Blepharoplasty, usually referred to as an eyelid lift or eyelid surgery, can treat sagging, puffy, or loose skin on the eyelids that becomes increasingly apparent with age, but it can also correct factors not associated with aging, such as dark circles underneath the eyes. Patients for this procedure span the entire adult age spectrum and seek eyelid surgery to address:

• Wrinkles
• Excess skin
• Laxity in the upper and lower eyelids
• Bags under the eyes
• Dark circles
• Hollowing of the lower eyelid

The benefits of eyelid surgery are immediately apparent to patients. They often receive comments like, “You look well rested,” “You look fresh,” or “You don’t look sleepy anymore.” Eyelid procedures are quick, safe and effective, and can drastically enhance your appearance while also improving your range of vision.

Upper Eyelid Surgery

As the skin begins to stretch, most patients compensate by lifting their brows. This strains the forehead muscles and can accelerate the development of deep forehead wrinkles. Eventually, overcompensation by the brows is not enough to raise the extra skin, and patients may complain of heavy eyelids or even loss of their upper field of vision.

In female patients, excess skin obscures the eyelids and makes it difficult to apply makeup. Sometimes excess skin is the result of a droopy brow that pushes normal skin down, which is why it is important to assess the forehead simultaneously. Such patients may be candidates for a forehead lift instead or both a forehead lift and an eyelid lift. Results from upper eyelid surgery include a more vibrant and youthful appearance.

The procedure itself is very quick — approximately 20 minutes per eyelid — and is performed under local anesthetic. The incision is concealed within the eyelid crease and heals very quickly. Eventually, it is unnoticeable even to the trained eye. Recovery usually takes about seven days. Wearing sunglasses can accelerate your return to non-strenuous social activity by a few days.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

A lower eyelid lift can be performed to address wrinkles, excess skin, laxity in the lower eyelids, bags under the eyes, dark circles, and hollowing of the lower eyelid. Recovery time can vary depending on the procedures performed. Below are some additional options for surgical and non-invasive techniques to reduce these concerns.

Laser Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing applied to the lower eyelid skin may be enough to tighten and smooth the skin. Laser treatment can also be combined with other eyelid procedures.

Skin Pinch and Skin-Flap Only Blepharoplasty

Excision of excess skin is referred to as a “skin pinch.” It is a quick and safe method of removing excess lower eyelid skin. The incision is concealed in the crease below the eyelashes. A similar but slightly more extensive variation is a skin-flap only blepharoplasty.

Subciliary Blepharoplasty

This is a more sophisticated procedure that involves the removal of excess skin and of the protruding fat that causes bags under the eyes. It is performed through an incision in the crease below the eyelashes. Protruding fat also produces most dark circles under the eyes, which are also improved with this procedure. They are due to a shadow cast by light falling on the fat bulge, which acts like a shelf (skin pigmentation is a less common cause of dark circles under the eyes).

Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty

This involves the removal of excess fat through an internal eyelid incision. Although it may sound startling, it is one of the safest methods. Dr. Khoury anesthetizes the area without the patient feeling it. Occasionally, there is some excess skin left after the removal of fat, which can be eliminated with a skin pinch. Recovery from this procedure is similar to upper eyelid surgery.

Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty with Fat Repositioning

This is one of the most advanced methods to rejuvenate the lower eyelids, so very few plastic surgeons are skilled in this technique. Similar to a regular transconjunctival blepharoplasty, the fat is re-draped over the cheekbone instead of being removed. This allows for a smooth transition between the lower eyelid and the cheek, softening the groove that separates the two. Many patients who routinely have fillers placed into the crease under the eyelid will not need them after this surgery.

Dr. Khoury

Edmon P. Khoury, M.D. is a Denver upper eyelid surgery professional who specializes in facial cosmetic surgery. At Denver Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Khoury incorporates the latest techniques that offer safety and comfort for patients interested in facial rejuvenation. He takes tremendous pride in his work and is committed to providing exceptional, natural-looking results when performing plastic surgery. Several techniques may be combined to address areas of concern on upper and lower eyelids to achieve your desired results.

Dr. Khoury is double-board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology (ABOto) and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS). He is also a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) and an international surgeon with a practice in Dubai.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Eyelid Surgery

Am I the right candidate for eyelid surgery?

A candidate for eyelid surgery is someone who wishes to improve the appearance of their aging eyes. While this surgery can be performed at any age, most patients are over 30. You may be a good candidate for eyelid surgery if you: 

• Have realistic expectations of your results
• Do not smoke
• Are in generally good health
• Have no pre-existing eye conditions

How should I prepare for eyelid surgery? 

Before undergoing eyelid surgery, you should plan to have a responsible adult drive you home. Rest is an important part of your recovery. Please plan to take adequate time off of work and your daily obligations. It is also important to avoid smoking and anti-inflammatory medication that can thin the blood several weeks before and after your operation. You should speak with your surgeon regarding which medications may affect your surgery and healing process. 

Are the results of eyelid surgery permanent? 

While some patients may need to have a repeated procedure as they continue to age, most patients only require this procedure once. Eyelid surgery will not stop the natural aging process, this procedure helps turn back the time but aging will still continue.

Will I have visible scarring after eyelid surgery? 

Since incisions need to be made, eyelid surgery will result in some scarring. However, since the incisions are often made in the creases, close to the lower lash line, or inside the lower lid (transconjunctival approach), the scars are easy to conceal. Scarring will fade over time and can be covered with makeup. 

How much does lower eyelid surgery cost?

The cost of lower eyelid surgery depends on surgical location, surgeon fees, anesthesia fees, and the patient’s specific needs. Schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Khoury to determine the exact cost of surgery based on your treatment plan.  

Can lower eyelid surgery be combined with other procedures?

Many patients undergoing eyelid surgery may wish to improve other areas of their face to maintain a balance between the features. Dr. Khoury offers facelift surgery and other facial procedures to help with signs of aging.

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