Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty is an important aspect of facial rejuvenation and entails reversing the effects of aging in the upper and/or lower eyelids to promote a more youthful, well-rested appearance. Our New Jersey plastic surgeon, Dr. Jordan P. Farkas, offers transformative eyelid surgery treatments to help his patients look and feel their best.
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure designed to improve the appearance of the upper and lower eyelids. It addresses issues such as drooping upper lids, puffiness, and bags under the eyes, which can make one look tired or older. The surgery involves removing or repositioning excess skin, fat, and muscle to create a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance. Blepharoplasty can enhance both cosmetic appeal and, in some cases, vision obstructed by sagging eyelid skin.
Blepharoplasty can be a transformative procedure when performed on its own, but it also pairs well with facelift surgery and other forms of cosmetic facial rejuvenation.
What Are the Benefits of Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid surgery offers both cosmetic and functional advantages that can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life. On an aesthetic level, blepharoplasty can rejuvenate the eyes by reducing puffiness, eliminating sagging skin, and softening the appearance of under-eye bags.
This can create a more youthful and refreshed expression. For many patients, this improvement translates to greater self-confidence in personal and professional settings.
Functionally, upper eyelid surgery can also correct vision problems caused by drooping lids that obstruct the line of sight. Patients often report not only looking more awake but also feeling more comfortable performing daily activities such as reading and driving. Combined, these potential benefits make blepharoplasty one of the most effective facial rejuvenation procedures available.
Am I a Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
Ideal candidates for blepharoplasty are adults in good health who wish to restore a more youthful, refreshed appearance by addressing sagging or drooping eyelids, bags under the eyes, or excess skin that impairs vision. Suitable candidates should have realistic expectations and understand the potential outcomes and risks of the procedure. Conditions such as dry eyes, glaucoma, or thyroid disorders may affect eligibility, so Dr. Farkas will conduct a thorough review of your medical history prior to treatment. Candidates should also either be non-smokers or be willing to give up smoking for a few weeks before and after surgery to ensure optimal recovery.
Eyelid Surgery vs. Brow Lift
While both eyelid surgery and brow lift procedures can rejuvenate the upper face, they address different concerns. Eyelid surgery focuses on the eyelids themselves, removing excess skin and fat to correct drooping lids or puffy under-eyes. It is generally ideal for patients who are primarily concerned with sagging eyelid tissue or persistent under-eye bags.
A brow lift, on the other hand, targets the forehead and brow region. It elevates drooping eyebrows, smooths forehead wrinkles, and reduces heaviness over the eyes caused by a low brow position. In some cases, what appears to be upper eyelid sagging may actually stem from a descending brow, potentially making a brow lift the more effective solution.
During the consultation, Dr. Farkas carefully evaluates each patient’s anatomy to determine whether eyelid surgery, a brow lift, or a combination of the two can achieve the most natural-looking and harmonious results.
What Does Blepharoplasty Involve?
Upper Eyelid Surgery
Upper blepharoplasty involves creating an incision along the natural crease of the upper eyelid through which Dr. Farkas removes or repositions excess skin and fat. The underlying muscles can also be smoothed and tightened, as needed. This process helps to correct drooping or sagging eyelids, which can help make the eyes appear more open and alert. The skin and muscle around the eyelid is also smoothed and redraped for a more youthful aesthetic.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
Lower blepharoplasty focuses on the area beneath the eyes, addressing issues like puffiness, bags, and sagging skin. An incision is made either just below the lower lash line or inside the lower eyelid. Through this incision, Dr. Farkas can remove or redistribute fat, as well as tighten any loose skin. This helps to create a smoother, more youthful contour under the eyes.
What Can I Expect After Eyelid Surgery?
The precise details of the eyelid surgery recovery process will depend on a patient’s unique anatomy and whether they underwent upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or both. That said, blepharoplasty recovery typically involves mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which should gradually subside over the course of the next two weeks. Patients should try to keep their head elevated and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. Most individuals can return to non-strenuous jobs and other routine activities within 10-14 days. More vigorous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for several weeks. Vision may be temporarily blurred due to swelling, but this improves as healing progresses. It is important to diligently follow all of Dr. Farkas’s post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results.
How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost?
The cost of eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) at our New Jersey practice typically ranges between $5,000 and $6,000 for an upper blepharoplasty and $5,000 and $9,000 for a lower blepharoplasty. Though this range may differ based on various factors associated with the customized treatment plan. Surgical complexity, anesthesia fees, facility costs, the surgeon’s fee, and other components of care will be taken into account for the final price. The cost of blepharoplasty will also depend on whether the procedure involves the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, and whether additional procedures are being performed as part of the treatment plan. During your consultation, a member of Dr. Farkas’ team will provide a detailed, personalized estimate and review available payment options. These include third-party financing opportunities for qualified patients who would like to pay for their eyelid surgery on an installment basis. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Interested in learning more about eyelid surgery? Contact Farkas Plastic Surgery today.
“I am absolutely thrilled and filled with gratitude for the exceptional experience I had with Dr. Farkas and his team at Farkas Plastic Surgery during my recent Blepharoplasty (Upper Eyelid Surgery).”