Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)
THE PROCEDURE
Upper & Lower Eyelid Surgery
Double board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Joshua Zimm proudly serves patients throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the greater NYC area.
RESULTS
BLEPHAROPLASTY BEFORE AND AFTER
Blepharoplasty Overview
Upper eyelid surgery incisions are made to remove excess fat, muscle and loose skin. Incisions are kept in the natural folds of the eye to hide scars and fine sutures are used to close incisions and minimize scar visibility.
Lower eyelid surgery incisions are typically made behind the eyelid to remove excess fat causing puffiness, as well as in an inconspicuous site along the lower lash line to remove excess skin.
Sometimes fat is repositioned rather than removed, and sometimes the lower lid is tightened as well.
THE CHALLENGES
Blepharoplasty will not eliminate dark circles, eliminate all fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, nor change sagging eyebrows or remove festoons - the puffiness that sometimes occurs in the upper cheeks. It won't correct a sagging cheek.
Blepharoplasty Surgery & Recovery Expectations
- Performed under local anesthesia in the office or general anesthesia in the hospital, Blepharoplasty can take up to 2 hours. Patients can have same-day discharge unless other procedures are also being performed.
- Slight blurring may be experienced initially. Stitches are removed 3 to 5 days after surgery. Normal activities can be resumed after 1 week and full aerobic workouts after 3 weeks
The Goals Of Eye Surgery
Blepharoplasty can correct hooded upper lids, sagging lower lids and hereditary conditions such as overhanging upper lids. It can also remove puffiness and bags under the eyes that cause a worn, tired look. It also eliminates excess fat, muscle and skin and create a more youthful, refreshed look.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATioNS
- The degree of evident visual field obstruction.
- Visual acuity and tear production.
- Use of contact lenses.
- Circulatory, opthalmologic or other medical problems.
- The usefulness of other procedures such as a forehead lift, soft tissue fillers, laser resurfacing or neurotoxin injections to enhance the results of blepharoplasty.
MEET OUR EYELID SURGEON
Why You Should Choose Dr. Joshua Zimm
Dr. Joshua Zimm is an internationally acclaimed, double board-certified Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, recognized for his expertise in blepharoplasty surgery. His work has been published in leading peer-reviewed journals, and he has contributed chapters to prominent medical texts. As a trusted expert in facial rejuvenation, he has appeared on The Today Show, sharing insights on advanced cosmetic techniques. Dr. Zimm is the founder of A. Joshua Zimm, M.D., P.C., a premier facial plastic surgery practice on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, dedicated to providing quality, compassionate, and personalized care, alongside exceptional customer service.
REVIEWS
FEATURED testimonials
FAQs
Blepharoplasty Frequently asked questions
A blepharoplasty is designed to improve the signs of aging around the eyes, it does not stop the normal aging process. Therefore, the results of upper eyelid surgeries can last anywhere from five to seven years. However, it is rare to repeat a lower eyelid surgery more than once as these results are more durable over time. Fortunately, secondary blepharoplasties can be performed when the results are no longer acceptable after the initial procedure.
There is no perfect or ideal age for which an upper or lower blepharoplasty should be performed. The majority of patients who undergo a blepharoplasty procedure are over 35 years of age. This is because the signs of aging around the eyes typically appear in one’s late 30s to early 40s. However, everyone ages differently thus eyelid surgery specialists in New York City evaluate each case independently.
The best time to undergo a blepharoplasty is when you feel the procedure is right for your situation.
Upper or lower blepharoplasty in New York City can cost on average $3,000 to $7,000, while in situations when both surgeries are required the cost can range from $6,000 to $12,000. The cost of the procedures depends on the patient's needs, the complexity of the case, the surgeon’s experience, and the amount of work required. Other factors that can influence the cost include anesthesiology fees, operating room costs, geographic locations, and post-operative care.
Blepharoplasty surgery is considered one of the least painful cosmetic procedures. The pain level of the procedure is similar to a skin excision and the eyelid itself is not a particularly sensitive area. Patients typically report experiencing minimal discomfort during the procedure and any pain afterwards is usually mild to moderate. Any discomfort present will often subside after the first two to three days after the procedure.
A brow lift can be beneficial when combined with a lower or upper blepharoplasty in Manhattan and can enhance the rejuvenation of the eyes and the rest of your face. An eyelid surgery specialist in New York City will use this combination of procedures to achieve more comprehensive results, such as tighter skin, fewer wrinkles, and improved facial harmony. It's also a good addition to eyelid surgery for those with noticeable drooping of the eyebrows.
Hooded eyelids occur when excess skin forms under the eyebrows and will touch or get close to the eyelashes of the affected eye. While this does not cause any medical problems, the excess skin can obstruct one's vision and lead to an aesthetically displeasing appearance of the eyes. The best blepharoplasty surgeon in Manhattan uses upper eyelid surgery to excise the excess skin and rejuvenate the appearance of the eyes.
REFRENCES
- Alghoul, M. S., Pacella, S. J., & Massry, G. G. (2015). Optimizing outcomes in aesthetic and functional upper blepharoplasty: A review of anatomical concepts and surgical techniques. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 135(5), 1020-1032. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000001155
- Efanov, J. I., & Gorgy, A. (2024). Insights into upper blepharoplasty: Conservative volume-preserving techniques. World Journal of Clinical Cases, 12(27), 6129-6131. https://doi.org/10.12998/wjcc.v12.i27.6129
- Taban, M., & Perry, J. D. (2021). Advances in blepharoplasty techniques for improved aesthetic outcomes. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 41(1), 32-38. https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjaa032
- Lee, H., & Chang, M. (2020). Epiphora b