As we age, the sun, environment, and personal behaviors such as smoking can cause the skin around our eyes to age dramatically. Throw in decreasing collagen and elastin, whose production in the body decreases every year after age 20, and your eyes can look tired all the time. It doesn’t help that the skin surrounding the eyes is also some of the thinnest on the entire human body, making it more prone to wrinkling and sagging.
The eyes are one of the first areas to show aging, especially if you’ve spent lots of time in the sun or if you’ve smoked. This is unfair really because studies show that the eyes are the focal point of the face when first meeting a new person.
Eyelid surgery can turn back the clock on your aging eyes. And eyelid surgery is one procedure your friends won’t even know you’ve had. They’ll just know you somehow look younger.
What Is a Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty, the clinical term, can be done on one or both eyelids, depending on your personal situation. Dr. Ferraro removes excess skin and tightens the underlying muscles. Fat is often repositioned, rather than removed, to prevent the patient from acquiring a hollow look in the area. Bags below the eyes can be improved with lower eyelid surgery, although not removed totally.
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Before & After Blepharoplasty Photos
Who are the Ideal Candidates for Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid surgery continues to grow in popularity with both women and men. After all, aging and the sun don’t show sexual preference on human eyelids. Plus, men are increasingly feeling the need to compete with younger counterparts in the workplace and eyelid surgery provides instant, yet subtle, results.
Anyone in good health can consider eyelid surgery. The only exception is people with existing eye diseases. Macular degeneration, glaucoma, dry eye, and other eye problems need to be addressed, and hopefully corrected, before any surgery with Dr. Ferraro can be considered.
How is Eyelid Surgery Performed?
You can opt to have eyelids surgery on one or both eyelids. The procedure doesn’t take lots of time but is very delicate. With an expert surgeon such as Dr. Ferraro, there will be no visible scarring.
On the upper eyelid, a small incision is made in the natural crease of the eyelid, hiding it. From there, Dr. Ferraro tightens the muscle tissue, repositions and removes fat, and removes any excess skin.
On the lower eyelid, the incision can be placed in two locations — just below the eyelash or on the inside of the lower lid (called a transconjunctival incision). Here excess skin is removed to attempt to minimize the appearance of wrinkles, puffiness, and bags. Fat is handled very carefully in the lower lid area.
How Long Does Eyelid Surgery Take?
The average surgical time is one hour. The time can vary with individual patient needs which will be discussed prior to your surgery.
What Is The Recovery From Eyelid Surgery?
While you would think that such a delicate area would make for a difficult recovery, it’s just the opposite. Recovery from blepharoplasty is one of the easier cosmetic surgery recoveries. When you return home, you’ll be provided with eye lubricant drops and a cold compress to place across your eyes. If you use the compress as instructed, swelling and bruising will be minimal. After a week your stitches will be removed and usually your eyelids look perfectly normal, just years younger!
How Much Does Blepharoplasty Surgery Cost?
The cost of eyelid surgery is generally $5,000. However, because each patient is unique, this cost can vary. To learn more about what you can expect to pay for eyelid surgery, we invite you to call our practice for more information. Scheduling a consultation with Dr. Ferraro will allow you to review costs and other questions you may have regarding this procedure.
What Our Patients Have To Say
I made the decision to get a breast reduction and immediately started my research about the procedure and finding the right doctor. It took me weeks until I came across Dr. Ferraro’s website.
After reading about his work, experience and what his expertise include, I knew that I found the right doctor for my procedure. My first consultation went so well. He explained and gave me all the information I needed. He answered all my questions and he was so professional the whole time. His staff is amazing, they accommodated me and helped me throughout the whole process before and after my surgery.
Right now, I am 10 days post surgery and I’m in love with my results. I finally got the breast size I always wanted and my recovery hasn’t been painful at all. Dr. Ferraro really cares for his patients and made sure to check on my status and so did his staff. I am so pleased with my whole experience and I can’t wait to see my final results once I am healed.
Thank you Dr. Ferraro and your whole team. You guys are the best and I would 100% recommend you.
Is Eyelid Surgery Safe?
There are very few complications that ever arise with eyelid surgery. Dr. Ferraro is highly experienced in blepharoplasty procedures, so you can relax knowing you are in great hands of a premier plastic surgeon. As with any surgery, there are risks that will be discussed prior to your consent of the procedure, in which Dr. Ferraro will address any questions you may have.
What Are The Risks Of Eyelid Surgery?
While complications are rare, lid lag can be a potential side effect. Lid lag is a pulling down of the lower eyelid which is often temporary. Other side effects include swelling and bruising, dryness to the eyes, sensitivity to bright light, scarring, and changes in skin sensation. Any questions you may have about side effects will be discussed during your consultation.
Are There Any Visible Scars From The Blepharoplasty Surgery?
Initially, scars will appear after the incisions are made. However, these scars heal very well. You will notice improvements in the scar healing process in the days and weeks after the surgery. From 6 months to a year, you will barely notice the scars from the surgery. Dr. Ferraro will provide you with information to ensure your recovery after the surgery is as seamless as possible.
When Will I Be Able To Return To Work After Blepharoplasty?
Patients can expect to return to work after one to two weeks following the procedure.
Eyelid Surgery FAQs
In some cases, yes. When excess upper eyelid skin droops significantly, it can obstruct peripheral vision. Removing that excess tissue may improve the visual field. However, not all eyelid procedures are performed for functional reasons. During consultation, your anatomy and concerns are evaluated to determine whether vision improvement is a potential benefit.
Upper eyelid surgery focuses on removing excess skin and, sometimes, excess fat that causes heaviness or hooding. Lower eyelid surgery addresses puffiness, under-eye bags, and loose skin beneath the eyes. Some patients choose one procedure, while others combine both for a more comprehensive result. The choice depends on your specific concerns and facial anatomy.
Yes. Eyelid surgery is often combined with procedures such as a brow lift, facelift, or Botox. Combining treatments can create a more balanced result when multiple areas of the face show signs of aging. A personalized consultation helps determine whether combining procedures makes sense for your goals.
The goal of blepharoplasty is not to alter your natural eye shape but to restore a more refreshed appearance. When performed carefully, eyelid surgery maintains your unique features while reducing heaviness or puffiness. Subtle refinement rather than dramatic change is typically the objective.
Results from eyelid surgery are long-lasting. While the natural aging process continues, excess skin and repositioned fat do not simply return. Many patients enjoy their results for many years before considering any additional treatment. Maintaining healthy skin habits and sun protection (including sunscreen and sunglasses) can help preserve surgical outcomes.
Most patients describe discomfort as mild rather than painful. Temporary tightness, swelling, or irritation may occur during the early recovery period. Following post-operative instructions helps minimize discomfort and supports proper healing.
Yes. Because anesthesia or sedation is typically used, arrangements should be made for someone to drive you home and stay with you during the first night. Planning ahead promotes a smooth, comfortable recovery.
Makeup is usually avoided for about one to two weeks, depending on healing progress. Applying cosmetics too early may irritate the incision areas. Specific timing will be discussed during your follow-up visits.
Blepharoplasty improves puffiness and excess skin, which may indirectly reduce shadowing under the eyes. However, dark circles caused by pigmentation or thin skin may require alternative treatments such as laser therapy or fillers. A consultation helps determine the underlying cause of discoloration.
Eyelid surgery is not based strictly on age but on anatomy and concern. Some individuals develop hereditary puffiness or hooding in their 30s or 40s. If excess tissue affects appearance or comfort, the procedure may be considered regardless of age.
Testimonials
Disclaimer: Results and patient experience may vary
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