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Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

What is Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess skin, fat, and lax muscle from the upper or lower eyelids, delivering a refreshed, more alert appearance that still looks like you.

Over time, the eyelids can droop due to aging, weakening muscles, or fat shifting under the skin. These changes can affect not just your appearance but also your vision. Eyelid surgery corrects these concerns with precision and care, restoring both form and function.

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Key Information

  • Reduces sagging or drooping in upper eyelids
  • Removes puffiness or under-eye bags from the lower lids
  • Enhances eye contour and creates a more youthful appearance
  • Can improve peripheral vision if upper lid sagging blocks sight
  • Incisions are well-concealed in natural eyelid creases
  • Typically performed in 1–1.5 hours as an outpatient procedure
  • Minimal scarring and relatively quick recovery
  • Often combined with a brow lift or facelift for full facial rejuvenation
  • Personalized to your anatomy and aesthetic goals
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Understanding Your Options

Your eyes are one of the most expressive features of your face—and often the first place signs of aging appear. We offer both upper and lower eyelid surgery options customized to your facial structure and goals. Whether your goal is to restore alertness or reduce puffiness, we’ll guide you toward the best solution for your needs.

Upper Eyelid Surgery

Ideal for patients with excess skin hanging over the upper lid, contributing to a tired appearance or even obstructing vision.

  • A small incision is made in the natural eyelid crease
  • Excess skin and fat are removed or repositionedThe result is a more open, lifted, and youthful eye appearance
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Lower Eyelid Surgery

Best for addressing under-eye bags, puffiness, or loose skin that creates a shadowed or fatigued look.

  • An incision is placed just beneath the lower lash line or inside the eyelid (transconjunctival)
  • Fat is removed or redistributed, and skin may be tightened
  • Results in a smoother under-eye area and refreshed facial expression
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What to Expect During Surgery

Eyelid surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure and typically lasts about one hour for each eyelid area.

After administering local anesthesia with sedation—or general anesthesia, if preferred—your surgeon will make precise incisions in the natural folds of your eyelid (upper or lower). Fat and tissue are removed or repositioned through these incisions, and skin is gently tightened for a smoother appearance.

Once the procedure is complete, incisions are carefully closed to minimize visible scarring. Patients return home the same day and begin recovery with the support of our care team.

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Recovery Timeline

  • Week 1:
    Mild bruising, swelling, and sensitivity around the eyes. Cold compresses and head elevation help ease discomfort. Most patients feel well enough to resume light activity in a few days.
  • Week 2:
    Bruising begins to fade. Stitches (if not dissolvable) are removed. Vision is clear, and discomfort is minimal. Many patients return to work or social settings.
  • Week 3-4:
    Swelling continues to subside. Final results begin to show with a noticeably brighter, smoother eye contour.

Am I a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

You may want to consider eyelid surgery if you:

  • Have drooping upper eyelids that affect your appearance or vision
  • Struggle with puffiness or bags under the eyes
  • Want to look more rested and alert without altering your natural features
  • Are in good health and have realistic goals for facial rejuvenation
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Find Your Surgeon

PRMA’s board-certified, fellowship-trained microsurgeons perform over 1,000 DIEP flap procedures every year, making us one of the most experienced breast reconstruction centers in the world. Every surgery is performed by two microsurgeons, enhancing safety, precision, and outcomes—with a flap success rate of over 99%. With more than 15,000 reconstructions performed to date, our team delivers world-class expertise you can trust.
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Dr. Andrew Gassman
Plastic & Reconstructive Microsurgeon specializing in breast reconstruction and aesthetic surgery
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Dr. Anton Fries
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon specializing in advanced lymphatic surgery and reconstructive microsurgery
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Dr. Lauren Whipple
Plastic & Reconstructive Microsurgeon specializing in breast reconstruction and reconstructive care
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Dr. Edwin Acevedo
Plastic & Reconstructive Microsurgeon specializing in breast reconstruction and microsurgery

Will Insurance Cover Eyelid Surgery?

Upper eyelid surgery may be covered by insurance if excess skin interferes with your vision. Lower eyelid surgery is typically elective. We’ll help you determine coverage and guide you through financing options.

For more information, visit our Insurance FAQs in the patient resource center.
INSURANCE FAQ
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Preparing for Surgery

Explore everything you need to know to feel confident and prepared, from consultation prep to post-op recovery tips.

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Preparing for Surgery
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Frequently Asked Questions

Will I still look like myself after eyelid surgery?
Yes. Our goal is to enhance, not change, your appearance. You’ll look more refreshed, not different.
Is recovery from eyelid surgery painful?
Most patients report only mild discomfort. Swelling and bruising are common but fade quickly with rest and care.
Are the scars from eyelid surgery noticeable?
Incisions are hidden in the natural creases of the eyelid and are typically undetectable once healed.
Can I combine eyelid surgery with other procedures?
Absolutely. Eyelid surgery is often combined with a brow lift or facelift for a more complete facial rejuvenation.

Refresh Your Look With Confidence

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