Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

Page Updated: May 30, 2025

The eyes are often the first feature to show signs of aging—drooping upper lids, puffy under-eye bags, and sagging skin can make you appear tired or older than you feel. At New York Plastic Surgical Group in Long Island and New York, our facial plastic surgeons offer eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) to address these concerns and restore a brighter, more refreshed appearance.

With decades of experience in facial plastic surgery, our team delivers personalized eyelid surgery designed to enhance your natural eye contours—not just lift the eyelids. Using advanced surgical techniques and accredited operating facilities, we aim to achieve subtle, long-lasting improvements that reflect your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals. From your first consultation to your final follow-up, every step is tailored to help you look—and feel—like your most confident self.

What is Blepharoplasty?
Benefits of Blepharoplasty
Am I a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
Preparing for Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid Surgery Procedures
Eyelid Surgery Recovery
Eyelid Surgery Results
FAQs About Eyelid Surgery

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What is Blepharoplasty?

An eyelid lift, medically known as blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure that rejuvenates the eye area by removing or repositioning excess skin, fat, and tissue in the upper and/or lower eyelids.¹ Often performed for cosmetic reasons, blepharoplasty can smooth puffiness, reduce under-eye bags, and restore definition to sagging upper eyelids.

In some cases, an eyelid lift also serves a functional purpose—especially when drooping upper lids (a condition known as ptosis) begin to interfere with the field of vision. Whether performed for aesthetic enhancement or to improve daily comfort and eyesight, eyelid surgery is highly customizable and may focus on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, depending on your needs.

Benefits of Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty offers both aesthetic and functional benefits, helping patients look more refreshed while also improving comfort and vision in certain cases. Whether performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, an eyelid lift can deliver a meaningful transformation with natural-looking, long-lasting results.

Key benefits of eyelid surgery include:

Brighter eyes and a more youthful appearance
Reduction of sagging upper lids and under-eye bags
Improved upper eyelid contour and smoother skin texture
Enhanced peripheral vision in cases where drooping lids obstruct sight (ptosis)

A more rested, alert, and approachable appearance
Minimal, discreet scarring hidden within the natural eyelid crease
Boosted self-confidence and satisfaction with your appearance
Long-lasting improvement with relatively brief downtime

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Am I a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?

You may be a good candidate for eyelid surgery if you’re in overall good health, do not smoke, and are concerned about the appearance or function of your eyelids. Blepharoplasty surgery can be an excellent option for individuals who want to address:

Droopy upper eyelids that create a tired or aged appearance
Puffiness or under-eye bags caused by excess fat or eyelid skin
Hooded eyelids that interfere with your peripheral vision
Loose, sagging skin that disturbs the natural contour of the eyelids
Deep creases or hollows beneath the eyes

Candidates for this cosmetic procedure should not have any untreated eye conditions, serious medical conditions such as thyroid disease, or unrealistic expectations about surgery.² During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your anatomy, health history, and goals to determine whether blepharoplasty—or another procedure—is the right approach for you.

Preparing for Eyelid Surgery

Your blepharoplasty journey begins with a personalized consultation at New York Plastic Surgical Group in Long Island or New York. During this appointment, your plastic surgeon will review your medical history, assess your eyelids, and discuss your goals to determine if eyelid surgery is the right approach. Any underlying conditions—such as dry eye, thyroid disease, or previous eye surgeries—will also be taken into consideration to ensure your safety and optimal results.

Once a customized surgical plan is created, you’ll receive detailed pre-operative instructions to help you prepare. These may include:

Discontinuing certain medications, supplements, or blood thinners
Avoiding smoking in the weeks leading up to surgery
Arranging for someone to drive you home and assist during your initial recovery
Refraining from wearing contact lenses, eye makeup, or skincare products on the day of surgery

Our team will guide you through every step, so you feel fully informed and confident heading into your procedure.

Let’s talk about your goals

request a blepharoplasty consultation in New York or Long Island.

Eyelid Surgery Procedures

Blepharoplasty is typically performed on an outpatient basis and may involve local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure. Upper eyelid surgery can often be performed in-office, while lower eyelid or combined procedures are usually completed in one of our fully equipped, AAAASF-accredited operating suites.

Surgery duration typically ranges from one to three hours. To enhance your comfort, we offer PRO-NOX—a self-administered blend of 50% oxygen and 50% nitrous oxide—that can be used during the procedure. This option helps minimize anxiety and discomfort while keeping you relaxed throughout your experience.

Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Upper blepharoplasty is designed to correct sagging skin and puffiness that can make the eyes look tired or aged. During the procedure, a small incision is made within the natural crease of the upper eyelid to remove excess skin and fat. The area is then gently lifted and sutured to create a smoother, more refreshed appearance. In some cases, this surgery can also improve peripheral vision when drooping skin begins to block the upper visual field.

Lower Blepharoplasty

Lower eyelid surgery addresses puffiness, under-eye bags, and dark circles that can make you look tired or worn down. Depending on your needs, your surgeon may use a transconjunctival approach (an internal incision) or a small incision just below the lash line to remove or reposition excess fat. The area is then gently smoothed and tightened to create a more rested, refreshed appearance.

Ptosis Surgery

If sagging upper eyelids are due to ptosis—a condition caused by a weakening of the muscle that lifts the eyelid—a functional blepharoplasty may be recommended. This procedure involves tightening or repairing the levator muscle to restore proper lid position and improve vision. Unlike cosmetic eyelid surgery, ptosis repair is typically performed to correct visual obstruction rather than for aesthetic enhancement.

confident middle aged woman wearing crop top on the beach

Eyelid Surgery Recovery

Following eyelid surgery, it’s common to experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort around the eyes. Your surgeon may recommend using cold compresses or ice packs, lubricating eye drops, and keeping your head elevated to help ease these symptoms. Some patients also notice light sensitivity, increased tearing, or temporary blurry or double vision as the eyes adjust.³

Discomfort is usually manageable with pain medication if needed, and most patients find the recovery process relatively smooth. Everyone heals at their own pace, and your care team will provide personalized instructions to help you feel comfortable and supported every step of the way.

Eyelid Surgery Results

Blepharoplasty can create subtle yet meaningful improvements that help you look more awake, refreshed, and confident. By smoothing puffiness and lifting sagging lids, eyelid surgery enhances your natural features and brightens your overall appearance without looking overdone.

For more comprehensive rejuvenation, many patients choose to combine eyelid surgery with treatments like a brow lift, facelift, dermal fillers, or laser resurfacing. To see real examples of the results our surgeons have achieved, we invite you to explore our blepharoplasty before-and-after gallery.

Patient 48

Patient 49

View More Blepharoplasty Before and After Photos

FAQs About Eyelid Surgery

How much does eyelid surgery cost near me?

The cost of blepharoplasty can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure and whether you’re treating the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. During your consultation at New York Plastic Surgical Group, your surgeon will provide a personalized quote based on your goals and treatment plan.

Will there be visible scars?

Eyelid surgery incisions are carefully placed within the natural creases of the eyelids or inside the lower lid, making scars discreet and often barely noticeable once healed. Our surgeons use meticulous techniques to support the best cosmetic outcome.

Are the results permanent?

Blepharoplasty provides long-lasting results, but it cannot stop the natural aging process. Over time, some changes may gradually reappear, but most patients enjoy a more refreshed, youthful look for many years.

What are the risks of eyelid surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, blepharoplasty carries some risks. These may include swelling, bruising, infection, dry eyes, temporary vision changes, or asymmetry.⁴ Our experienced surgeons take every precaution to minimize risks and support a safe recovery.

Does insurance cover eyelid surgery?

Cosmetic blepharoplasty is not covered by insurance. However, if sagging upper eyelids caused by ptosis are obstructing your vision, insurance may cover a portion of the procedure. A functional evaluation can determine whether medical coverage applies in your case.

Schedule Your Consultation For Eyelid Surgery

If you’re considering blepharoplasty to address drooping eyelids, under-eye bags, or puffiness, we invite you to schedule a consultation with New York Plastic Surgical Group in Long Island or New York. Our plastic surgeons take a personalized approach to every procedure, working closely with you to achieve natural-looking results that reflect your individual goals and enhance your confidence.