a qualified, trusted medical practitioner. Expert NYC eyelid surgeon Dr. Halaas is hailed by her peers, the media, and professional organizations alike for her expertise and outstanding results when performing reconstructive or cosmetic plastic surgery. As a double-board certified facial plastic surgeon, she is licensed to practice in New York and New Jersey. Recognized as one of the best plastic surgeons in New York, she is dedicated to continuous training and education and provides only top patient care.

FAQ

Does an eyelid surgery hurt?

No, eyelid surgery does not hurt. You will receive a local anesthetic so that you will not feel anything about the procedure. The needle for the anesthetic may feel uncomfortable, but this will pass in a second.

Can I have my upper and lower eyelid procedure simultaneously?

Yes, Dr. Halaas can perform a complete procedure in both areas. The benefit of performing simultaneous upper and lower blepharoplasty is that you only have to recover once.

How long is the effect visible?

The effect of the eyelid correction is visible for the rest of your life. Because we remove too much skin, the benefits will be long-lasting. However, your skin may sag again in the years following the procedure. This is the reason that we re-treat some patients after ten years. In most cases, however, this is not necessary.

Does the surgery leave scars?

The scars of an eyelid correction fall away in your eyelids. Dr. Halaas will carefully use natural folds and creases to discretely hide the scars. The scars will be visible directly after the surgery and the skin needs some time to heal. After a few months, no one will see that you have had surgery.

How soon can I get back to work?

After the surgery your eyelids will be somewhat swollen, there may be discoloration due to bleeding and there are still stitches in the wounds. You must rest sufficiently to promote recovery. We recommend staying at home for five to seven days after the eyelid correction. With physically demanding work you may have to take a longer time off to prevent excessive pressure on the eyelids.

Eyelid surgery in New York City – book a consultation

Do you want to improve your eyelids for cosmetic or medical reasons? Are you looking for an expert NYC eyelid surgeon to achieve beautiful and natural-looking results? Book a consultation with leading plastic surgeon Dr. Halaas. She will provide a thorough examination in which she evaluates your situation and makes recommendations to restore the natural appearance of your eyelids with undetectable state-of-the-art techniques and rejuvenating outcomes. For more information about blepharoplasty in NYC, please call (212) 688-5955 or visit Dr. Halaas’ clinic in New York City to set up your no-obligation eyelid surgery consultation today.

Real patient questions about eyelid surgery

Will eyelid surgery change the shape of my eyes?

Neither upper nor lower eyelid surgery should change the shape of your eyes. After surgery, your eyes will appear more refreshed and youthful, similar to how they looked years ago. This means that they will appear more open, but they will be the same shape as before. Often, patients who lack an upper eyelid fold request a change to their upper eyelid shape, or they are interested in creating an almond shape to their eyes. If either of these are something you’re considering, please bring it up with Dr. Halaas during your consultation.

At what age should I get eyelid surgery?

Any age can be a good time for eyelid surgery. Some patients even complain about lower eyelid puffiness or extra upper eyelid skin during their teenage years. The eyes tend to be the first area where aging becomes apparent, and surgery to improve this is very common for patients in their 30s and 40s. Furthermore, since eyelid surgery achieves such a natural and refreshed appearance, it’s also an excellent choice for older patients who want a subtle rejuvenation without undergoing extensive surgery. A good rule of thumb for people who wear makeup is this: When your upper eyelid eyeliner starts rubbing off onto your upper lid and turning into eyeshadow, it might be good time to consider an upper blepharoplasty.

What are my options for improving crow’s feet if I’ve developed immunity or resistance to Botox?

Many times, a patient will respond to Botox® as long as it’s properly dosed. But beyond Botox, you can consider an injectable filler — for example, collagen or hyaluronic acid. Upper eyelid surgery may also be the answer. The heaviness of excess upper eyelid skin can make crow’s feet look even worse, but upper eyelid surgery can help improve your appearance by simply removing the excess skin.

One of my upper eyelids droops more than the other, so much so that my eyes look crooked. What can I do?

It’s possible to get upper blepharoplasty on just one eye to correct facial asymmetry. Although facial symmetry can often be successfully achieved, it’s important to understand that it’s impossible to achieve true perfection.

Can blepharoplasty help reduce the puffy bags and dark circles under my eyes?

Blepharoplasty can help reduce the puffiness and bags underneath your eyes, but it won’t help with the dark circles. Dark circles are caused by a variety of reasons, but the good news is that this condition can be remedied with an injectable filler such as Restylane®.

I just turned 50. My top eyelids are droopy, and I have dark bags under my eyes. Can eyelid surgery fix this?

Yes, you are a perfect candidate for blepharoplasty because this procedure surgically removes extra skin, muscle, and fat from both the upper and lower eyelids, resulting in a more youthful appearance.

One of my eyes is closed more than the other, and it makes my face look uneven. Can this be corrected?

Definitely. Blepharoplasty can open your eye slightly so the proportions of both eyes are more even. You’ll not only achieve a more uniform look, but a brighter and less tired appearance.

It’s been two months since my upper and lower eyelid surgery, and my scars are still pink and visible without makeup.

Scars can stay pink for about six months or longer as your eyes heal. Eventually you can rely on the scars to fade, becoming nearly invisible. The sun makes scars more noticeable, so it’s very important to wear sunblock and sunglasses as much as possible.

I had an upper eyelid lift one week ago, and I’m still having swelling periodically throughout the day and night — although the swelling is only on one side of my face.

This is common, and there’s no need for alarm. Swelling is most visible during the first week after surgery, and it will gradually subside in the next two weeks. Be sure to sleep with your head elevated and regularly use ice to prevent more swelling from occurring. It’s also very important to wear sunglasses when you go outside.

My eyelids droop so much that I can’t wear eye shadow, and they’re so puffy underneath that eyeliner just draws more attention to the bags. Can eyelid surgery help?

Yes. You are an ideal candidate for blepharoplasty. The symptoms you describe are common, and happen in most women with age. Blepharoplasty can open tired eyes and take away unwanted bags for a much more youthful appearance.

Written by Dr. Halaas

Eyelid Surgery