An Eyelid Lift Surgery, or Blepharoplasty is a plastic surgery cosmetic procedure that removes excess eyelid skin and wrinkles, reduces puffiness or lower eye bags, and creates a more youthful look to the eyes. As we get older, or sometimes genetically, there is excess hanging skin over the eyes or lower eye bags. This can make patients look tired and aged. My female patients often complain that they have trouble applying eyeshadow and their eyeliner constantly imprints itself higher up on the lid. My patients with excessive upper eyelid skin often feel tired – that they have to strain or lift their eyebrows to see or read. The puffiness to the lower lids makes patients look sad or sleepy. An eyelid lift surgery is designed to restore a more youthful appearance to your eyes and relieve some of these common complaints. It may involve the upper lids, the lower lids, or both. It is sometimes combined with a brow lift, or Botox around the eyes to create a complete harmonious appearance of the upper face.
When it comes to eyelid lift surgery, I strongly believe in creating natural looking results. Too often this surgery is performed too aggressively especially with the upper eyelid, creating an unnatural “surprised” look, or changing the natural or cultural shape of the eye making it look fake.

In your consultation, I will take the time to understand what you hope to achieve as well as do a detailed facial evaluation. As every person’s face is different, we will work together as a team to develop a customized plan to achieve your desired results. As it is important for the face to match the neck, eyes and forehead, we will discuss a comprehensive plan so your entire look is balanced and harmonious.
I will do a detailed consultation, take a complete medical history and conduct a careful examination and develop a customized plan based on your anatomy as well as your aesthetic goals. I consider age, overall health, emotional well being, as well as expectations for surgery when evaluating a candidate for this procedure. Patients who smoke have a significantly higher risk of wound healing problems. I require patients to have stopped smoking for anywhere from 2 months to a year depending on their smoking history before having surgery. To minimize the possibility of excess bleeding, you will need to avoid taking drugs containing aspirin, anti-inflammatories, alcohol, or herbal medications two weeks before surgery. You will receive a complete list of medications to avoid and detailed instructions before surgery. I consider the preparation before surgery and your understanding of how to take care of yourself critical to having the best possible results so myself and my staff will walk you through each part of the process every step of the way.
When you come into the office during your consultation, I will analyze the upper and lower eyelids. The specific procedure and technique will be tailored to your individual anatomy. All your questions and concerns will be addressed prior to your eyelid lift surgery.

For your comfort and safety, eyelid lift surgery will be performed under general anesthesia. I perform the surgery under 3.5X microscopic examination in order to create as precise and symmetric results as possible. For upper eyelid lift surgery, I will make an incision in the crease of the upper lid. Excess skin is removed through this incision. For the lower eyelid lift surgery, if extra skin of the lower eyelid needs to be removed, the incision is made along the lash line and is hidden by lashes when healed. Fat is removed from an incision on the inside of the eyelid to get rid of the bags under the eyes. The incision line is meticulously and precisely closed with small sutures and results in a nearly invisible scar. I take extreme pride in my attention to detail with every single step of this surgery.
I believe that every part of the surgical team is essential to having a perfect and smooth surgery so every part of my extended team is focused during surgery, and pays attention to every detail. We will all ensure that as you enter the operating room and are gently placed under anesthesia you will feel relaxed and calm and excited. During the operation we will all be focused on keeping you warm, comfortable, and cared for. During the surgery, I am gentle and respectful and ensure a positive and calm environment around you. I will also place a numbing solution in your face so you will not feel pain even though you are under anesthesia.
The procedure may take up to 2-4 hours depending on the complexity and whether upper, lower or both eyelids are being lifted. Someone must drive you home and be available to care for you for the first 24 hours.

I use a special technique that has minimal pain and a quick recovery. If you do have discomfort, tylenol is usually all that’s needed. You will have swelling of your eyes as well as some bruising but it is usually very minimal. Most of the swelling and bruising resolves in a week but it will take 3-4 months to see the final result. The stitches will be removed in 5-7 days.
Most people resume their normal activities within a week or two. Moderate exercise such as walking or stationary biking is allowed after two week. Vigorous exercise such as jogging or aerobics may be resumed in 4 weeks. You will most likely be able to return to work after a week, but you will need to avoid any strenuous activity for at least a couple of weeks.
Scars take about a year to completely fade but they will be nearly invisible even in a few months. You will start scar treatments around 2 weeks after surgery. I will discuss scar care in detail with you and also provide you with scar medications and products. You should avoid the sun for months after surgery!
The healing process for eyelid lift is easy. Most importantly, you will still look like yourself, just refreshed and more youthful. I take great pride in creating natural looking results with nearly invisible incisions where patients can truly enjoy their results looking in the mirror every single day.