About Eyelid Surgery
The eyes are a unique feature of the face that deserve to be visible; however, an abundance of skin around the eyes can produce a tired and unflattering look. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Koch uses blepharoplasty (also known as eyelid surgery) to reduce excess skin and rejuvenate the upper or lower eyelid, creating an awakened appearance. Countless men and women receive eyelid surgery at our practice to eliminate saggy eyelids, leading to improved function and appearance. Blepharoplasty, whether lower or upper, creates a more awakened appearance and can produce subtle yet striking improvements. If you want to learn more about rejuvenating your eyes with eyelid lift surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Koch at one of our in New York facilities.
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Ideal Candidates
Upper or lower blepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgery that is performed on both men and women. During your first visit, treatment alternatives will be explained by Dr. Koch based on your areas of concern that need to be addressed. Generally, ideal candidates suffer from excess, drooping skin and folds that exist on the top eyelid, or bloated skin below the bottom eyelid. These conditions can cause functional and vision difficulties that can hinder of normal, everyday life. For a rejuvenated look, eyelid surgery may be the right surgery for you. If you have hanging skin that folds over on the upper eyelid, or puffy bags under the eyes, blepharoplasty can treat this to give you a more youthful appearance.
Surgical Technique
Depending on the type and complex nature of the blepharoplasty, general anesthesia or IV sedation will be provided. This surgery may be done on the upper eyelid alone, under or on the bottom eyelid, or a combination of both eyelids.
- Upper
Upper blepharoplasty assists in decreasing the folds of skin that droops over the eye to create a more awakened and appealing look. An incision is usually made along the lid crease to excise loose skin and fatty tissue. - Lower
Eyelid correction on the lower lid is performed to reduce puffy and bulging skin beneath the lower eyelid. The incision is carefully made along the lash line to allow access to remove tissue and fat, and the skin is subtly lifted to allow for a softer, flatter look. In some cases, a nonsurgical laser treatment can be incorporated to assist with discoloration, while fillers can be used for more smoothness and softening if desired.
What to Expect
Blepharoplasty of the upper or lower eyelid can last up to two hours considering whether one or both eyes are treated. After this outpatient surgery, you should plan about a week to recover and rest at home. A cold compress can help reduce discomfort, swelling, and bruising. The results from blepharoplasty can last years, but even though they are lasting, the aging process does not stop. To maintain your surgical outcomes, other nonsurgical cosmetic treatments at our practice such as fillers and wrinkle relaxers can be paired to create a youthful-looking appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does eyelid surgery cost?
Blepharoplasty costs can vary depending on whether you are having an upper eyelid lift, lower, or both. When your treatment plan has been decided during your consultation, Dr. Koch can go over your estimated costs. To get natural-looking results that last a long time, it is better to focus on choosing a skilled surgeon whom you trust, like Dr. Koch, instead of trying to find the cheapest place. To make it easy for you to afford a great eyelid lift, we accept many payment methods and we can help you find low-interest financing.
Can I use insurance to pay for my eyelid surgery?
If hanging skin is affecting your vision, your insurance may pay for part of your eyelid lift. Please tell Dr. Koch during your consultation if you are considering using your insurance to help pay for your procedure. A member of our team will help you get the needed information and paperwork for your insurance company to process your claim. Generally, you will need a diagnosis from an optometrist or ophthalmologist proclaiming that an eyelid lift will sufficiently improve your vision.
What are some other benefits of an eyelid lift?
Eyelid surgery not only helps to refresh your appearance, it can also improve other aspects of your life. You may find your field of vision expanding when loose skin from your upper eyelid is removed. It can also be easier to apply eye makeup when your upper eyelid is smooth. Eliminating fine lines, "crepey" skin, puffy bags, and dark circles under your eyes can make your eyes look brighter and fuller without cosmetics.
Will an eyelid lift fix wrinkles and Crow's feet?
Wrinkles on your forehead and the corners of your eyes (Crow's feet) may be better corrected with a facelift or brow lift because the results of the eyelid surgery are confined to the eyelids only. Eyelid surgery can be combined with a nonsurgical procedure such as BOTOX, which combats wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes. An injectable filler can also be effective because it adds volume to hollow areas for a smoother appearance. During your consultation, Dr. Koch will create your personal treatment plan based on your goals.
What about nonsurgical treatments instead of eye surgery?
Noninvasive skin tightening procedures and injectable treatments (for example, BOTOX and Juvéderm) can provide some improvements. However, if you have moderate to severe sagging skin or want long-lasting results, an eyelid lift would be better than a nonsurgical treatments. After you have talked to Dr. Koch about your concerns and goals for your eyes, he can explain his recommendations for your nonsurgical or surgical treatment plan. He may also suggest both surgical and nonsurgical procedures for your best results.
Plan Your Procedure
- Average Cost
- $2,500 - $5,000
- Recovery Time
- 4 – 6 Weeks
- Average Procedure Time
- 2 – 3 Hours
- Post-op Follow-up
- 1 Week
- Procedure Recovery Location
- Outpatient
Younger-Looking Eyes
If you find it difficult to see or apply makeup because of folds of skin on the upper eyelid, or you suffer from puffy bags under your eyes, then upper or lower blepharoplasty performed by Dr. Koch may be the right treatment for you. This enhancement can help you look refreshed and youthful while offering a beautiful answer to your vision impairment concerns. We invite you to get in touch with one of our New York facilities to learn more and schedule a consultation with Dr. Koch.