Eyelid Surgery Procedures - Blepharoplasty - eyelid lift, lower eye cosmetic surgery, upper eyelid cosmetic surgery at Albuquerque Center for Plastic Surgery

Fullness or "sad eyes" can be treated with a procedure called a Blepharoplasty or Eyelid Lift. It can be performed upon either the upper eyelids or lower eyelids or all four eyelids at the same surgical setting. Frequently, patients will have their brows elevated (Brow or Forehead Lift) and may also have a facelift (Rhytidectomy) during the same surgery.

Blepharoplasty involves removing excess skin and recontouring the fatty tissue which causes bags under and occasionally above the eyes. Incisions are placed in nature's skin folds to camouflage scars. Occasionally, eyelids can be treated with internal incisions so there is no external scar.

Very fine lines around eyelids "crows feet" are not usually improved with a Blepharoplasty surgery, however, with realistic expectations, the "sad" look may be improved.

Complications are rare but must be thoroughly discussed and considered before you decide to have surgery.


As people age, the eyelid skin stretches, muscles weaken, and fat accumulates around the eyes, causing "bags" above and below.	Underlying fat, along with excess skin and muscle, can be removed during the operation.	In a transconjunctival blepharoplasty, a tiny incision is made inside the lower eyelid and fat is removed with fine forceps. No skin is removed, and the incision is closed with dissolving sutures.

Before and After Photos

Pre-op	Post-op

Pre-op	Post-op

Pre-op	Post-op
		Eyelid Lift with Brow Lift

Procedure Description:	Correct drooping upper eyelids and puffy bags below the eyes by removing excess fat, skin, and muscle. (Upper-eyelid surgery may be covered by insurance if used to correct visual field defects).
Surgery Length:	1 to 3 hours.
Cost Range:	$2,100 - $4,000 (includes Operating Room and an Anesthesiologist) See our payment options for cosmetic surgery.
Anesthesia:	Usually locally with sedation or general.
In/Outpatient:	Usually outpatient.
Side Effects:	Temporary discomfort, tightness of lids, swelling, bruising. Temporary dryness, burning, itching of eyes. Excessive tearing, sensitivity to light for first few weeks.
Risks associated with Surgery:	Temporary blurred or double vision. Infection, bleeding. Swelling at the corners of the eyelids. Dry eyes. Formation of whiteheads. Slight asymmetry in healing or scarring. Difficulty in closing eyes completely (rarely permanent). Pulling down of the lower lids (may require further surgery). Blindness (extremely rare).
Recovery Period:	Reading: 2 or 3 days. Back to work: 7 to 10 days. Contact lenses: two weeks or more. Strenuous activities, alcohol: about 3 weeks. Bruising and swelling gone: several weeks.
Duration of Results:	Several years. Sometimes permanent.