Eyelid Rejuvenation Surgery by Melissa Johnson MD, FACS

Blepharoplasty, sometimes called eye lid lift or eyelid rejuvenation, is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and muscle from both the upper and lower eyelids. Underlying fatty tissue that produces bagginess can be selectively removed or repositioned. Blepharoplasty can improve drooping skin and bagginess. It can help improve vision in older patients who have hooding of their upper eyelids. Blepharoplasty will not remove "crow’s feet" or other wrinkles, eliminate dark circles under the eyes, or lift sagging eyebrows.

Life-long sun protection will help maintain your rejuvenated eyelid appearance by minimizing photo-aging or sun damage. Also, a healthy lifestyle will extend the results of your more youthful, rejuvenated look.

Blepharoplasty patients should review and follow our pre-operative and post-operative instructions.

Eyelid surgery consultations in Longmeadow, MA

When you book an eyelid surgery consultation, there is a $100 consultation fee. If you choose to have surgery with Dr. Johnson the $100 will go towards the surgical fee.

Blepharoplasty (Eyelift) Procedures Video Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) can give a rejuvenated appearance to either the upper or lower eyelids, or both eyelids. It can help you look more rested and alert.

Blepharoplasty FAQs

Am I a good candidate for blepharoplasty?

A blepharoplasty removes the extra skin and redundant muscle of the upper and lower eyelids. If you have sagging skin of the upper and lower eyelids, you may benefit from an upper and/or lower blepharoplasty. During your consultation, we will provide you with our expert opinion on whether you are a good candidate. We will discuss the surgical process along with any possible risks and complications of the surgery.

How should I prepare for my consultation?

Researching blepharoplasty on reputable internet sites such as the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons can be very informative to help provide an overview. However, the best information will be obtained by making an appointment and speaking with Dr. Johnson. At the time of your consultation it may also be helpful to review before and after photos of patients who have had the procedure. At the time of your consultation, we will provide you with all the needed information for you to be able to make a comfortable, confident decision about having surgery. It's a good idea to write down any questions or concerns you have so they can be fully addressed at your consultation. Know what your surgical expectations are so Dr. Johnson can discuss them with you. If you are a smoker, we recommend you quit to help reduce the risk of wound healing complications. We also recommend a healthy lifestyle to help your recovery process.

Will I be seen by the surgeon?

Yes. Dr. Johnson will meet with you and she will discuss all your surgical options. Dr. Johnson will provide you with the necessary information so that you feel confident and comfortable with your surgical decision.

Will I be charged for an initial consultation?

If you are having problems with your vision and your insurance covers a blepharoplasty, you will not be charged a cosmetic consultation fee. If you are having a blepharoplasty for cosmetic purposes, there is a $100 cosmetic consultation fee. If you choose to have surgery with Dr. Johnson, the $100 will go towards the surgical fee.

Are there different types of blepharoplasty procedures?

A blepharoplasty can consist of removing excess skin from the upper and or lower eyelids, tightening the muscles, removing or repositioning the fat. The extent of the technique is dependent on your concerns and your surgical expectations. The incision for an upper blepharoplasty is placed in the crease of the upper eyelid. The incision for a lower blepharoplasty is placed just below the lower eyelashes. Other procedures may be needed in conjunction to a blepharoplasty to address other aspects of the face.

What is the surgical process?

The surgery is performed at a hospital. During surgery you will receive IV sedation or general anesthesia. The surgery will take between 1-3 hours depending on the extent of the procedure. Once you are awake you are taken to the recovery room for another 1-2 hours and then discharged home.

Are there risks involved with blepharoplasty?

Yes, there are risks with any surgical procedure. Some of the possible risks with a blepharoplasty are pain, infection, bruising, swelling, wound healing complications, hematoma/seroma, numbness of the incision or facial areas, asymmetry, unsatisfactory results or scars that may require a revision surgery, inability to close eyes, dry eyes, eyelid disorders.

What is the recovery process?

The first rew days you may have discomfort of the eyes. The extent of what is performed determines the amount of discomfort that you have. You are sent home on pain medications which will decrease your discomfort. You will have bruising and swelling of the eyes which may descend down into the cheeks. We will recommend that you use cold eye pads for the first 72 hours to help minimize swelling. We will see you about 5 days after surgery to evaluate your healing process and to remove sutures. We request that you do no strenuous exercise for at least two weeks after surgery.

We recommend no driving for 2 weeks and no lifting greater than 10 lbs., reaching, pushing or pulling for 4 weeks following surgery.

Will my insurance cover blepharoplasty surgery?

Possibly. If the excess skin is interfering with your vision and you are seen by an ophthalmologist (an eye doctor) and you fail your field of vision testing, your insurance may cover the procedure

Can I finance my blepharoplasty procedure?

Yes. We offer patient financing through CareCredit or ALPHAEON CREDIT. See our Financing FAQs for more information.

What forms of payment are accepted?

We accept all major credit cards, debit cards, cash, money orders, and certified bank checks, or you can finance through CareCredit.

Can I make payments online?

Yes. You can make credit card payments securely online.