Over time, the skin of the upper and lower eyelids thins and sags, creating a fatigue-like appearance. In addition, the fatty tissue surrounding and supporting the eye begins to bulge over time, creating a puffy, tired, or angry appearance. Eyelid surgery—also called blepharoplasty—can correct these concerns.
If you are concerned about signs of aging around your eyes, you are not alone. The eyes are one of the most common areas of concern for both women and men. The great news is that eyelid surgery helps our patients from Washington, D.C., and surrounding areas restore a rested and alert appearance and convey a youthful sense of energy.
Table of Contents
- What Are the Benefits of Eyelid Surgery?
- Am I a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
- What Are My Eyelid Surgery Options?
- What Are My Non-surgical Options for Aging Eyes?
- How Is Eyelid Surgery Performed?
- What Can I Expect From Eyelid Surgery Recovery?
- How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost in Washington, D.C.?
- Eyelid Surgery Frequently Asked Questions
- Interested in Eyelid Surgery in Washington, D.C.?\
What Are the Benefits of Eyelid Surgery?
Aging around the eyes can cause some implicit miscommunications, as the eyes can cause you to look tired, angry, uninterested, or ill—when you’re really not. Blepharoplasty can provide the following benefits:
- Revitalize a more alert, open expression
- Reduce puffy under eyes for a more rested look
- Smooth wrinkles and crepey skin for a more youthful appearance
- Improved peripheral vision and acuity if skin is obstructing vision
Patients can choose treatment of the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids, or both. We approach every eyelid surgery with individualized treatment planning and comprehensive care in mind. Blepharoplasty is a procedure of precision—even the slightest changes can have a huge impact on your results.
Take a look at our eyelid surgery gallery to see some of the fantastic transformations our surgeons have created.
Am I a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
Men and women who are bothered by loose, sagging skin around the upper eyelids and puffy bags under their eyes may be candidates for eyelid surgery.
Additionally, blepharoplasty candidates:
- Want a rested, more youthful appearance
- Have some degree of eyelid ptosis (sagging)
- Are generally in good health
- Do not smoke or are willing to quit
- Have realistic expectations for results
While this procedure can also make improvements in fine wrinkles on the lower lids and “crow’s feet” on the side of the eye, it does not completely eliminate them. Laser resurfacing can further smooth these wrinkles and enhance results.
What Are My Eyelid Surgery Options?
If you think you are a candidate for eyelid surgery, there are a few options to consider. While you likely know if you need your upper or lower eyelids treated, your plastic surgeon may recommend one or more procedures to enhance your results.
Upper Blepharoplasty
This is ideal for patients with sagging, drooping skin in the upper eyelids. This can be caused by muscle and tissue laxity, which allows the skin and tissue to hang over the lash line. Through a small incision hidden in the natural crease of the eyelid, your surgeon can tighten loose muscles and tissues and remove redundant skin.
Lower Blepharoplasty
Patients seeking lower blepharoplasty typically seek treatment of what they call undereye bags, which are commonly mistaken for swelling and a sign of poor sleep. In reality, these bags are often pockets of fat that protrude due to laxity of the underlying muscle.
Additionally, thin undereye skin can cause premature wrinkling, making the patient seem older or more tired than they are.
Brow Lift
A brow lift is an excellent companion procedure, as it allows your surgeon to lift the upper brow line for a more open, sculpted look. This is ideal for patients with severe eye and brow sagging.
What Are My Non-surgical Options for Aging Eyes?
Blepharoplasty is the most effective treatment for moderate to severe eyelid aging, but non-surgical treatments can complement and enhance surgical results. Your plastic surgeon will discuss whether combining procedures is appropriate during your consultation.
Laser Resurfacing
As mentioned, those pesky crow’s feet will be reduced with your eyelid surgery, but not eliminated altogether. Laser resurfacing can refine and further smooth remaining wrinkles along the side of the eyes, enhancing results even more.
BOTOX® Cosmetic
Neuromodulators like BOTOX® Cosmetic are ideal for patients with minor wrinkling around the brow or between the eyes. If you’re not quite ready for a brow lift to treat dynamic wrinkles, BOTOX® Cosmetic injections can treat minor wrinkles and even prevent new ones from forming.
How Is Eyelid Surgery Performed?
Your Eyelid Surgery Consultation
The consultation process is an essential step in achieving the best possible outcome. During your meeting with one of our plastic surgeons, you’ll have the opportunity to get to know your surgeon and ask him any questions you may have, learn more about the risks and benefits of blepharoplasty, and get a good idea of what you can reasonably expect from the results.
If you are interested in combining your blepharoplasty with another procedure, like laser resurfacing or a brow lift, you’ll be able to go over your options with your surgeon at this time. Once a surgical plan is finalized, your surgeon will provide a personalized cost estimate.
The Eyelid Surgery Procedure
Blepharoplasty can be performed under general or local anesthesia, at the surgeon’s discretion and according to the patient’s needs. For example, if you have blepharoplasty alone, your surgeon may recommend using a local anesthetic with sedation.
During blepharoplasty, surgeons remove excess skin, muscle, and protruding fat from the eyelid through a small incision in the eyelid crease. The incision on the upper eyelid is usually hidden in the crease formed when the eyelid opens. The extension of the incision to the side is also hidden.
Two approaches may be used for the lower eyelids. One involves an incision just below the lash line, which heals discreetly. Another approach—called transconjunctival blepharoplasty—places the incision inside the lower eyelid, leaving no visible external scar. Laser resurfacing may be used to further smooth fine lines in the lower eyelid and crow’s feet area.
What Can I Expect From Eyelid Surgery Recovery?
After surgery, your eyelids may be bruised and swollen, but these effects are temporary and resolve quickly. Sutures will be removed within three to five days after surgery.
In general, patients may resume light exercise one week after surgery and include more strenuous exercise two weeks after surgery. You may begin showering and resuming regular routines when your surgeon gives you clearance. Bruising generally disappears within 10 to 14 days after blepharoplasty.
Eyelid Surgery Recovery Timeline
Bear in mind that each patient is different, so this timeline is for informational purposes only. Your experience may differ, which is completely normal.
Week One:
- Swelling and bruising are most noticeable
- Keep your head elevated
- Use medications and eye drops as directed
- Avoid eye strain and keep your eyes lubricated
- Sutures are removed
- Some patients may return to work, depending on their job
Weeks Two and Three:
- Most patients return to work
- Swelling and bruising continue to improve
- Resume normal daily activities
Month One:
- Cleared to wear eye makeup or contact lenses
- Final results begin to emerge
- Minimal residual swelling
Month Two and Beyond:
- Cleared for more strenuous activities
- Continue sun protection
- Contact your surgeon with any concerns
How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost in Washington, D.C.?
The cost of eyelid surgery in Washington, D.C. can vary greatly, depending on whether the surgery is performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. Once you meet with your surgeon and they create a custom surgical plan for you, they will be happy to provide you with an accurate price estimate.
At CPS, pricing includes all office visits, surgical and facility fees, and anesthesia. We invite you to explore our pricing guide for additional details.
Eyelid Surgery Frequently Asked Questions
Is eyelid surgery covered by insurance?
In cases where upper eyelid ptosis causes sagging skin to hang down onto the lashes and obstructs vision, this is considered a medical concern, so it’s not strictly cosmetic. Repairing this extreme condition is considered a medical necessity and may be covered by insurance. While rare for most patients, eyelid surgery can be covered by insurance.
Is it ok to watch TV after blepharoplasty?
We recommend avoiding screens and reading for the first few days after surgery, as this can inadvertently strain your eyes and make them dry. You’ll likely be tired the first few days anyway, so reading and watching TV won’t be too appealing at this time.
What is the best age for blepharoplasty?
Eyelid surgery is primarily considered an anti-aging procedure because the concerns it addresses are caused by skin and muscle laxity due to aging. However, the skin around the eyes is very delicate and can show signs of premature aging much faster than the rest of the face. This is why blepharoplasty patients range widely in age. It’s not uncommon for patients in their 30s to seek this procedure—it really comes down to the quality of their skin and their needs.
Interested in Eyelid Surgery in Washington, D.C.?
To learn more about the blepharoplasty process, see more before and after images, and get started planning your surgical procedure, call Center for Plastic Surgery today at (301) 652-7700 for our Chevy Chase location or (703) 560-2850 for our Tyson’s Corner location, or complete our online contact form to request a consultation.