Eyelid Surgery
(Blepharoplasty)
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Eyelid Surgery and Blepharoplasty New York
As we age, our skin becomes thinner and more lax, muscles weaken, and natural fat stores can slip from their youthful position. Around the eyes, lax skin and displaced fat can cause puffiness and bulging, as well as “bags” and hollowing under the eyes. Excess skin can droop over the upper lashes and — in some cases — may even impair vision. As a result, the entire face may appear tired, careworn, and older. Eyelid surgery (also called an eyelift or blepharoplasty) can minimize the signs of aging around the eyes by addressing excess skin and prominent fat in the upper lids, lower lids, or both. At Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC, we offer a variety of excellent techniques that may be used either alone, or in combination, to help refresh and rejuvenate the eyes. Minimally invasive options include BOTOX®, temporary dermal fillers, fat grafting, or laser skin resurfacing. Surgical techniques can remove excess loose skin; reposition, re-drape, or remove bulging fat; correct bagging and hollowing; and restore the eyes to their natural, youthful contours. Dr. Levine will meet with you to help you decide which procedure or combination of procedures will have you looking and feeling your best.
| WHAT CAN EYELID SURGERY (BLEPHAROLPLASTY) DO FOR ME?* |
| Remove loose and excess skin around the eyes |
| Restore the natural contour of the upper eyelid |
| Reduce puffiness around the eyes caused by excess or displaced fatty deposits |
| Correct “bags” in the lower eyelids |
| Improve the appearance of “hooding” in the upper eyelids |
| Correct impaired vision from excess eyelid skin |
| Rejuvenate, refresh, and improve the appearance of the eyes and the upper face |
| Make the face look younger and more refreshed |
Who is a good candidate for eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)?
Eyelid surgery may be an excellent option for people who wish to refresh and rejuvenate the area around the eyes. People who have loose or excess skin in the upper eyelids, as well those with puffiness, “bags,” hollowing, or wrinkles around the eyes, may be good candidates for an eyelid lift. In certain cases, minimally invasive approaches, such as BOTOX®, dermal fillers, or laser resurfacing, may be considered instead of, or in combination with, eyelid surgery. Dr. Levine will meet with you to discuss whether you are a good candidate for eyelid surgery.
| EYELID SURGERY (BLEPHAROPLASTY) AT A GLANCE | ||
| Procedure* | Recovery* | Post-Op Care* |
| Performed in our accredited in-office surgical facility | Go home same day |
Sutures will be removed in 5-7 days |
| Surgery time approximately 1-2 hours | Back to work in 4-7 days | |
| Local or twilight anesthesia | Light cardio exercise in 5-7 days | |
| More strenuous exercise in 2 weeks | ||
Can eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) be combined with other procedures?
Absolutely. Eyelid surgery is often combined with a browlift, fat grafting, and laser skin resurfacing in order to achieve the best results. Eyelid surgery may also be combined with other cosmetic procedures, such as facelift, cheek lift, chin augmentation, and body contouring. Dr. Levine will discuss with you what procedure or combination of procedures may best suit your specific needs.
How is eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) performed?
Eyelid surgery can address problems in the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both lids. The technique used will depend on the particular anatomy and needs of each patient. Upper eyelid surgery can improve upper eyelid contours by removing excess skin. Incisions are well hidden in the crease of the upper eyelid. Lower eyelid surgery can reduce the signs of aging in the lower lids. Incisions are hidden either inside the lower eyelid or just below the eyelash line. Fatty deposits may be repositioned and muscles may be tightened to improve support. Dr. Levine will discuss with you which techniques will best suit your specific needs.
How can I prepare for eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)?
During your initial consultation, Dr. Levine will examine your eyelid structure, including the amount and quality of the skin and soft tissue in the upper and lower eyelids. He will thoroughly discuss your goals and expectations, including possible risks and the best way to prepare for your surgery. He will let you know what to expect before, during, and after your procedure, and he will answer any questions that you may have.
What type of anesthesia will be used?
We recommend local or twilight anesthesia for eyelift surgery. You will discuss your procedure thoroughly with both Dr. Levine and our board-certified anesthesiologist to determine the best type of anesthesia for your needs.
What should I expect during eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)?
Eyelift surgery is performed on an outpatient basis in our state-of-the-art, in-office operating suite, which is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). The length of your procedure will depend on many factors, but on average, the procedure usually takes about 1-2 hours.* After your procedure, you will wake up in our warm and caring recovery suite, where our licensed, registered nurse will make sure you are comfortable and assist in your recovery. You will be able to go home the same day with a friend or family member.
What can I expect after eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)?
Every surgery is different, and you will receive detailed post-operative instructions for your specific needs. In general, you may expect to have mild to moderate swelling for 1 week after your procedure. Cold compresses can help alleviate the swelling. Most patients report mild pain after the surgery, which is usually well-tolerated with medications.* At Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC, our concern for you doesn’t end when you go home. We’re dedicated to providing ongoing care to ensure a fast, safe, and smooth recovery. Dr. Levine will see you for post-operative visits, and he and our staff stand ready to answer any questions you may have about your recovery, as well as your overall health and well-being.
Is there anything I can do before and after my procedure to maximize results?
One of the many wonderful qualities that sets us apart at Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC is our ability to use a multidisciplinary approach to optimize results. With expertise in both plastic surgery and dermatology, Dr. Elie Levine and Dr. Jody Levine work together to help prepare, protect, and treat the skin before, during, and after your procedure. As one of New York’s leading dermatologists, Dr. Jody Levine will customize a skincare regimen that includes pre-surgical measures to optimize your skin, as well as post-surgical skincare that can help prevent irritation, alleviate bruising and inflammation, and promote faster healing. Unlike other practices, we include these unique pre- and post-surgery skincare packages as part of your surgical plan. Our pre-surgery facials and microdermabrasion treatments help prepare your skin for surgery and ensure the best recuperation. Post-operative packages include lymphatic massage with our skilled medical aesthetician in order to enhance circulation, support healing and improved immunity function, and leave the skin looking radiant and healthy.* With our extensive array of lasers, we are able to provide post-surgical laser treatments to best accelerate your healing. The Drs. Levine will be happy to discuss with you the best skincare approach for your specific needs.
