Despite feeling well-rested and healthy, younger and older patients alike struggle with looking perpetually fatigued or stressed. In many cases, this is caused by reduced support in the upper and lower eyelids occurring over time with declining collagen and elastin production. The effects of the natural aging process combined with sun exposure and the delicate anatomy of the eye’s supportive tissues often lead patients to seek out blepharoplasty — a cosmetic procedure designed to smooth the eyelid contours. Blepharoplasty, commonly referred to as an eyelid lift or eyelid surgery, can refresh the upper and lower lids to alleviate a sleepy or aged appearance. This is accomplished by treating excess skin, protruding fat, and lax musculature in the region surrounding the eyes. Dr. Ira Savetsky, a renowned board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City, performs blepharoplasty to brighten your appearance and emphasize the natural character and beauty of your face.
Is Eyelid Surgery Right for Me?
Blepharoplasty is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries performed today. If you believe your appearance doesn’t align with how you feel on the inside, eyelid surgery is one option to achieve upper facial rejuvenation. “Hooding,” a phenomenon caused by the upper eyelids drooping into a patient’s line of sight, can be a very telling indication that you may benefit from eyelid surgery, as well as:
- Puffy upper and/or lower eyelids
- Excess eyelid skin and drooping tissue
- Bags or dark circles underneath the lower eyelids
Good candidates for eyelid surgery are in good health and have no unmanaged medical conditions that may interfere with the healing process. Dr. Savetsky can confirm whether blepharoplasty is the best procedure to achieve your goals during a consultation, where he will be able to develop a treatment plan tailored to address your concerns. A facelift and neck lift is often performed with blepharoplasty to comprehensively rejuvenate the upper and lower face, depending on each person’s goals.
How is the Blepharoplasty Procedure Performed?
Whether patients opt to treat the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, the blepharoplasty procedure is typically performed in an outpatient setting under local or general anesthesia. Upper eyelid surgery is designed to smooth skin laxity along the eye contour, which can accumulate along the lash line and potentially obstruct one’s field of vision.
A lower eyelid lift, on the other hand, can address puffy or droopy under-eye bags by removing bulging fat while tightening the skin of the lower eyelids. Dr. Savetsky helps ensure a natural-looking outcome by targeting the fat in the deeper facial planes rather than the superficial fat, allowing him to avoid an artificial or overdone look. He also complements blepharoplasty techniques with fractionated facial fat transfer to soften the junction between the lower lid and cheek (tear trough). The entire procedure usually takes approximately two hours and sutures are removed after five to seven days. Patients can also return to their normal daily routines, barring strenuous exercise, at this time.
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After What Can I Expect During the Eyelid Surgery Recovery Period?
After eyelid surgery, swelling and bruising around the eyes are to be expected. Patients usually feel well enough to perform light activity after a couple of days while most people return to non-strenuous work within one to two weeks. You will have thorough aftercare instructions detailing how to facilitate a smooth recovery period, such as keeping the head elevated above the chest and taking good care of your incisions. Most swelling should subside within one to two months, although residual inflammation may still be present for as long as six months.
How Much Does Blepharoplasty Cost?
Eyelid surgery costs vary according to your geographic location and the experience of your plastic surgeon. In New York City, the cost of blepharoplasty ranges from $5,000 to $20,000 depending on the specific details of your treatment plan. While this offers a general approximation, your actual cost estimate will be assessed according to:
- The type of eyelid surgery procedure performed
- The surgical technique(s) utilized
- The extent of your concerns
You will receive a personalized quote after your consultation and our office will speak with you about payment and financing options. Our practice works with leading healthcare lending company CareCredit®, which provides low- to no-interest payment plans for qualified patients who are considering elective treatments and procedures.
Eyelid surgery is one of the most frequently performed and effective procedures to maintain an energetic and youthful look in the upper face. If you’d like to learn more about treatment, contact Dr. Ira Savetsky to discuss your concerns and goals in a private consultation.