Tired eyes. Heavy lids. Under-eye bags. These common signs of aging can make you appear more fatigued, stressed, or older than you feel—no matter how much rest you get. If you’ve tried creams, serums, or even injectable treatments but still struggle with drooping lids or puffy eyes, eyelid surgery might be the solution you’ve been looking for.

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a precise surgical procedure that rejuvenates the appearance of the upper or lower eyelids. It’s one of the most effective—and most requested—cosmetic surgeries for creating a natural, refreshed look.

Whether you want to restore a youthful appearance, improve vision affected by sagging skin, or simply look more awake and alert, here’s what you need to know about eyelid surgery.

What Is Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is a procedure that removes or repositions excess skin, fat, and muscle from the upper and/or lower eyelids. It can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, depending on your goals and anatomy.

There are two main types of eyelid surgery:

Upper eyelid surgery removes excess skin and fat that can cause heaviness, hooding, or even interfere with vision. This is the most common form of blepharoplasty and is often sought by patients who feel they look tired, angry, or older than they feel.

Lower eyelid surgery focuses on smoothing out under-eye bags and puffiness by removing or repositioning fat and tightening loose skin. This creates a smoother, firmer transition between the lower eyelid and cheek.

In both cases, the goal is subtle but powerful: to enhance the eyes without changing their natural shape or expression.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

The best candidates for blepharoplasty are healthy adults bothered by visible signs of aging around the eyes. You might be a good candidate if you have:

• Sagging or drooping skin that affects the natural fold of your upper eyelids
• Puffiness or under-eye bags that persist despite rest or skincare
• Fine lines or wrinkling of the lower eyelids
• Excess upper eyelid skin that impairs your field of vision
• A chronically tired or heavy appearance around the eyes

Most patients are in their 40s or older, but younger candidates may benefit from surgery if they’ve inherited under-eye puffiness or hooded lids.

The Procedure: What to Expect

Eyelid surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia with sedation, though general anesthesia may be used in some cases. The surgery usually takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on whether both upper and lower lids are being treated.

During upper eyelid surgery, a small incision is made in the lid’s natural crease, allowing the surgeon to remove or reposition excess skin and fat. In lower eyelid surgery, the incision may be placed just below the lash line or inside the lower lid (a technique called transconjunctival blepharoplasty), depending on the approach.

These incisions are carefully placed to be as hidden as possible and heal into discreet, nearly invisible scars over time.

Recovery and Results

Recovery from blepharoplasty is generally smooth and well-tolerated. Most patients experience some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort in the first week, which can be managed with cold compresses and over-the-counter or prescription medication.

Here’s a general recovery timeline:

• Days 1–3: Swelling and tightness peak. You’ll need to rest with your head elevated and avoid heavy activity.
• Days 4–7: Stitches (if external) are removed. Swelling and bruising begin to improve.
• Days 7–10: Most patients feel comfortable returning to work or public activities.
• Weeks 2–6: Final swelling resolves, scars fade, and full results become visible.

Your eyes will look more open, alert, and youthful—without appearing “done.” Most patients say they still look like themselves—just more rested and refreshed.

Functional Benefits of Eyelid Surgery

While blepharoplasty is often viewed as a cosmetic procedure, it can also have important functional benefits, especially for patients with excess upper eyelid skin that obstructs their vision.

If you’ve noticed:

• Difficulty seeing your full field of vision
• Needing to tilt your head or raise your brows to see clearly
• Eye fatigue or headaches at the end of the day

You may be a candidate for upper eyelid surgery for medical reasons. In some cases, insurance may cover the procedure if the vision impairment is documented and significant.

Pairing Blepharoplasty with Other Treatments

Blepharoplasty can be performed on its own or combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures for more comprehensive results. Many patients choose to pair eyelid surgery with:

• Brow lift to elevate a drooping brow and smooth forehead lines
• CO2 laser resurfacing to improve skin tone and texture around the eyes
• Facelift or neck lift to address sagging in the lower face and neck
• Injectables like Botox or dermal fillers to enhance the overall result

Combining treatments allows for a more harmonious and balanced look, and one recovery period instead of multiple.

Long-Term Results and Longevity

One of the most rewarding aspects of eyelid surgery is how long the results last. Most patients enjoy their results for 10 to 15 years or more. While aging continues, the improvements from blepharoplasty are lasting and significant.

To extend your results, we recommend:

• Wearing daily SPF and sunglasses to protect delicate eyelid skin
• Avoiding smoking, which accelerates aging and healing complications
• Maintaining a consistent skincare routine
• Returning for occasional non-surgical maintenance treatments if desired

Why Eyelid Surgery Is Often the First—and Only—Facial Procedure Patients Choose

Many patients choose blepharoplasty as their first (and sometimes only) cosmetic surgery because the impact is so meaningful, and the change so natural.

The eyes are central to how we communicate, express emotion, and experience the world. A minor surgical adjustment to this area can profoundly affect how others perceive us—and how we see ourselves.

It’s not about looking different. It’s about looking like yourself—more awake, open, and at ease.

Is Eyelid Surgery Right for You?

If you’re tired of looking tired—and ready to refresh your appearance with lasting, natural results—eyelid surgery may be the right next step.

At Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona, our board-certified surgeons bring deep expertise, precision, and an aesthetic eye to every blepharoplasty procedure. We’ll walk you through every step of the process, from consultation to recovery, with care and transparency.

Schedule a consultation today to learn more about eyelid surgery and discover what’s possible for you. You might be surprised how much brighter the world feels when your eyes feel like yours again.