What is eyelid surgery?

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, addresses sagging skin on or around the eyelids to tighten and rejuvenate the eyes, achieving a younger, refreshed, and more appealing appearance.

There are different types of eyelid surgery that 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.

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 »

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

Before & After Eyelid Surgery in New York City

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

Expect to take about a week off from work after your blepharoplasty in Westchester. There will be some swelling and bruising that will diminish after the first few days, then slowly fade over the next week or so. To help minimize swelling or impairing healing, sleep on your back for 1-2 weeks. 

Before using contacts again, wait for 10-14 days. Glasses may be worn within a day of your surgery. Wait for 2-4 weeks before engaging in strenuous exercise or significantly exposing yourself to the sun.

Eyelid Surgery Patient Reviews

What procedures can be combined with eyelid surgery?

Eyelid surgery pairs well with a number of other surgical procedures, such as a facelift and neck lift. Eyelid surgery is also often complimented well by a brow lift surgery to achieve the most ideal, refreshed results.

Cost of eyelid surgery

Facial cosmetic surgery is completely customized for each individual to achieve their ideal results and address their exact, unique concerns. Dr. Halaas will determine your needs, the complexity of the procedure required, and whether you would like upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or both during the same procedure. Based on this consultation and your personalized surgical plan, Dr. Halaas will provide the exact cost of your procedure. To learn more about the cost of your eyelid surgery in NYC, please call our office to schedule a consultation.

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 my eyes look bigger?

Eyelid surgery achieves more open eyes that appear naturally larger.

Will blepharoplasty affect my sight?

Blepharoplasty can help improve sight if sagging eyelid skin was impairing the vision.

When can I exercise?

Most patients can return to vigorous exercise after 2-4 weeks.

How long do results last?

Results of lower eyelid surgery are considered permanent; results of upper eyelid surgery last for 5-7 years.

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.

Are there any risks?

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, both procedures are often performed at the same time.

When will I see results?

The final results are usually visible after about six weeks.

How long is the procedure?

Eyelid surgery takes 1-2 hours.

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?

Eyelid surgery is one of the least painful cosmetic surgeries, causing minimal discomfort during recovery.

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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