What Is Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)?
Also known as blepharoplasty, eyelift, or eyelid lift, eyelid surgery is a procedure that improves the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, making you look more rested, happier, and rejuvenated.
Based on statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, cosmetic eyelid surgery is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed in the United States for both men and women.
Types of Eyelid Surgery (Upper & Lower Eyelids)
We only have two upper and two lower lids, but there are more than two possible approaches to rejuvenating them. Think of the eyelids as complex and multilayered structures that do much more than closing over and protecting the eyes. If you start with this concept, it is very easy to understand that each layer of the eyelid can produce a distinct effect on your appearance and, consequently, needs a specific technique for cosmetic rejuvenation.
After you read this section that covers general information about all four eyelids, then you may click the links to your left for additional information on the different techniques used for the upper lids, laser eyelid surgery, transconjunctival eyelift (for the lower lids), Asian eyelid surgery, ethnic eyelid surgery, eyelid surgery for men and correction of blepharoplasty complications. If you still have questions, please contact our office for a personalized evaluation of your eyelids.
You can also visit the Before and After Gallery to see photos of eyelid surgery.
Benefits of Eyelid Surgery for a Refreshed Look
They say that “the eyes are the windows of our soul.” If you think about this more, it is not just the eyes themselves but the eyelids that mainly contribute to the emotional expression of our eyes, so they can look happy, sad, or angry. The shape and position of the eyelids define the ethnic characteristics of the eyes.
Studies have concluded that when we meet someone, we first look at their eyelids and brows as part of the initial visual contact. Then we look at their eyes, and finally, we scan the rest of the face.
Eyelid surgery may not only improve appearance and make your face look younger, but also rejuvenate it. It may also boost your confidence and well-being.
Eyelid Surgery Before and After Photos
Who Is a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
Do you feel like you are tired, or do people tell you that your eyes look tired or feel heavy all the time? Do you have dark circles and bags under your eyes? If you answer yes to these questions, you are a candidate for eyelid surgery. Dr. Glavas will help you set up goals and realistic expectations for your eyelids and face.
More specifically, eyelid surgery is indicated for:
- Loose or sagging skin that creates folds or disturbs the natural contour of the upper eyelid, sometimes impairing vision
- Excess fatty deposits that appear as dark circles or puffiness in the lower eyelids
- Bags under the eyes
- Droopiness or laxity of the lower eyelids, showing white below the eye
- Excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelid
Eyelid surgery has some limitations. It will NOT improve the appearance of droopy and heavy brows, nor the deep groove of the lower lids (tear trough deformity) caused by midface descent. These may be addressed with additional procedures that can be performed simultaneously with your eyelid surgery.
Testimonials
“I have seen Dr. Glavas for several small procedures to remove growths on my upper and lower eyelids. He and his team are professional, courteous, helpful and handle your case individually and with care. He is knowledgeable and has a great personality, and he reassured me every step of the way. None of the removals left scars and it was as pain free as it could have been. I highly recommend Dr. Glavas!”
How Eyelid Surgery Is Performed
Dr. Glavas offers more than one technique for eyelid surgery. Preparation for the surgery is as important as the surgery itself. Dr. Glavas reviews your past medical history and makes recommendations so you may be best prepared for your eyelid procedure.
Dr. Glavas will use a combination of technologies and methods to give you the most natural and rejuvenating result with the least downtime. Technologies, such as lasers for incisions and smoothing of the eyelid wrinkles, or radio-frequency, are used to minimize bleeding and reduce recovery time. Special postoperative measures and the use of products are recommended to enhance the result and speed recovery.
Combining Eyelid Surgery with Other Procedures
Yes! It is not unusual for patients who have eyelid surgery to take advantage of the recovery period and have other cosmetic procedures at the same time that they would never otherwise decide to have.
For example, someone may undergo a laser resurfacing procedure to repair the skin of the face, addressing sun damage, large pores, fine wrinkles, and spider veins.
Another common procedure combined with eyelid surgery is a midface lift, or SOOF lift, which helps suspend and improve the appearance of the cheekbones and midface. If you’re considering a fat transfer to the cheeks, there’s no better time than when undergoing lower eyelid surgery. Dr. Glavas can use the same incisions to perform both procedures, minimizing recovery time and enhancing your overall facial appearance.
It is not uncommon to combine eyelid surgery with a brow lift, either endoscopic or through the same eyelid incisions, to rejuvenate heavy and droopy eyebrows.
Finally, some patients will have total facial rejuvenation, combining eyelid surgery with a face or neck lift and lip augmentation.
Does Eyelid Surgery Hurt? What to Expect
After eyelid surgery, you may experience some discomfort. Postoperative pain is NOT a characteristic of eyelid surgery. The most common immediate postoperative symptoms are swelling of the eyelids and some bruising of the skin. These symptoms are worse the day after surgery. Some people will notice a burning sensation in the eyes that can easily be alleviated using cold compresses.
Eyelid Surgery Recovery and Downtime
Depending on the technique used for your procedure and your ability to heal, recovery may take from four days to two weeks. To reduce recovery downtime, it is important to follow the recommended postoperative care and use products available from our office.
The eyes are not patched after surgery, and your vision is unaffected. The average recovery time for the swelling and bruising to resolve is about one week.
Many of Dr. Glavas’ patients can continue their daily activities the day after the procedure. Strenuous activities such as lifting heavy weights are not recommended for the immediate postoperative period. Dr. Glavas can make your decision easier by reviewing the list of activities you may resume the day after surgery.
Returning to Work After Eyelid Surgery
You may return to work in a couple of days after your eyelid surgery. Your vision is unaffected, and you may wear glasses (regular or sunglasses) immediately after your procedure. If your work involves face-to-face client interaction, you may want to resume work after the swelling subsides (a few days). Dr. Glavas will advise you when you can use makeup over bruised areas.
Eyelid Surgery Cost in Boston, MA
It depends on the extent of the procedure. At Glavas Center, we offer personalized consultations to discuss pricing details and flexible payment plans to help you easily plan your cosmetic procedure.
We believe financial considerations should not be an obstacle to your procedure. At the office, we accept all methods of payment as well as financing by CareCredit. Please see our website’s financing section or click below to get an instant reply.
Eyelid Surgery Frequently Asked Questions
Is eyelid surgery painful?
Most patients experience only mild discomfort, which can be managed with medication. Some swelling and tightness may occur, but this usually improves within a few days.
How long is the recovery period?
Initial healing takes about 10 to 14 days, though residual swelling may take a few weeks to fully resolve. Most people return to normal activities within one to two weeks.
Are the results permanent?
The results of eyelid surgery can last for many years. However, the natural aging process may still gradually affect the eyelids.
Will there be visible scars?
Incisions are carefully placed along natural eyelid creases or the lash line, making them hard to see once healed. Scars tend to fade over several months.
When can I wear makeup again?
Most patients can start wearing makeup 10 to 14 days after the procedure. However, it’s important to wait until the incisions are fully closed and any irritation has subsided.
Can I drive after eyelid surgery?
You should not drive immediately after surgery due to temporary blurred vision or medication effects. Most patients can resume driving once they stop taking prescription pain medications and their vision has stabilized.
Is eyelid surgery only for cosmetic reasons?
Some patients choose eyelid surgery to improve obstructed vision caused by drooping upper eyelids. Depending on your needs, it can be both a cosmetic and functional procedure.
What’s the difference between upper and lower eyelid surgery?
Upper eyelid surgery targets sagging skin and folds that can hang over the eyes. Lower eyelid surgery reduces puffiness, under-eye bags, and loose skin beneath the eyes.
Contact Us Today
If drooping eyelids, puffiness, or loose skin are making your eyes look tired or affecting your vision, it’s time to consider expert care at the Glavas Center. Serving Boston, Beverly, and New York City, Dr. Ioannis P. Glavas is a board-certified eyelid specialist with years of experience in advanced oculofacial procedures. For more information about eyelid surgery or to schedule an appointment, please call 617-262-0070 or contact us by email by completing the form below.
Your Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) will be performed by Dr. Glavas in Boston.
Contact Us
612.262.0070
"*" indicates required fields