Eyelid Surgery
The eye area is one of the first places to show signs of aging. Loose skin, puffiness, and under-eye bags can make you look tired, even when you feel well-rested. In some cases, the skin above the eyes can droop far enough to interfere with your vision. If you are concerned about the way your eyes are affecting your appearance or daily life, eyelid surgery may be beneficial.
At Carolina Plastic Surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeons perform eyelid surgery with a personalized approach. Each procedure is designed to refresh your appearance without changing the natural character of your eyes. Whether you are looking to improve function, aesthetics, or both, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
What Is an Eyelid Lift?
An eyelid lift, or blepharoplasty, is a procedure that helps reduce signs of aging and fatigue around the eyes. It involves the careful removal or repositioning of excess skin, fat, and tissue to create a smoother, more youthful contour.
This procedure can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both depending on your needs. It can address puffiness, sagging, fine lines, and bulging under the eyes. Many patients choose an eyelid lift to achieve a refreshed appearance, while others seek functional improvement when drooping eyelids affect their vision.
Eyelid surgery is often performed on its own but can also be combined with other facial procedures, such as a brow lift or facelift, for more comprehensive rejuvenation. At Carolina Plastic Surgery, our surgeons are meticulous about achieving results that look natural and complement your facial features.
Am I a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
You may be a good candidate for eyelid surgery if you:
- Have sagging upper eyelids that make you look tired or block your vision
- Struggle with puffiness or bags under your eyes
- Notice loose or wrinkled skin around the eyes
- Are in good overall health and do not smoke
- Have realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve
Eyelid surgery is commonly chosen by individuals in their 40s and older, but younger patients with hereditary puffiness or skin laxity can benefit as well. During your consultation, we will examine your eye area, discuss your concerns, and determine the most effective treatment plan for your goals.
What Does Eyelid Surgery Entail?
Eyelid surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, so you can go home the same day. The procedure typically uses local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the surgery and your preferences.
To minimize visible scarring, incisions are placed along the natural creases of the eyelids or inside the lower eyelid. Through these small openings, your surgeon removes or repositions fat, trims excess skin, and carefully tightens the area to create a more youthful contour.
Our surgeons take great care to maintain the natural shape of your eyes while enhancing the appearance of the surrounding skin. The incisions are closed with fine sutures and generally heal well with little to no noticeable scarring.
What Can I Expect in the Eyelid Surgery Recovery?
Recovery from eyelid surgery is typically smooth and relatively quick. Mild bruising, swelling, and tightness around the eyes are normal for the first several days. Most patients feel comfortable resuming light activities within a week.
Here’s what you can generally expect:
- First few days: Swelling and discoloration are most noticeable. Using cold compresses and keeping your head elevated can help reduce symptoms.
- After 5–7 days: Stitches are usually removed, and most patients are able to return to work or social activities.
- After 2–3 weeks: Bruising fades and the eyelids begin to look more natural.
- After 1–3 months: Final results continue to improve as the area fully heals.
You will receive detailed aftercare instructions and attend follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. Most patients find that their eyes appear brighter and more rested, with results that look natural and last for many years.
Is Eyelid Surgery Covered by Insurance?
In some cases, upper eyelid surgery may qualify for insurance coverage, especially if the skin is significantly blocking your vision. To determine if your procedure meets the criteria for medical necessity, documentation such as a visual field test and photographs may be required.
If your surgery is cosmetic in nature, it likely will not be covered by insurance. However, we offer flexible payment and financing options for patients who wish to pursue the procedure for aesthetic reasons. Our team can help you understand your benefits and explore all available options during your consultation.
Schedule an Eyelid Surgery Consultation
If you’re ready to restore a refreshed, more youthful appearance or address vision concerns caused by drooping eyelids, our team at Carolina Plastic Surgery is here to help. Contact us to schedule a personal consultation and learn more about your options for eyelid surgery.