Eyelid surgery can dramatically improve the appearance of your face by restoring a youthful and more alert eye shape and smooth under eye area. The procedure also has functional benefits, particularly in patients where the upper eyelid is drooping over the eye, obstructing their field of vision. Poor eyelid surgeries result in visible scarring or asymmetry. Our goal is to ensure that your natural beauty, eye shape, and facial contours remain intact so that you look better, not different.

Before your blepharoplasty, we’ll set up a consultation and talk about your desired outcomes, anatomy, and medical history. We’ll take photographs and measurements, and will recommend a treatment based on your surgical goals. We’ll also discuss the eyelid surgery procedure, anesthesia, potential complications and risks, anticipated recovery, and the healing process.

Your optometrist or ophthalmologist may perform visual field testing and eye exams to support insurance claims. Upper eyelid surgery is often covered by insurance, particularly when the patient’s eyelids significantly obstruct their visual field.

Upper Eyelid Surgery

Patients who seek upper eyelid surgery often have drooping eyelid folds above the eye. These excess tissue folds may obstruct their vision, or it could just be a cosmetic concern. Hooded, sagging eyelids droop down below the brow bone, making eyes look more narrow, puffy, or tired. During upper eyelid surgery, we remove extra skin and fat and correct any asymmetry in the upper eyelid crease.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

Wrinkly, puffy, or sagging under eye bags are common as we age. During lower eyelid surgery, we remove or reposition fat deposits seated under the lower eyelid to smooth out and tighten the under eye area. This is often combined with laser resurfacing to further tighten the skin and remove fine wrinkles. Lower eyelid surgery is the most effective and long-lasting method for treating under eye bags.

Double Eyelid Surgery

During double eyelid surgery, we combine upper and lower eyelid surgeries to rejuvenate the entire eye area. At Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona, we provide discounts for subsequent cosmetic procedures. Booking double eyelid surgery is more cost-effective than standalone surgeries and reduces recovery time.

What to Expect

The entire blepharoplasty procedure takes around one hour, and you can go home the same day. Please ask somebody to drive you home, because you won’t be able to operate a vehicle after anesthesia.

Sedation and Surgery

Upper eyelid surgery can be performed under local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia. Lower eyelid surgery is usually performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia. For upper eyelid surgery, we’ll make a discreet incision in the upper eyelid’s natural crease. During lower eyelid surgery, we’ll make an incision inside the lower eyelid. In some patients, we’ll need to excise excess lower eyelid skin through an incision just below the lash line. We’ll excise excess skin and fat while addressing asymmetry. Finally, we’ll close the incisions with sutures and will see you in a week to remove them.

Directly following surgery you may experience temporary blurred vision, watering eyes, or double vision. This is from the ointment that we put in your eyes during surgery. Our eyelid surgery patients usually feel ready to return to work and normal activities within a week or two. It’s important to follow proper blepharoplasty aftercare instructions. Some swelling and bruising are common.

Medical Review: This procedural information has been medically reviewed by plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Brian A. Cripe, M.D.