Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) in NYC

What is Blepharoplasty?

In our office in Manhattan, blepharoplasty is an extremely popular procedure. Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery removes excess fat and lax skin to reduce under-eye bags and tighten upper and lower eyelid skin. Blepharoplasty gives patients a new glow and a rejuvenated facial appearance. It can help women and men of all ages and skin types look and feel younger and refreshed.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Blepharoplasty Procedure?

Good candidates for eyelid contouring are men or women who demonstrate:

• Bags or puffy bulges under the eyes (fatty deposits)
• Fullness of the inner part of the upper eyelids (fatty deposits)
• Excess skin diminishing the natural fold of the upper eyelid
• Excess skin and wrinkling of the lower eyelids
• Impaired vision due to hanging skin on the upper eyelid

There is no one “correct” age for eyelid surgery. Patients, men and woman, as young as those in their twenties and even those into their eighties are all candidates. If you are in good health, your age shouldn’t stop you from undergoing this procedure.

There is no one “correct” age for eyelid surgery. Patients, men and woman, as young as those in their twenties and even those into their eighties are all candidates. If you are in good health, your age shouldn’t stop you from undergoing this procedure.

Some patients will experience a visual obstruction secondary related to the upper eyelids.  The reasons for this can be generally divided into two categories.

1- Ptosis (droopy eyelids) related to the function of the muscles of the upper eyelid

2- Blepharochalasis which relates when the excess skin hangs below the edge of the upper lid blocking vision. Most of the patients we see have blepharochalasis.

Ptosis can be congenital, acquired, age related or reflect an underlying condition. If it is new in onset, Dr. Rothaus will recommend that you begin by scheduling an appointment with an ophthalmologist for examination and diagnosis,. They will document the extent of the interference can only be documented by an exam called visual fields.

If you choose to get a blepharoplasty, you’ll be in great care, as Dr. Rothaus is an expert and considered by his patients to offer the best blepharoplasty NYC and Westchester has to offer.

How Does the Blepharoplasty Procedure Work?

Eyelid surgery is an outpatient procedure. Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper and lower eyelids either individually or in combination. The typical time required to perform the procedure is about 30 minutes for the upper eyelids, 45 minutes for the lower eyelids and 1 to 1 ½ hours for all 4 eyelids.  

Drooping, excess skin on the upper eyelid is an extremely common problem seen in both women and men. It can look unappealing and even obstruct vision for some patients. To correct this, under a local anesthesia, an incision is placed along the natural eyelid fold to correct the excess fat and skin. For the lower eyelid, incisions are made just below the lower lash line to improve the appearance of the lower eyelid. In some cases, an incision is made just inside the lower eyelid which is called a transconjunctival incision. This eliminates an outside incision; however, only fatty tissue can be removed. Therefore, this is not a good option if excess skin also needs to be removed. Eyelid surgery may not improve upon dark circles, and we may recommend laser treatments, topical products or nanofat injectionsto try to ameliorate the hyperpigmentation.

What is the Recovery like After Eyelid Surgery?

Only local anesthesia is necessary when the upper eyelids are performed alone. IV sedation is required when the lower eyelids are treated as well. You will need to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home after the procedure. Patients should keep their heads elevated for several days after surgery. Although the bruising and swelling are usually totally or substantially resolved within seven to 14 days, it is possible that some bruising and swelling may last for several weeks. The incisions are placed, however, so that any scarring is almost immediately imperceptible with one’s eyes open, even in close conversation. Patients will feel renewed and look rejuvenated and refreshed. Removal of the excess upper eyelid skin may also have a positive effect on improved vision by restoring narrowed visual fields.

Is the Cost of Eyelid Surgery Covered Under Medical Insurance?

When blepharoplasty is performed for purely cosmetic purposes, its price is not covered by vision or medical insurance policies. When the surgery is done for functional purposes, its cost can sometimes be covered. To learn whether your insurance will pay for your eyelid surgery, you will need to contact the insurance provider and may require referral to an ophthalmologist.

Plan Your Procedure

Recovery Time: 7-10 days

Average Procedure Time: 30-60 minutes

Procedure Recovery Location: Inpatient and outpatient