What is Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is designed to improve the appearance of the upper and lower eyelids. It is frequently performed for cosmetic concerns, however, many patients experience significant improvement in visual function following the removal of excess heavy upper eyelid skin.

Blepharoplasty surgery allows for the treatment of multiple issues related to the aging of the eyes, which include:

  • Sagging skin of the eyelids can create a sad or tired appearance, sometimes even impairing your line of vision
  • Bags underneath the eyes
  • Fatty deposits that create puffiness in the eyelids
  • Droopy lower eyelids
  • Wrinkles and excess skin around the lower eyelid
Beautifully You

Who is a good candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

Individuals who feel that the appearance of their eyelids makes them appear aged, sad, tired, or angry benefit greatly from eyelid surgery. Ideal candidates are in good general health, non-smokers, with realistic expectations, and without serious eye conditions. The best way to determine if eyelid surgery is right for you is through a consultation with one of our plastic surgeons.

Before + After

Patient Results

Your face is the first thing that people see and it’s important to make a good impression, not just for others but also for your self-confidence! Whether you’re looking for an anti-aging rejuvenation or wish to alter your facial features for a proportionate, enhanced look, we can make it happen. View our gallery to see the beautiful results you can expect from a facial plastic surgery procedure at our office.

BEFORE & AFTER GALLERY

Patient Reviews

Wonderful experience and such a caring practice. You all make a difference, and it shows!
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Dr. Kurtovic is amazing in so many ways. She is friendly, sincere, honest and you should definitely trust her expert opinion. I was a little hesitant myself, but I am so thankful I let her…
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From start to finish not only was this the best customer service experience I’ve ever had but they also listened to my concerns, put me at ease, and truly only do what’s best for your…
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Dr. Kurtovic did an AMAZING job and I am beyond thrilled with my results. I couldn’t have picked a better surgeon. I was comfortable and supported from day one through my most recent visit, 4…
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Eyelid Surgery Procedure

There are two types of eyelid surgery:

Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Involves an incision hidden in the natural crease above the eyelid, through which excess skin and fat is removed.  

Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Involves an incision hidden just beneath the lash line or inside of the lower eyelid. Through this incision, excess fat is removed to remove puffiness and create a smooth, beautiful contour beneath the eyelid. Sagging skin may also be removed, depending on the individual case.

Recovery Process

Eyelid Surgery Recovery

1-2 weeks

Eyelid surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure and can be done with sedation or under general anesthesia. Pain is minimal and most often controlled with over-the-counter pain control. Bruising and swelling begin to subside after 10-14 days. Patients should not drive for several days following eyelid surgery. It is recommended that you keep your head elevated for at least one to two weeks after surgery to minimize swelling. Patients may initially experience numbness and itching as the incisions heal, and these symptoms dissipate over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Botox lift droopy eyelids?

The short answer is no. The only definitive and long-lasting way to treat droopy eyelids is to have an upper lid blepharoplasty (or eye / eyelid lift). That surgery is a high-yield, makes a big difference, and relatively low-risk surgery. Other than minor bruising and swelling that resolves quickly, upper eyelid surgery rarely has complications. There are advanced botox injections techniques that can slightly elevate the eyebrow which in turn somewhat elevates the eyelid. These results are both temporary and often not enough correction to be noticeable.

Can droopy eyelids cause blurred vision?

Droopy eyelids can gradually interfere with your eyesight. The most common issue is that the excess hanging skin can actually block or limit your field of vision. If nothing is done to treat it, the drooping skin can partially cover the pupil resulting in blurry or double vision.

Can I sleep on my side after eyelid surgery?

Ideally after eyelid surgery, you will sleep on your back with your head elevated above the level of your heart. This helps to minimize the swelling. You can do this by propping yourself up on a few pillows or even purchasing a wedge pillow. However, if you accidentally turn over during the and lie on your side, it is very unlikely that you will have any negative side effects from this.

Can you get rid of hooded eyelids?

The only definitive and long-lasting way to treat droopy eyelids is to have an upper lid blepharoplasty (or eye / eyelid lift). That surgery is a high-yield, makes a big difference, and relatively low-risk surgery. Other than minor bruising and swelling that resolves quickly, upper eyelid surgery rarely has complications.

Can you go blind from blepharoplasty?

Blindness is an exceptionally rare complication after blepharoplasty. It is important to do your research and find a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in this procedure.

Does eyelid surgery leave scars?

Eyelid surgery does result in scars, but they are typically hidden within the eyelid crease and not very noticeable. Upper blepharoplasty scars are hidden within the eyelid crease, and lower blepharoplasty scars are hidden within the lash line.

How can I reduce eyelids?

Brachioplasty typically costs between $9,000 and $11,000 depending on how much excess skin and fat needs to be removed.

How do you fix droopy eyelids?

The only definitive and long-lasting way to fix droopy eyelids is to have an upper lid blepharoplasty (or eye / eyelid lift). That surgery is a high-yield, makes a big difference, and relatively low-risk surgery. Other than minor bruising and swelling that resolves quickly, upper eyelid surgery rarely has complications.

How do you reduce bruising after eyelid surgery?

Applying a cold compress, keeping the head elevated, and avoiding overexertion or elevated blood pressure can help reduce bruising after your blepharoplasty.

How is eyelid surgery performed?

Upper eyelid surgery is performed by making a small incision in the upper eyelid crease. Through this incision, excess fat, muscle and skin are removed. The incisions are hidden in the upper eyelid crease so that when the eyes are open, the scar is almost completely hidden.

How is upper eyelid surgery done?

Upper eyelid surgery is performed by making a small incision in the upper eyelid crease. Through this incision, excess fat, muscle and skin are removed. The incisions are hidden in the upper eyelid crease so that when the eyes are open, the scar is almost completely hidden.

How is upper eyelid surgery performed?

Upper eyelid surgery is performed by making a small incision in the upper eyelid crease. Through this incision, excess fat, muscle and skin are removed. The incisions are hidden in the upper eyelid crease so that when the eyes are open, the scar is almost completely hidden.

How long after blepharoplasty do you see results?

Most blepharoplasty patients will to see results immediately. There are 2-3 weeks of social downtime where there may be some mild bruising and swelling. This quickly resolves. While scars continue to mature for a year, most will not be noticeable after a few weeks.

How long are eyes blurry after blepharoplasty?

Most blepharoplasty patients will to see results immediately. Ideally after eyelid surgery, you will sleep on your back with your head elevated to minimize swelling. You can do this by propping yourself up on a few pillows or even purchasing a wedge pillow. If you are able to do this, there will be very little swelling and any blurry vision should resolve in a few days after surgery. Most patients are able to drive in under a week.

How long does droopy eyelid surgery last?

You will look better for the rest of your life: actual twin studies have shown this to be the case. However, gravity and normal aging dont stop after eyelid surgery. On average, patients develop enough laxity that they start to think about further surgery in 12-15 years. Investing in maintenance treatments (medical grade skin care, regular facials, Botox and the occasional non-surgical tightening) can greatly extend your result.

How long does eyelid surgery take?

Upper eyelid surgery is an outpatient surgery (you will get to go home the same day) and takes about an hour. As it is a relatively short procedure, it can often be combined with other facial rejuvenation surgeries like face and neck lift. Doing these at the same time often provides a more natural result as it keeps the facial aesthetics in balance.

How long does it take for lower blepharoplasty scars to heal?

Most blepharoplasty patients will to see results immediately. There are 2-3 weeks of social downtime where there may be some mild bruising and swelling. This quickly resolves. While scars continue to mature for a year, most will not be noticeable after a few weeks.

How long does it take to heal from upper eyelid surgery?

Most blepharoplasty patients will to see results immediately. There are 2-3 weeks of social downtime where there may be some mild bruising and swelling. This quickly resolves. While scars continue to mature for a year, most will not be noticeable after a few weeks.

How long does plasma skin tightening last?

Plasma skin tightening is a non-invasive treatment that helps minimize wrinkles, pigment issues and scarring. Even with topical anesthesia (numbing) this can be quite a painful procedure. It also has a long down time of up to 12 weeks. At Tucson Plastic Surgery, Drs. Kurtovic and Mahabir prefer the CO2 laser as it is more effective with less downtime.

How long does upper eyelid surgery take?

Upper eyelid surgery is an outpatient surgery (you will get to go home the same day) and takes about an hour. As it is a relatively short procedure, it can often be combined with other facial rejuvenation surgeries like face and neck lift. Doing these at the same time often provides a more natural result as it keeps the facial aesthetics in balance.

How much is an eyelid surgery?

The average cost for an upperlid blepharoplasty or upper eyelid lift is ~$5,000. Lower lid blepharoplasty is often best combined with facial fat grafting and costs on average $7,500. When you combine procedures, for example eyelid lift and face lift, there is a significant cost-savings.

Is drooping eyelid surgery covered by insurance?

Blepharoplasty is not only performed for cosmetic purposes, but it can also improve function. Upper eyelid surgery can correct visual impairment by removing the excess skin that is blocking the vision. However, before insurance will cover it, the degree of visual field obstruction must be severe. As most patients seek correction before ever reaching this severity, Drs. Kurtovic and Mahabir only perform cosmetic blepharoplasty.

Is eyelid surgery painful?

Eyelid surgery is one of the least painful plastic surgery procedures. Most patients experience only minimal discomfort on the day of their procedure.

Is eyelid surgery safe?

Eyelid surgery is a common procedure and is safe for appropriate candidates. It is important to do your research and find a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in this procedure.

Is plasma skin tightening painful?

At Tucson Plastic Surgery, we do not offer plasma skin tightening. Even with topical anesthesia (numbing) this can be quite a painful procedure. It also has a long down time of up to 12 weeks. At Tucson Plastic Surgery, Drs. Kurtovic and Mahabir prefer the CO2 laser as it is more effective with less downtime.

What are the risks of eyelid surgery?

Upper eyelid surgery is very low risk and very high yield. Meaning very little ever goes wrong and it can a big different to the way you look. Lower eyelid surgery can also significantly rejuvenate the face. However, there are slightly more risks. The most common is a temporary, slight change in the shape of the eye. Ectropion (where scarring of the lower eyelid pulls the eyelid away from the globe) can occur if the surgery is either not done well, or is done on someone that is not a good candidate. Be sure to see a Plastic Surgeon that has a lot of experience in this area. At Tucson Plastic Surgery, we have over 25 years of experience with upper and lower eyelid surgery.

What can I expect after eyelid surgery?

After eyelid surgery, you will have some swelling and bruising around the eyes. We typically recommend you take it easy after surgery and avoid public appearances for about 1-2 weeks to allow the bruising to subside.

Why are my eyelids hooded?

Hooding of the upper eyelids is typically a result of aging as the skin droops over the eye with time. This is pronounced in some people more than others due to genetic factors.

Silvia Kurtovic, MD & Raman Mahabir, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeons

At Tucson Plastic Surgery, we have a patient-centric approach that sets us apart from the rest. We take the time to really get to know you and your aesthetic goals during one-on-one conversations which help us to fully understand your motivations.

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