Skip to main content

How the Eyelids
Change Over Time

The delicate skin and muscles around our eyes undergo various changes as we age. One of the most common age-related issues is the gradual loss of skin elasticity. Over time, the skin on the upper and lower eyelids can become loose and droop, creating a tired appearance. This drooping not only affects one’s aesthetic appeal but can also impede vision in severe cases, making simple tasks like reading or driving more challenging.

Another significant change that occurs with age is the accumulation of fat deposits in the eyelid area. These fat deposits can result in puffiness and bags under the eyes, contributing to a worn-out look. Additionally, the weakening of eyelid muscles may cause the eyelids to sag and lose their natural contour. Eyelid surgery can correct these cumulative effects of aging on the eyelids to restore a more youthful and refreshed appearance and improve vision. For lower and upper eyelid surgery in NYC, we have you covered.

Woman with bright looking eyes after upper eyelid surgery in NYC.

Blepharoplasty Treats:

  • Sagging upper eyelids
  • Drooping lower eyelids
  • Excess skin on eyelids
  • Puffiness or bags under the eyes
  • Impaired vision due to eyelid issues
  • Fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes
  • Hooded or “tired” eye appearance
  • Uneven or asymmetrical eyelids
  • Discomfort caused by eyelid skin rubbing against the eyes

Blepharoplasty, Explained

Blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery, is a surgical procedure that rejuvenates the appearance of the eyelids. It involves the removal of excess skin, muscle, or fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids to address issues like sagging, puffiness, and fine lines. The goal of blepharoplasty is to create a more youthful and refreshed look while potentially improving vision in cases where sagging eyelids obstruct the line of sight.

The Types of Eyelid Surgery Performed

Upper Eyelid Surgery

Upper eyelid surgery is specifically focused on rejuvenating the upper eyelids. This procedure typically involves removing excess skin, muscle, or fat from the upper eyelids to address issues like sagging, drooping, or hooded eyelids. By restoring a more youthful and open-eyed appearance, upper eyelid surgery in NYC can enhance your overall facial aesthetics and may also improve vision in cases where overhanging eyelid skin obstructs the field of view.

During upper eyelid surgery, Dr. Guida first numbs the area with local anesthesia. He makes a discreet incision along the natural crease of your upper eyelid. Then, excess skin, muscle, and fat are carefully removed or repositioned. The incision is closed with fine sutures, resulting in minimal scarring. The procedure typically takes about an hour. Recovery involves some swelling and bruising, but these effects subside within a few weeks.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

Lower eyelid surgery is a procedure to rejuvenate the appearance of the lower eyelids. This surgery addresses concerns like under-eye bags, puffiness, and excess skin. Dr. Guida may remove or reposition fat deposits and tighten the skin and muscles of the lower eyelids, resulting in a more youthful look. Lower eyelid surgery can enhance overall facial aesthetics and is a popular choice among individuals seeking to improve the appearance of their lower eyelids.

Dr. Guida can perform a lower eyelid surgery in NYC using two different approaches. Most often, Dr. Guida prefers making the incision inside the lower eyelid, called a “transconjunctival approach”, because there is no visible scar, more direct access to the puffy fat, fewer risks, less bruising, and the healing is quicker. Sometimes an external incision is made under the eyelashes, but this technique is less common. In almost all of his lower blepharoplasties, Dr. Guida prefers to use a fractional CO2 laser to tighten the lower eyelid skin, stimulate new collagen production, and remove fine lines, wrinkles, and sun-damaged brown spots.

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) FAQs

What is the typical age range for considering blepharoplasty?

While there is no specific age requirement, most individuals considering blepharoplasty are in their 40s or older when age-related changes in the eyelids become more pronounced.

Is blepharoplasty only for cosmetic purposes?

No, blepharoplasty can serve both cosmetic and functional purposes. While many choose it to improve the appearance of their eyelids, it can also address vision impairment caused by sagging upper eyelids.

What is the recovery time for blepharoplasty?

Recovery time for lower and upper eyelid surgery in NYC can vary but typically involves some bruising and swelling for a few weeks. Most people can return to normal activities within 7 to 10 days, but strenuous workouts should be avoided for several weeks. The full results may take several months to become apparent.

Are the results of blepharoplasty permanent?

While the results of blepharoplasty are long-lasting, the natural aging process continues. Over time, some age-related changes may recur, but you can maintain a more youthful appearance than if you hadn’t undergone the procedure.

Visit Dr. Guida for Innovative
Surgical Techniques

Dr. Robert Guida is a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon known for consistently delivering natural and remarkable results using the latest, most innovative surgical techniques. With over a decade of full-time academic medicine experience at Weill Cornell Medical College, he has the skills, instincts, and experience to deliver stunning results. If you’re seeking upper or lower eyelid surgery in NYC, consult Dr. Guida today.

Schedule a
Consultation

Contact Us 212-871-0900