Blepharoplasty

Conveniently located to serve the areas of New Jersey and the Tri-state Area

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure that refreshes the upper and lower eyelids by trimming excess skin, tightening loose tissue, and removing bulging fat for a smoother look. Eyelid surgery can correct the appearance of “hooded” eyes by removing droopy tissue above the lash line. During a blepharoplasty, we can improve the appearance of the upper lids, the lower lids, or both depending on your needs.

At Palisade Plastic Surgery, Dr. Paul H. Rosenberg and Dr. Abraham Pathak have decades of experience helping patients refresh their complexions and brighten their eyes. Contact our office or call (201) 585-2388 to learn more about how we can help you achieve your goals.

About Blepharoplasty

The eyes being one of the most noticeable parts of the face, play a key role in establishing facial harmony and a sense of one’s age. The surrounding delicate tissue is particularly susceptible to age-related changes, and a blepharoplasty can brighten your eyes so you do not look perpetually fatigued. Surgeons performed the effective procedure more than 120,000 times in 2023 to help patients restore their eyes. (1)

As you age, the skin along your eyelids can begin to droop from lack of collagen and the muscles that raise the eyelids can weaken over time. Sun exposure and UV light can also cause the skin to droop significantly, resulting in approximately 80% of signs of facial aging. (2) For some, droopy eyelids can result from:

  • Injury
  • Diabetes
  • Horner syndrome
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Stroke
  • Tumor
  • Eyelid swelling

Our surgeons produce natural-looking results by addressing all the layers of skin above your eyes that contribute to an aged appearance. This may include the use of laser resurfacing or chemical peels to smooth superficial wrinkles and non-surgically tighten excess skin.

Symptoms of Droopy Eyelids

Blepharoplasty is not just cosmetic; it can enhance your quality of life. A common symptom of droopy eyes is a loss of the usual field of vision, especially the upper and outer parts of your field of vision. Usually, this change occurs gradually, and you may start to experience:

  • Trouble driving
  • Blurred vision while watching TV
  • Extremely dry or watery eyes
  • Clumsiness or walking into objects
  • People telling you that you look tired due to the baggy or sagging appearance of your eyelids

An optometrist or ophthalmologist can test your visual field and determine if you are experiencing visual defects due to the shape or position of the eyelids. Some babies are born with droopy eyelids called congenital ptosis. The child may lift his or her eyebrows or tilt the head back to be able to see. With a blepharoplasty, we can not only improve your field of vision but also help you achieve smoother eyes without sagging skin and wrinkles that make you look older than you are.

Blepharoplasty Benefits

Blepharoplasty offers numerous benefits, making it a desirable option for balancing your facial features. With a blepharoplasty, we can:

  • Reduce sagging skin: The procedure removes excess skin that causes drooping eyelids.
  • Eliminate puffiness: By addressing fat deposits in the lower eyelids, patients can achieve a more refreshed look.
  • Improve your field of vision: For those whose upper eyelids obstruct their peripheral vision, eyelid surgery can result in clearer sight.
  • Help you achieve a more youthful appearance: Patients often notice a more vibrant and youthful expression following the surgery.
  • Increase your confidence: A rejuvenated eye area can significantly enhance a person’s self-esteem.
  • Reduce scarring: Incisions are strategically placed to ensure any resulting scars are discreet and barely noticeable.
  • Provide a natural look and long-lasting effects: Patients can enjoy a brighter look for many years if they take good care of their skin.

Candidates

Good candidates for eyelid surgery are individuals who wish to correct the appearance of sagging or drooping eyelids, puffiness or bags under the eyes, excess skin obscuring the natural eyelid crease, or impaired vision due to sagging upper eyelids. Ideal candidates for blepharoplasty are adults who are generally healthy and wish to improve the appearance of their eyelids. Individuals experiencing one or more of the following issues may find this procedure beneficial:

  • Excess skin on the upper eyelids
  • Bags or puffiness beneath the eyes
  • Droopy eyelids that interfere with vision
  • Signs of fatigue due to undereye bags and sagging

Personal Consultation

During your consultation, we will examine your skin and ask about your current lifestyle and any medications you are taking. Please come prepared to discuss your aesthetic goals and whether or not you would like to improve the appearance of both your upper and lower eyelids. We will review your medical history and discuss whether or not you have had previous aesthetic procedures. Taking time to ask questions and review your goals will be important for determining whether or not the procedure is a good fit for you. We will create a treatment plan for your specific facial features and goals to help you achieve balance while eliminating droopiness for smoother eyes. To learn more about additional procedures, see our guide.

Preparation

Once your surgery date has been set, you will receive specific preoperative instructions for a smooth procedure and optimal results. These guidelines typically include:

  • Avoiding blood thinners and certain supplements before surgery
  • Quitting nicotine use before the surgery and remaining smoke-free during the recovery period
  • Filling prescriptions for pain relief and antibiotics in advance
  • Arranging transportation to and from the surgery appointment

You will also need to take good care of your skin and avoid sun exposure that could result in skin damage before your procedure. If you are planning to have any harsh chemical peels or facial treatments, you may need to delay them. Patients will also need to be prepared to adjust their schedules after the procedure to include regular, consistent skin care and to avoid sun exposure.

Procedure

During blepharoplasty, the surgeon removes excess fat through a discrete incision along the natural crease of the upper eyelid or inside the lower lid. Blepharoplasty can also repair baggy or puffy upper eyelids. Eyelid surgery can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s preference and the extent of the procedure.

  • Upper: Your surgeon can make discrete incisions along the crease of the upper eyelids to remove excess skin and muscle to improve the appearance of your eyes. (3)
  • Lower: Your surgeon can make an incision along the inside of the lower eyelid to reposition your underlying fat for a natural look without visible scarring.
  • Quad: Your surgeon can remove sagging skin from both the upper and lower eyelids depending on your needs.

Recovery

Although you can return home immediately, you will need to take time to rest during the first 48 hours after the procedure and use a cold compress to support your body during your recovery. We recommend that you do not bend over with your head below your knees or perform any heavy lifting for 7-10 days after surgery. You should be able to resume driving after a few days. We will provide detailed post-operative care instructions, which may involve keeping your head elevated, applying cold compresses, and taking prescribed medications for your comfort. Most individuals can return to their regular activities after one week. However, you should avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for several weeks to help your body heal. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor progress, manage any concerns, and ensure a smooth recovery.

Results

After a blepharoplasty, you can enjoy smoother eyes. If you take good care of your skin and avoid sun exposure, you can maintain your results for several years. Although temporary, you may experience blurred vision from the lubricating ointment applied to your eyes, watering eyes, light sensitivity, double vision, or some discomfort. This will subside in 10 to 14 days. During this time, it is important to protect your delicate eyelids from too much sun exposure. Most people are pleased with the results and see an improvement in their field of vision.

Cost of an Eyelid Lift in New Jersey

The cost of a blepharoplasty will depend on the condition of your skin and whether or not you will need corresponding procedures to meet your aesthetic goals. We can provide an all-inclusive quote during your consultation. We also offer financing and can discuss your payment options during your appointment.

Contact our office or call (201) 585-2388 to learn more about how we can help you achieve smoother skin and younger-looking eyes.

FAQ

Can blepharoplasty improve my field of vision?

In cases where sagging upper eyelids obstruct your field of vision, eyelid surgery can help by removing excess skin and restoring a more youthful and refreshed appearance.

What happens if I have droopy eyelids and do not have a blepharoplasty?

Droopy eyelids, or ptosis, can affect your field of vision, appearance, and self-esteem. Blepharoplasty can correct this condition, but droopy skin above the eyes does not usually resolve on its own.

Is blepharoplasty painful?

Most patients report minimal discomfort during the recovery phase. We can also prescribe medication for your comfort during your recovery.

Can I combine blepharoplasty with other procedures?

Yes, it is common to combine blepharoplasty with other facial procedures, such as facelifts or brow lifts, for comprehensive rejuvenation.

When can I resume normal activities after blepharoplasty?

Many patients can return to work and light activities within one week. However, it is essential to avoid intense physical activities for several weeks.

Will I have visible scarring after blepharoplasty?

Scarring is typically minimal and well-hidden along natural eyelid creases. Incisions inside the lower lids will not result in visible scars.

References

  1. American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf 
  2. Amaro-Ortiz A, Yan B, D’Orazio J. Ultraviolet Radiation, Aging, and the Skin: Prevention of Damage by Topical cAMP Manipulation. Molecules. 2014;19(5):6202-6219. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules19056202 
  3. Rodrigues C, Carvalho F, Marques M. Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty: Surgical Techniques and Results—Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2023;47(5):1870-1883. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-023-03436-6 
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