Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Key Takeaways
Blepharoplasty can reduce eyelid hooding, bags, and loose skin, and in some cases can improve vision by clearing excess upper eyelid skin from the visual field.
Upper, lower, or combined eyelid surgery options are tailored to your anatomy, eyelid position, and goals for a natural, balanced result around the eyes.
Thoughtful preparation, clear preoperative instructions, and structured aftercare support safer healing and help you return to regular activities with confidence.
Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon with dedicated consultation time supports accurate diagnosis of eyelid concerns and appropriate treatment planning.
Mirror Plastic Surgery offers a concierge-style experience with Dr. Akash, including extended consultations and detailed follow-up; you can schedule a personalized eyelid surgery consultation here.
Why Choose Mirror Plastic Surgery for Eyelid Rejuvenation?
Mirror Plastic Surgery follows a concierge medicine model that centers on time, safety, and individualized planning. Each blepharoplasty journey starts with an in-depth consultation, often up to an hour, so Dr. Akash can study your eyelid anatomy, discuss your concerns, and understand your goals.
This slower, focused schedule means the practice performs only one to two surgeries per day, which allows careful planning, precise execution, and close follow-up. The team prioritizes functional improvement and natural aesthetics, so outcomes fit the rest of your face rather than looking overdone. If drooping lids affect vision or under-eye bags affect confidence, this approach helps match the right procedure to your needs. You can book an appointment with Dr. Akash to explore your options.
Meet Dr. Akash: Your Expert Eyelid Surgeon
Dr. Akash is a board-certified plastic surgeon with training from Harvard Medical School, Johns Hopkins plastic and reconstructive surgery, and an aesthetic fellowship at Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital. Newsweek has listed him among "America's Best Plastic Surgeons" for multiple years.
His practice focuses on precise, anatomy-based techniques and clear communication about risks, benefits, and expected results. He serves on advisory boards for medical innovation companies, which keeps his approach aligned with current methods in eyelid rejuvenation.
Understanding Eyelid Anatomy and Blepharoplasty Procedures
Blepharoplasty improves eyelid appearance and can enhance vision when upper lid skin blocks part of the visual field. Aging, genetics, and sun exposure can stretch skin, weaken muscle, and push fat forward, which creates hooded upper lids or puffy lower lids.
Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Upper eyelid surgery focuses on excess upper lid skin and sometimes fat that causes hooding or heaviness.
Good candidates: People with sagging upper lid skin that makes the eyes look tired or limits peripheral vision, who are in good health and have realistic expectations. Younger patients with early hooding from genetics may also benefit from conservative skin removal.
How it works: A fine incision is placed in the natural upper eyelid crease. Through this incision, excess skin and selected fat are removed, and muscle may be tightened.
Expected results: A more open, rested upper eyelid and often improved visual field. Scars usually hide in the crease and fade over time.
Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Lower eyelid surgery addresses under-eye bags, loose skin, and fine lines.
Good candidates: People with visible bags, sagging lower lid skin, or wrinkles under the eyes who do not have untreated eye disease.
How it works: Incisions may sit just under the lash line or on the inside of the eyelid. Through these incisions, fat can be removed or repositioned, and excess skin trimmed.
Expected results: A smoother transition from lower eyelid to cheek, less puffiness, and a less tired appearance.
Combined Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty
Combined surgery treats both upper hooding and lower bags in the same session for people who want full periorbital rejuvenation.
Good candidates: Patients with concerns in both upper and lower lids, including hooding, bags, or loose skin.
How it works: Techniques from upper and lower eyelid surgery are used together in one operation, tailored to your anatomy.
Expected results: More complete improvement around the eyes, with both functional and cosmetic benefits where appropriate.
Your Customized Eyelid Surgery Journey: Preparation and Consultation
The Mirror Plastic Surgery Consultation Experience
The consultation sets the foundation for safe, predictable results. Dr. Akash reviews your medical and eye history, medications, and prior surgeries. He studies your facial structure, eyebrow position, eyelid crease, and tear trough area, then explains how aging affects your specific eyelids. Detailed facial anatomy and ophthalmologic assessments are part of this process.
Essential Pre-Operative Instructions
Clear instructions help lower the risk of bleeding and healing problems. These often include:
Stopping blood-thinning medications, many supplements, and NSAIDs for a set period
Quitting smoking and vaping well before surgery
Arranging a ride home and support for the first day or two after surgery
Completing any requested lab work or medical clearance
What to Expect Before Your Blepharoplasty
You can expect open discussion about risks, benefits, and alternatives. Dr. Akash asks about dry eyes or vision changes to plan safely and minimize discomfort. Planning photographs are taken for reference, and incision placement is reviewed. Eye position relative to the bony orbit is also evaluated. You can book an appointment with Dr. Akash to begin this process.
Lifestyle Modifications for Optimal Healing
Healthy habits support smoother recovery. A balanced diet, stable weight, and good hydration help your body heal. Reaching or maintaining a healthy weight can improve overall surgical outcomes.
Post-Procedure Recovery: Key Stages and What to Expect
Detailed Post-Operative Care Instructions
After surgery, you receive written instructions and follow-up visits. Typical guidelines include using cold compresses, keeping your head elevated, cleaning incision sites as advised, and using any prescribed eye drops or ointments.
Healing Timeline After Eyelid Surgery
Bruising and swelling usually peak in the first few days, then improve over one to two weeks. Stitches from upper lid surgery often come out around day five to seven. Many people feel comfortable in public after two to four weeks, while subtle swelling can continue to settle for several months.
Managing Recovery Symptoms
Mild soreness, tightness, dryness, or light sensitivity are common early on. Ointment can cause temporary blurred vision, which usually resolves quickly. Itching near the incisions often signals healing. Most patients return to light daily tasks within a few days and office work within about one to two weeks, depending on their role.
Post-Blepharoplasty Activity Restrictions
Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and bending that increases pressure in the head should be avoided for several weeks. Contact lenses are usually paused for at least two weeks, so glasses are recommended during early healing. Sunglasses help protect healing tissues from the sun and wind, and avoiding eye rubbing helps protect the incisions.
Important Considerations: What to Look Out For in Eyelid Surgery
Common Misconceptions About Eyelid Rejuvenation
Eyelid sagging does not always come from extra skin alone. Brow descent, forehead relaxation, or true eyelid ptosis can also play a role and may call for different procedures. Ptosis involves a drooping eyelid margin and can require muscle repair. Small or "mini" surgeries and injectables can help in selected cases, but may not replace full blepharoplasty when there is significant skin excess. Overly aggressive fat removal in younger patients can create a hollow look, so a conservative, customized plan is important.
The Critical Role of a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
A board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Akash can distinguish between dermatochalasis, ptosis, brow descent, and tear trough volume loss, then recommend the right sequence of treatments. This level of training supports rational, clearly explained plans and careful follow-up before and after surgery. You can book an appointment with Dr. Akash to review your eyelid concerns in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
How long do blepharoplasty results last?
Upper eyelid results often last many years because the removed skin does not return, although natural aging continues. Lower eyelid results are also long-lasting, but some looseness can develop again over time. Sun protection and good skincare help preserve outcomes.
Will blepharoplasty get rid of dark circles under my eyes?
Lower eyelid surgery improves bags and puffiness but does not always correct dark pigment or visible veins. Dark circles from thin skin or pigmentation may need treatments such as fat grafting, skincare, or other procedures that can be combined with blepharoplasty when appropriate.
Is eyelid surgery painful?
Eyelid surgery usually takes place under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Most people describe recovery as tightness or soreness rather than sharp pain, and simple pain medication is often enough.
Can men get blepharoplasty?
Men frequently choose blepharoplasty to reduce a tired look or improve their visual field. Technique and incision placement are adjusted to maintain a natural, masculine appearance that fits the rest of the face.
Will I have visible scars after eyelid surgery?
Incisions are positioned in natural creases on the upper eyelid and either just under the lashes or inside the lower eyelid. These areas tend to heal well, and most scars become difficult to notice once they mature.
*Disclaimer: Results may vary from person to person. Editorial content, before and after images, and patient testimonials do not constitute a guarantee of specific results.*