Eye Lift

Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery or eye lift) removes excess skin, muscle, and fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids to rejuvenate the eyes and restore a rested, youthful appearance. The eyelids are often the first area to show visible aging; upper eyelid hooding can impair peripheral vision, while lower lid bags and hollowing create a chronically tired look. MetroDerm’s Center for Plastic Surgery performs upper and lower blepharoplasty with natural-looking results and minimal recovery.

Upper Eyelid Surgery

Upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin (dermatochalasis) and, when present, herniated orbital fat from the upper eyelids. When upper lid hooding is primarily caused by brow descent, a brow lift may be recommended in addition to or instead of blepharoplasty. Upper blepharoplasty that impairs the visual field may be covered by insurance. Your MetroDerm surgeon will assess eligibility.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

Lower blepharoplasty addresses under-eye bags (herniated orbital fat), skin laxity, and the tear trough (hollowing at the lid-cheek junction). Surgical approaches include the transconjunctival approach (incision inside the lower lid; no external scar) for fat repositioning or removal, and the subciliary approach (incision just below the lash line) when skin removal is also needed.

Recovery and Results

Blepharoplasty is performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia and typically takes 1-2 hours. Recovery is among the fastest of all facial procedures. Most patients look presentable in 7-10 days. Final results are visible at 6-8 weeks. Upper blepharoplasty results are typically permanent; lower lid results last 10+ years. Blepharoplasty is frequently combined with brow lift, facelift, or laser resurfacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can upper eyelid surgery improve vision?

A: Yes. When upper eyelid hooding is severe enough to obstruct the visual field– blocking vision above 30 degrees from the visual axis–upper blepharoplasty is considered medically necessary and may be covered by insurance. Your MetroDerm surgeon will perform a visual field test and photograph documentation for insurance purposes.

Q: What is the difference between blepharoplasty and a brow lift?

A: Blepharoplasty directly removes excess eyelid skin. A brow lift elevates a descending brow, which can reduce upper eyelid hooding indirectly. Often both are needed. A consultation with a MetroDerm plastic surgeon will determine the optimal combination for your anatomy.

Q: How long does blepharoplasty recovery take?

A: Most patients can return to desk work in 7-10 days. Bruising and swelling peak at 2-3 days and largely resolve by 10-14 days. Most patients can apply makeup to cover residual bruising by day 10-14. Contact lens wear is deferred for 1-2 weeks post-procedure.

Procedures & Treatments