Blepharoplasty

Consultations offered at our three convenient locations in Austin, TX, San Antonio, TX and Westlake Hills, TX

Blepharoplasty Austin Plastic Surgeon in Austin, San Antonio, and West Lake Hills

Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery or eyelid lift, can address the loose skin, excess fat pads and aged appearance of the upper or lower eyelids, or both. This facial procedure is used to enhance the appearance of the eyes by removing excess skin and fat from the eyelids. Eyelid surgery has become very popular for both men and women as it can give you a refreshed appearance without the overdone look that many patients are trying to avoid.

Blepharoplasties at Austin Plastic Surgeon in Austin, San Antonio, and West Lake Hills are performed for both older and younger patients. Some patients develop bags under their eyes at a young age and feel as though they look tired, even when they are not. In some cases, we can remove these bags internally to avoid any visible scarring, giving the patient a refreshed, aesthetically pleasing result.

To schedule a personal consultation with one of our qualified professionals at Austin Plastic Surgeon, please call the location that is most convenient for you or fill out our contact form:

Before and After Photos

Blepharoplasty Before & After Patient #9405
Blepharoplasty Before & After Patient #9405
Blepharoplasty Before & After Patient #6497
Blepharoplasty Before & After Patient #6497
Blepharoplasty Before & After Patient #6496
Blepharoplasty Before & After Patient #6496
View More Photos

About Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery remains very popular in Austin! This rejuvenating surgery consistently ranks as a top choice among men and women alike, as it is a sophisticated way to refresh the appearance of the area surrounding the eyes by eliminating a tired appearance from the eyes.

Upper Blepharoplasty

An upper eyelid lift is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the appearance of the upper eyelids. It primarily involves the removal of excess skin, fat, or muscle tissue that can create a heavy, tired look because of the way gravity and aging cause the skin to descend. (1) Patients frequently seek out upper blepharoplasty to rejuvenate their eye appearance, eliminate drooping eyelids, and obtain a more wakeful look, which can significantly improve self-esteem. The excess skin can give a tired, aged appearance to the face.

  1. Skin-Only Upper Blepharoplasty
    • Overview: Removes excess skin from the upper eyelid without altering muscle or fat significantly.
    • Benefits:
      • Effective for mild to moderate skin redundancy.
      • Minimally invasive with relatively short recovery.
      • Can create a more defined eyelid crease and “open up” the eye appearance.
  2. Skin and Muscle Upper Blepharoplasty
    • Overview: Involves removing or tightening both excess skin and underlying orbicularis oculi muscle. May also include conservative fat removal or repositioning, if needed.
    • Benefits:
      • Addresses moderate to severe upper eyelid droop or puffiness.
      • Provides a more comprehensive rejuvenation.
      • Reduces heaviness in the eyelid for a more refreshed look.
  3. Upper Blepharoplasty with Ptosis Repair
    • Overview: Combines traditional upper eyelid surgery with ptosis (eyelid drooping) correction, often involving the levator muscle or tendon.
    • Benefits:
      • Restores proper eyelid function in patients with significant drooping.
      • Improves both the appearance and field of vision.
      • Offers a “two-in-one” approach by addressing both aesthetics and function simultaneously.
  4. Brow-Eyelid Combination Surgery
    • Overview: Also known as a browpexy or brow lift combined with upper blepharoplasty. Addresses a low-hanging brow that can contribute to upper eyelid heaviness.
    • Benefits:
      • Achieves balanced rejuvenation of the upper face.
      • Reduces the risk of over-resection of eyelid skin when a low brow is the main issue.
      • Creates a more youthful brow position and smoother upper eyelid contour.

Lower Blepharoplasty

A lower blepharoplasty focuses on enhancing the appearance of the lower eyelids. With age, many individuals develop under-eye bags, loose skin, and wrinkles in this area. This can lead to looking tired, older, or worn out, even if one does not feel that way. A wide range of patients undergo a lower blepharoplasty as the prominent bags under the eyes can appear at any age. This can become more apparent in our patients on their weight loss journey. This surgery aims to rejuvenate the eye area by removing excess or descended fat and tightening skin, contributing to a more youthful look. (1)

  1. Transconjunctival Lower Blepharoplasty
    • Overview: An incision is made inside the lower eyelid (conjunctiva), allowing access to orbital fat for removal or repositioning. Often combined with skin resurfacing or a small skin pinch for mild skin laxity.
    • Benefits:
      • Leaves no visible external scar.
      • Ideal for patients with prominent under-eye bags but minimal excess skin.
      • Lower risk of eyelid malposition since the external skin and muscle are left intact.
  2. Transcutaneous (Subciliary) Lower Blepharoplasty
    • Overview: An incision is made just below the lash line on the outside of the lower eyelid, allowing access to remove or reposition fat, tighten muscle, and remove excess skin.
    • Benefits:
      • Best suited for patients with significant skin laxity and fat protrusion.
      • Directly addresses wrinkles and redundant skin under the eyes.
      • Can include a “skin pinch” if only minor skin adjustment is necessary.
  3. Fat Repositioning or Fat Transfer
    • Overview: During lower eyelid surgery, fat from under the eye is repositioned to hollows or depressions in the tear trough area, or additional fat grafting can be done.
    • Benefits:
      • Smooths out under-eye hollows and transitions, reducing the appearance of dark circles.
      • Maintains volume for a more youthful, natural result.
      • Reduces the need for excessive fat removal that can lead to a hollow or “sunken” look.
  4. Skin Pinch Technique
    • Overview: A small pinch of excess skin is excised without disturbing the underlying muscle or fat. Often combined with a transconjunctival approach to address fat bags.
    • Benefits:
      • Good option for minimal crepey skin in the lower eyelid region.
      • Less invasive than a full subciliary incision.
      • Shorter recovery time, reduced risk of complications like eyelid malposition.
  5. Adjunctive Procedures
    • Laser or Chemical Peel: Can improve skin texture and tighten mild laxity without extensive surgery.
    • Microneedling or RF Treatments: Stimulate collagen for smoother under-eye skin.
    • Canthopexy or Canthoplasty: Tightens the outer corner of the eyelid, preventing droop and enhancing the almond shape of the eye.

Choosing the Right Approach

  • Patient Goals & Anatomy: The optimal technique depends on the patient’s degree of excess skin, muscle laxity, fat protrusion, and overall facial structure.
  • Surgeon’s Assessment: A thorough consultation helps determine whether a more conservative, minimally invasive approach (e.g., transconjunctival) or a comprehensive correction (e.g., subciliary with fat repositioning) is best.
  • Combination Therapies: Additional non-surgical or minimally invasive treatments can be combined to achieve a harmonious and long-lasting outcome.

By understanding these different upper and lower eyelid surgery options—and their respective benefits—patients can make a more informed decision and work with their surgeon to achieve the most natural, rejuvenated look.

Benefits

Benefits of a blepharoplasty may include:

  • Improved Appearance: Many patients feel that their eyes and face appear more youthful and vibrant after the surgery.
  • Increased Confidence: A more awake and rejuvenated appearance can significantly boost personal confidence.
  • Long-lasting Results: Surgical improvements from a blepharoplasty can last many years.
  • Removes Bulging Tissue: Both upper and lower eyelid surgeries can address unwanted fat pockets, resulting in a smoother eyelid contour. These prominent bags can lead to a tired appearance.  
  • Skin Tightening: The extra skin may be eliminated, leading to tighter, more opened and youthful-looking eyelids.
  • Customized Procedure: Each surgery can be tailored based on individual needs and goals, providing personalized results.
  • Minimal Scarring: The surgeon will discreetly place incisions during the blepharoplasty, which helps to minimize visible scarring. (2)

Candidates

Ideal candidates for blepharoplasty are individuals who experience one or more of the following:

  • Sagging or droopy eyelids
  • Puffiness or bags under the eyes
  • Excess skin or fat around the eyelids
  • Unhappiness with the appearance of their eyes
  • Tired appearance around the eyes

Candidates should also be in overall good health and have realistic expectations. A thorough consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon at Austin Plastic Surgeon will help determine whether you are a suitable candidate for this procedure.

Personal Consultation

The journey towards your blepharoplasty begins with a personal consultation at Austin Plastic Surgeon. During this appointment, we will review your medical history, discuss your aesthetic goals, and perform a careful examination of your eyelids and surrounding areas. This will help us understand the degree of correction we will need to carry out.

Together, you and your surgeon will establish a strategy that best addresses your unique needs, whether that is through an upper eyelid lift, a lower eyelid lift, or a combination of the two (quad blepharoplasty). At Austin Plastic Surgeon, our goal is to provide you with informed options and transparency so that you can make the most confident decision regarding your treatment.

To schedule your consultation, please contact us at the location that is most suitable for you. You may also request a personal consultation through our contact form.

Preparation

Our team will provide you with pre and post-operative instructions. To prepare for your eyelid lift, your surgeon may ask that you:

  • Stop taking aspirin and other blood-thinning medications (if you are required to by your doctor, discuss this fact with your surgeon)
  • Stop taking herbal supplements and supplemental vitamin E because they can increase bleeding (again, if you have arranged this regimen with your doctor, you will first discuss the issue with your surgeon)
  • Do not smoke or use tobacco products at least 3 weeks before surgery (it will interfere with healing)
  • Fill any prescriptions
  • Prep your home with light foods that won’t upset your stomach
  • Prep a recovery area with books, movies, and other ways to pass the time
  • Arrange for a spouse, family member, or friend to bring you to surgery, drive you home, and stay with you for at least 24 hours after the procedure
  • Clear your schedule so you have nothing to worry about for at least the first week
  • Don’t wear your contacts (if you wear contacts) to the procedure
  • Bring sunglasses with you to your appointment
  • Follow our instructions for bathing and eating

We will make sure you have these instructions in advance so you can plan accordingly. There is not too much prep, but we do want to make sure that you feel comfortable and informed before your procedure. Preparation is the best way to go into this experience confidently! Of course, we will be here to support you throughout the process, making sure nothing is ambiguous or unanswered as you get ready for this rejuvenating eye procedure.

Procedure

Blepharoplasty Austin Plastic Surgeon in Austin, San Antonio, and West Lake Hills

Our team may recommend local anesthetic or general anesthesia for your blepharoplasty. Local anesthetic with sedation will allow you to deeply relax while you are still awake and able to respond to your surgeon if they ask you to open or close your eyes. However, in some cases, general anesthesia is the best choice. Your surgeon will discuss all of these options and any concerns you have with you. We want to make sure you feel safe and comfortable during eyelid surgery at Austin Plastic Surgeon.

The duration of the procedure varies slightly depending on whether you are combining an upper and lower eyelid surgery, as well as any other corresponding procedures you wish to include. Typical blepharoplasties take 1-2 hours to complete, but you should plan to be at the surgical facility for several hours, and the rest of your day must be clear so that you can go home and relax.

Recovery

The recovery process for the blepharoplasty is typically very straightforward. Our surgeons use techniques that help make the postoperative period very easy, while also minimizing discomfort.

Our surgeons will advise that you take a week off from work following your eyelid surgery. You have to take it easy during the first week of your recovery so that you do not worsen your bruising or cause any problems. After one week, most of the bruising from an upper blepharoplasty will have most likely resolved on its own.

Results

The results of eyelid surgery are long-lasting. The excess tissue and fat that is removed is removed for good; however, this procedure cannot stop the aging process or gravity from continuing to affect the skin over the years. After a decade or more, you may notice that the passage of time causes some return of wrinkles and sagging. However, your eyes will continue to look younger than they would have if you hadn’t gotten blepharoplasty.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures

Facial Fat Transfer

Blepharoplasty itself primarily targets the upper and/or lower eyelids to treat issues such as excess skin, fat bulges, and fine lines. Combining blepharoplasty with fat transfer allows for dual correction – improving both the structure of the eyelid area and adding volume where needed, thus achieving a harmonious balance. Both procedures utilize minimally invasive techniques, ensuring less trauma and quicker recovery times compared to traditional surgical options.

Brow Lift

The forehead is composed of delicate skin that often loses elasticity due to factors such as aging, gravity, and environmental exposure. As time passes, many people may notice their eyebrows begin to sag, while excess skin develops around their upper and lower eyelids. This sagging can create an angry or tired appearance, detracting from one’s overall attractiveness. A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to elevate the position of sagging brows and reduce signs of aging on the forehead and around the eyes.

Facelift

A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the face by reducing sagging, wrinkles, and signs of aging. It focuses on tightening the underlying facial tissues and smoothing out the skin, resulting in a youthful and fresh facial profile. Facelifts can be effectively combined with other treatments like blepharoplasty and dermal fillers for comprehensive rejuvenation. Each patient receives a customized plan based on their unique anatomy and desired goals.

Cost of an Eyelid Lift in Austin

The cost of your blepharoplasty will depend on whether you are choosing to combine upper and lower eyelid surgery, and if you are incorporating any other treatments into your appointment. In order for the team at Austin Plastic Surgeon to be able to provide you with an accurate quote, you will need to contact our team to discuss your aesthetic goals.

To send us any questions about pricing, you can fill out our contact form or call one of our locations:

FAQ

What is blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is an eyelid surgery that removes excess tissue from the upper and/or lower eyelids to create a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance.

Who is an ideal candidate for blepharoplasty?

Good candidates are healthy individuals suffering from bags under their eyes or sagging upper eyelids.

Is eyelid surgery painful?

Patients typically experience minimal discomfort. Any pain can usually be managed with prescribed medications.

When can I return to work after eyelid surgery?

Most patients can return to non-strenuous activities within a week or two. However, patients should avoid any heavy lifting or intense workouts for several weeks.

Are there non-surgical alternatives to blepharoplasty?

Yes, non-surgical treatments like Botox or dermal fillers can accomplish limited enhancements to the eye area. However, these options yield smaller, more temporary results compared to surgical blepharoplasty.

Can eyelid surgery be combined with other procedures?

Yes, many patients choose to combine eyelid surgery with other procedures like facelifts or brow lifts for comprehensive rejuvenation.

References

  1. Rebowe RE, Runyan C. Blepharoplasty. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482381/
  2. Patel BC, Malhotra R. Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537078/