Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, removes excess skin, fat, and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids to address drooping, puffiness, or bags that can make the eyes appear tired or aged. This procedure is ideal for individuals experiencing vision obstruction from sagging upper lids or aesthetic concerns from lower lid bags due to aging, genetics, or environmental factors, and it focuses on achieving a natural, alert appearance that enhances overall facial harmony and confidence, drawing from insights gained through thousands of patients over the years.
Key Benefits
- Eliminated droopiness and bags for a more awake and youthful expression.
- Enhanced peripheral vision when upper lid sagging was impairing sight.
- Boosted self-esteem through subtle refinements that brighten the face naturally.
What to Expect
Consultations involve a detailed examination of eyelid structure, discussion of goals, and use of imaging to preview results. The surgery typically lasts one to two hours under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, with incisions hidden in natural creases to remove or reposition tissue. Recovery allows a return to light activities within one to two weeks, with initial swelling and bruising subsiding over several weeks to months as final contours emerge. Costs start around $4,000 to $8,000, varying based on whether upper, lower, or both eyelids are addressed and any combined procedures.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience at Cary Plastic Surgery in Cary, NC, I have performed blepharoplasty on thousands of patients, earning multiple "Voted Best Plastic Surgery" awards in the area. This procedure is particularly impactful for those feeling their eyes convey fatigue or age beyond their years, often restoring not just appearance but also function by alleviating vision issues from drooping lids.
Why Choose Dr. Hanna?
With over thirty years of expertise and thousands of blepharoplasties completed, I have honed methods that deliver natural, refreshed eyes without altering your inherent expressions, focusing on both aesthetic enhancement and functional improvement.
Patients frequently share how this surgery brightened their outlook, literally and figuratively, by clearing vision-obstructing lids. As a repeated award-winner for Best Plastic Surgery in Cary, NC, I prioritize your individual needs and consider factors like brow position or dry eye risks to craft plans that promote lasting, harmonious results.
Benefits of Blepharoplasty Eyelid Surgery
From my experience, blepharoplasty revitalizes the eyes as the focal point of the face, offering more than surface change by addressing both look and function. Key benefits include:
- Removed excess skin and fat for a smoother, more alert eyelid contour.
- Corrected drooping that may have impaired vision or caused headaches from straining.
- Restored youthful fullness and symmetry to complement overall facial features.
- Improved makeup application and expanded style options with brighter eyes.
- Heightened confidence; many patients report feeling more vibrant in interactions.
- Long-term advantages emerge with proper care, sustaining that refreshed appearance.
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Ideal Candidates
Ideal candidates are healthy adults noticing eyelid aging that affects their appearance or daily function, often in their forties or beyond but varying by individual factors. Success is highest in those with:
- Drooping upper lids, puffy lower bags, or excess skin creating a tired look.
- Good skin elasticity, overall health, and non-smoking status for better healing.
- Realistic expectations for subtle enhancement rather than total transformation.
- You should be free from certain eye conditions like severe dryness. If brow sagging contributes, we may recommend combining with a brow lift.
Schedule a Consultation to find out if you're a candidate.
Blepharoplasty Eyelid Surgery, Step-by-Step
The surgery takes place in our accredited facility under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, lasting one to two hours. Steps include:
- Incision:
Made discreetly in natural creases or inside the lid.
- Tissue Adjustment:
Remove or reposition excess fat, skin, and muscle.
- Refinement:
Tighten underlying structures for support.
- Closure:
Use fine sutures; apply ointment and light dressings.
You return home the same day with post-operative instructions.
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery emphasizes eye protection and gradual return to normalcy—most patients resume light activities within one to two weeks and see full refinement over months. Based on my protocols:
- Week 1: Apply cold compresses to manage swelling and bruising; keep head elevated and use prescribed drops for comfort.
- Weeks 2-4: Return to work if non-strenuous; avoid heavy lifting or rubbing eyes.
- Month 1 and beyond: Resume exercise and makeup; monitor for dryness with lubricating drops.
Tips from experience that may help the recovery process:
Protect eyes from sun with sunglasses, stay hydrated, and follow-up promptly for any concerns. Long-term: Annual eye checks and consistent skincare preserve your refreshed look.
Risks & Complications
As with any surgery, risks exist but are minimized through expertise. Common risks include temporary dryness, swelling, or asymmetry. More rare risks may involve infection or vision changes.
We review your medical history and discuss all possibilities during your blepharoplasty eyelid surgery to mitigate risks.
Benefits typically outweigh risks for well-suited candidates, with informed consent ensuring peace of mind.
** Individual results vary
Cost & Financing
We will always provide transparent pricing with no hidden costs. Blepharoplasty surgery typically starts at $4,000 for the upper or lower eyelids alone. This includes anesthesia, facility time, and follow-ups. The pricing varies depending on the exact extent surgery and combining blepharoplasty with other surgeries such as a brow lift.
We offer financing through CareCredit and accept major cards. During consultation, get a custom quote; insurance may cover if medically necessary.
Schedule a consultation and we'll provide you with a personalized quote for your blepharoplasty eyelid surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does blepharoplasty surgery take? The procedure typically lasts one to two hours at our practice, depending on upper, lower, or both eyelids.
- Will blepharoplasty leave visible scars? Scars are minimal and concealed in natural creases, fading over six to twelve months with options like creams available.
- Will insurance cover my blepharoplasty procedure? It may if functional for vision issues; we assist with documentation for approval.
- Can I combine blepharoplasty with other procedures? Yes, it often pairs with brow lifts or facelifts for comprehensive rejuvenation.
- How long do the results of blepharoplasty last? Results are long-lasting, often ten years or more, influenced by aging; skincare helps maintain them.
- Does blepharoplasty affect vision? It can improve vision by removing obstructive skin, but we evaluate this pre-operatively.