Teleos Plastic Surgery Radiance Spa Medical Group
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Max R. Lehfeldt, M.D.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Home/Face/Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can relieve common cosmetic concerns centered around the eyelid area. Heavy, tired-looking upper eyelids receive a refreshed, vibrant awakening with lifting and contouring, while lower eyelid “bags” can be smoothed for a more youthful appearance. Individuals struggling with upper lateral eyelid “hooding” may also find relief from the excessive drooping hindering their vision.

At Teleos Plastic Surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Max Lehfeldt, can create a customized eyelid surgery treatment plan for both women and men who are interested in rejuvenating the eyelid areas for results that look more youthful and refreshed. Dr. Lehfeldt prides himself on maintaining and enhancing the feminine and masculine eyelid shape. Different approaches need to be used for men and women and not all surgeons appreciate this subtle but significant distinction.

​​Eyelid Surgery At a Glance

  • Potential Benefits: Eyelid surgery can rejuvenate the upper and lower eyelid regions by reducing excess skin, improving contour, smoothing puffiness, and creating a more alert, refreshed appearance.
  • Procedure: Depending on the patient’s needs, treatment may involve upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or both. Procedures can be performed with local or general anesthesia and are typically completed on an outpatient basis.
  • Recovery: Most patients experience mild swelling and bruising during the first one to two weeks. Many can resume routine activities within several days, with final refinement developing gradually as the tissues settle.
  • Results: Blepharoplasty can provide lasting improvements in eyelid smoothness, lid contour, and overall eye brightness, often achieving a rejuvenated look without changing one’s natural eye shape.
  • Surgeon: Eyelid procedures at Teleos Plastic Surgery are performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Max Lehfeldt, MD, who tailors each surgical plan to preserve individual eyelid anatomy and enhance natural expression.

What Are the Benefits of Eyelid Surgery?

Individuals seeking an appearance that better matches their mood – as opposed to seemingly appearing tired, sad, or older than they really are due to the aesthetic condition of their eyes – can often benefit from this popular treatment. Specific enhancements can include:

Even minor improvements to the eye areas can have an uplifting effect on one’s overall facial appearance. With that in mind, it is important to know that a blepharoplasty is specific to the eyelid regions. If you have additional aesthetic goals for the mid to upper facial areas, Dr. Lehfeldt can discuss other treatment options, such as a brow lift, facelift, injectables, and laser treatments.

Am I a Candidate for an Eyelid Lift?

Ideal candidates for an eyelid lift are most often individuals interested in rejuvenating their appearance due to excess skin, skin laxity, and/or fat accumulation surrounding the eyelids. Those who would like to address a visual obstruction caused by overhanging upper eyelid skin may also be good candidates for this procedure. Possible concerns for upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both that may be corrected with blepharoplasty include:

Candidates for this procedure should also be in good health overall and have reasonable expectations for results. During your initial consultation with Dr. Max Lehfeldt, our plastic surgeon will talk with you about your needs and perform an examination to determine whether eyelid surgery is the best option for your goals.

What Are the Types of Eyelid Surgery?

A blepharoplasty (commonly called eyelid surgery) revives the eye areas by removing and/or repositioning excess pockets of fat, skin, and muscle tissue. The outcome can either improve a patient’s visual range and/or smooth the remaining delicate skin for a more youthful, vibrant appearance. Below are the two predominant types of eyelid surgery:

Upper Blepharoplasty

Upper eyelid rejuvenation consists of removing a small strip of excess upper eyelid skin. For many patients, this minimally invasive procedure can often be done in the office under local anesthesia without the added costs of the operating room and general anesthesia. Dr. Lehfeldt designs this procedure to create an enhanced and pleasing eyelid aesthetic while customizing the procedure for every patient. Upper eyelid surgery can be performed in less than an hour in the office. Swelling and minimal bruising may persist for about a week.

Lower Blepharoplasty

Lower eyelid surgery has several approaches – each designed to achieve a significant improvement while minimizing risks and complications. Dr. Lehfeldt takes an approach that repositions and repurposes lower eyelid fat to create a more youthful lower eyelid shape. This particular lower eyelid procedure leaves no scar on the outside of the eyelid because the surgery is performed using incisions inside the lower eyelid.

In cases where there is significant excess lower eyelid skin and bulging fat, a more traditional lower-eyelid incision may be required. Dr. Lehfeldt avoids removing lower eyelid fat, as this can often lead to a “hollow” and unsatisfactory result. During your consultation, your lower eyelid tissues will be evaluated to provide guidance regarding the optimal approach. Dr. Lehfeldt will often improve the lower eyelid tone as well by supporting the lid with specialized sutures (canthopexy). Lower eyelid surgery may require two weeks of recovery due to swelling and bruising.

View Dr. Lehfeldt’s before-and-after blepharoplasty gallery.

What Does the Blepharoplasty Procedure Involve?

Blepharoplasty procedures are typically performed on an outpatient basis with either local or general anesthesia, and patients are able to return home the same day. The length of surgery depends on the type of treatment the patient is receiving. On average, an upper blepharoplasty is completed in less than an hour, while a lower blepharoplasty may take 60-90 minutes. The exact time of the surgery depends on the patient’s unique treatment plan.

Once you meet with Dr. Max Lehfeldt and discuss your options, he will be able to provide greater details of what to expect during surgery based on the customized treatment plan.

What Can I Expect During Eyelid Surgery Recovery?

There is usually a minimal recovery time following a blepharoplasty procedure; however, the precise length of time for recovery will ultimately depend on the type of eyelid surgery performed, the techniques utilized, and each individual’s unique anatomical response to the procedure. Once the surgery is complete, antibiotic ointments are applied to the eyelids and patients should avoid touching their eyes to reduce risks of infection and irritation. Patients may experience temporary bruising, swelling, soreness or tightness, sensitivity to light, blurriness, and tearing following surgery, but these symptoms should all resolve as the areas heal. Prescribed pain medications can be used as needed, along with cold compresses. Many patients can resume some daily activities within a few days and return to work within one to two weeks. Strenuous exercise/activities, as well as contact lenses and makeup, should be avoided for at least two to three weeks after surgery, or as long as recommended by our team.

How Long Do Eyelid Surgery Results Last?

Eyelid surgery is known for providing long-lasting rejuvenation, often maintaining improvements for many years. While no procedure can prevent future aging, removing excess skin and refining the underlying tissues creates structural changes that typically remain stable over time. Upper eyelid results may last 8 to 10 years or longer, while lower eyelid benefits are frequently even more enduring. Lifestyle habits, skin quality, and natural aging patterns all influence longevity, but many patients find that their eyes continue to look more youthful than they would have if they had never undergone the surgery. Non-surgical maintenance treatments—such as skin resurfacing, neuromodulator injections, or dermal fillers—can also help prolong a refreshed appearance.

Are Eyelid Surgery Scars Noticeable?

Blepharoplasty incisions are designed to be discreet and well-concealed, which can lead to virtually unnoticeable scarring. For upper eyelid surgery, incisions are placed within the natural eyelid crease, allowing the resulting scar to blend seamlessly once healed. Lower eyelid procedures performed internally (transconjunctival blepharoplasty) leave no external scar at all. In cases where a skin-pinch or external lower eyelid incision is needed, it is carefully positioned just below the lash line so that it becomes difficult to detect as it matures. With proper care, such as sun protection and adherence to aftercare instructions, most patients find that their scars fade significantly over time.

What Procedures Can Complement Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery can be combined with other facial rejuvenation techniques to achieve a more harmonious, balanced outcome. For patients with significant brow heaviness or forehead descent, a brow lift can elevate the upper facial tissues and enhance the results of upper blepharoplasty. Those seeking a more comprehensive improvement of mid-facial or lower-facial aging may consider pairing eyelid surgery with a facelift or mini-lift. Non-surgical treatments, such as laser skin resurfacing, chemical peels, dermal fillers, or neuromodulators like BOTOX® Cosmetic, can help further diminish fine lines, smooth skin texture, or restore subtle volume around the eyes. Dr. Lehfeldt works closely with each patient to create a tailored plan that addresses their unique goals and maximizes the potential for natural-looking enhancement.

How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost?

The total cost for eyelid surgery varies for each patient based on whether the upper and/or lower eyelids are treated, the complexities of the procedure, the type of anesthesia utilized, and other factors associated with the customized treatment plan. Dr. Max Lehfeldt meets with each patient to curate a specific treatment plan based on their individual concerns and goals, followed by a meeting with the office staff to review a detailed cost estimate and available payment and financing options. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the costs of eyelid surgery and talk with you about the convenient forms of payment accepted here at our practice.

Please contact our office for more information, or to schedule your cosmetic consultation with Dr. Lehfeldt.