Eyelid Surgery

Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in Fairfield, CT and White Plains, NY

blepharoplasty fairfield

Eyelid Surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that alters the eyelid for aesthetic or functional purposes. Performed commonly on the upper eyelid, it is also used to correct lower eyelid ptosis (sagging), and can rejuvenate the eye after age-related drooping. (1)

Dr. Alfred Sofer performs blepharoplasty procedures in Fairfield, CT and White Plains, NY for patients experiencing drooping eyelids or for those looking for eyelid rejuvenation. Schedule a consultation with him by calling (203) 336-9862 or fill out this form today.

Before and After Photos

About Eyelid Surgery and Ptosis

blepharoplasty fairfield

As we naturally age, the face is one of the first areas where skin sagging is noticeable. If this starts to happen in the eyelid region, it can lead to impairment of vision and loss of confidence. Dermatochalasis (sagging of the eyelids) occurs after years of contracting eye muscles and sensitive skin in the area losing its elasticity. (1) Patients experiencing dermatochalasis are self conscious about “droopy eyelids” and the impact they might have on eyesight. Eyelid surgery also remedies cosmetic concerns as well as medical ones.

Upper Eyelid Surgery

In this procedure, the surgeon removes a portion of the eyelid above the crease and below the brow to remedy any drooping. They take measurements to make sure complete eyelid closure can be obtained after the surgery, and sutures the eyelid back together after removing or repositioning the tissue causing the droop.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

In a lower eyelid surgery, the surgeon places a small incision right below the lash line and the excess tissue is removed from the area below the eye, reducing the look of undereye bags and dark circles.(2) If no fat is being removed, then a section of skin is measured and removed and sutures are placed to alleviate sagging. This procedure is often performed in conjunction with the upper eyelids, which is known as a quad blepharoplasty.

Benefits to Receiving Eyelid Surgery

Blepharoplasty can benefit you by:

  • Reducing the sagging that occurs below your brow
  • Reducing the look of dark undereye bags
  • Opening up the upper eyelid and its crease
  • Removing excess skin and smoothing wrinkles around the under eye
  • Allowing more light to enter the eye to enhance the field of vision
  • Lifting the lashes away from eye surface, alleviating discomfort

In some cases, extra fat pads that accumulate on the upper eye put pressure on the cornea and may even cause astigmatism. Receiving eyelid surgery provides both comfort and aesthetic rejuvenation, including restoring overall health to the eye.(1)

Am I a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

Blepharoplasty can help those who are dissatisfied with the drooping around their eyes who are experiencing interference with their vision. You are also a good candidate for eyelid surgery if you wish to change the shape or contour of your eyelid for cosmetic reasons. Dr. Sofer will ask about your preferences at your consultation.

Patients should be non-smokers, or be willing to give up smoking before and after their surgery. They should also be in good health with no serious overarching health conditions.

Personal Consultation 

Dr. Sofer will ask about your eye history first and foremost. If you wear contact lenses, experience severe dry eye, have glaucoma, produce excessive tears, or have eye trauma, this could have an effect on whether an eyelid surgery is right for you.(3) Dr. Sofer examines your eyelids using gentle pinching to determine the extent of sagging and the right treatment plan for each patient. Depending on what your concerns are, he will recommend a procedure for the upper or lower eyelid, or both. He will also inform you of the possibility of fat repositioning if he deems it necessary.

Preparation

To prepare for eyelid surgery, you must inform Dr. Sofer about your usage of the following things:

  • Prescription medications
  • Over-the-counter medications
  • Herbal remedies
  • NSAIDs or other blood-thinning medications

You must also quit the consumption of all tobacco products and limit alcohol intake. It is important to find a trusted friend or relative that is available to bring you home after the procedure since your vision will be impaired.

Eyelid Procedure Process

With blepharoplasty, the area is marked before the procedure to map out sections of skin for extraction. You are instructed to look either up or down to make sure the right amount of skin is preserved for optimal eye function. Dr. Sofer then starts the surgery by applying local anesthetic to the eyelid. You may be awake for this procedure, but the ability to close the eyelid is crucial to get the best results.(1)

The surgeon removes the skin from the fat underneath using special surgical instruments. Once the skin is separated, a section is dissected and the eyelid is lifted with sutures. To reduce tugging of the skin, Dr. Sofer uses internal and external sutures to secure the new eyelid to the muscle, while making sure you still have normal blinking function.

Finally, Dr. Sofer fits you with some protection for the eyes, like gauze or steri-strips if your stitches need some support.

Recovery

Eyelid surgery is an outpatient procedure, so after your surgery you will spend 1 to 2 hours afterward in a recovery room at Dr. Sofer’s facility.

Most patients need pain medication for 4 days after the procedure, and then you will be able to manage with over-the-counter medications. Dr. Sofer might suggest the use of ice packs to keep your swelling down and relieve discomfort. After around10 days, you will go back in to have your stitches removed.

Make sure that if you wear contact lenses, you have a pair of glasses to wear for at least 2 weeks after your procedure. 

After 2 weeks, you can resume all of your daily activities. In 6 weeks you can go back to full exercise routines and other strenuous activities. 

Results

You will be able to see results instantly, though the incisions are prone to swelling and bruising that will show through the first week. The results of eyelid surgery are usually long-lasting, but it is important to follow your care instructions carefully to help you get the best results possible. 

Once healed, you can enjoy a younger looking face with less puffiness around the eyes. Your under eye bags will dissipate and your eyes will appear more open and alert. Make sure to utilize sun protection to maintain the best results.

Complementary Procedure 

When you start to notice the signs of aging, like sagging and wrinkles, your face shows signs long before other parts of the body. Especially if you are noticing your brows sag, other facial features can be just as prone to the toll time can take. In this case, oan effective surgical option is a facelift

During a facelift procedure, Dr. Sofer dissects certain areas of your face to tighten or remove fat in problem areas such as the neck, cheeks, and jowls to rejuvenate and reanimate the face. He makes discrete incisions around the ears and hairline to minimize scarring and then lifts and sculps the inner muscles of the face to tighten the area. 

A facelift is sometimes recommended with an eyelid surgery in order for you to achieve the level of rejuvenation you desire. It can be easily combined at the same time as your eyelid surgery.

How Much is Eyelid Surgery in Fairfield, Connecticut?

The cost of eyelid surgery is completely dependent on each patient’s specific procedure plan and treatment. A few other things that will determine your overall cost are as follows:

  • Your introductory consultation with Dr. Sofer (usually 1 hour)
  • An appointment before your procedure to go through all paperwork, preop and postop medications, recovery, and to take photographs of your eyelids preoperation
  • Any operation room fees, including staff and equipment
  • Either local or general anesthesia fees, depending on operative plan
  • Any follow up appointments, usually 3 to 6 that last around 30 minutes
  • Bandages and equipment used in follow-up visits
  • 24-hour on-call surgeon, and plastic surgeon fees

To get more comprehensive information about the cost of blepharoplasty, or anything eyelid surgery related, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sofer by calling (203) 336-9862 or use this online application.

FAQ

At what age is it appropriate to receive eyelid surgery?

Usually patients that experience severe eyelid sagging are 40 and older, but many younger patients can also notice it. Eyelid surgery is for anyone that wants to improve the look and structure of their upper or lower eyelids, no matter the age.

Do I need a facelift, eyelid lift, or both?

If you have prominent wrinkles lower down on your face, below the nose area, then you may be a good candidate for a facelift. If your concern lies around the eyes, especially the upper eyelid, then blepharoplasty is right for you. If you experience both, then Dr. Sofer will suggest the possibility of both procedures!

References

  1. Bhattacharjee K, Misra D, Deori N. Updates on upper eyelid blepharoplasty. Indian Journal of Ophthalmology. 2017;65(7):551. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/ijo.ijo_540_172.
  2. Rostami S, de la Torre JI, Czyz CN. Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty. PubMed. Published 2021. Accessed October 11, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448181/
  3. Naik M, Honavar S, Das S, Desai S, Dhepe N. Blepharoplasty: An overview. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. 2009;2(1):6. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-2077.530923.