What Is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, rejuvenates the upper and/or lower eyelids by removing the excess skin left behind as the skin loses elasticity with age, along with the protruding fat that creates puffiness and under-eye bags — for a more rested, youthful appearance.
Through discreet incisions along the natural creases of the eyelids, excess skin and fat are refined. The result is brighter, more open eyes with well-hidden scarring.
Upper & Lower Eyelid Surgery
Upper blepharoplasty corrects drooping or hooded upper eyelids that can make you look tired or, in some cases, narrow your field of vision. Lower blepharoplasty addresses under-eye bags and sagging on the lower lids. Depending on your goals, we can treat the upper lids, the lower lids, or both in a single procedure.
How Is Blepharoplasty Performed?
Blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure that usually takes one to two hours, performed under local or general anesthesia depending on the case. Incisions are placed along the natural creases of the eyelids — and, for lower-lid work, sometimes just inside the lid — so scarring stays discreet. Excess skin and fat are then removed and the incisions are closed with fine sutures.
Beforehand, you’ll have a consultation to review your goals, eye health, and medical history. Afterward, we follow up to check your healing and confirm your refreshed result.
Benefits
- Reduces excess upper-eyelid skin and hooding
- Smooths under-eye bags and puffiness
- Creates a refreshed, more youthful look
- Discreet, well-hidden incisions
- Can improve vision when heavy lids obstruct sight
- Long-lasting results — often 10 years or more
Are You a Candidate?
During your consultation we confirm whether Blepharoplasty is the right approach for you. Most ideal candidates:
- Have drooping upper eyelids or under-eye bags
- Look tired despite feeling rested
- Are healthy adults in good general health
- Are non-smokers, or can avoid smoking for 2–4 weeks before and after surgery
- Have realistic expectations
Recovery & What to Expect
Bruising and swelling are common the first week and fade steadily. Most patients return to normal routines within about a week to ten days. A few simple steps help you heal comfortably:
- Apply cold compresses over the first 48 hours to ease swelling.
- Keep your head elevated, especially while sleeping, during the first days.
- Avoid contact lenses for about two weeks.
- Hold off on strenuous exercise for around three weeks.
- Protect your eyes from direct sun for about four weeks.
Risks & Safety
When performed by an experienced surgeon, blepharoplasty is a safe, well-established procedure. As with any surgery, uncommon risks can include:
- Infection or bleeding (rare)
- Bruising or temporary swelling
- Dry or irritated eyes
- Temporary difficulty fully closing the eyes
Our team follows strict safety protocols at every step. If you notice unusual pain, bleeding, vision changes, or signs of infection during your recovery, contact us right away.
Blepharoplasty FAQs
Upper, lower, or both eyelids?
We tailor the procedure to your concerns — upper, lower, or both — during your consultation.
Will scars be visible?
Incisions follow the natural eyelid creases, so scars are discreet and fade over time.
How long do results last?
Results are long-lasting. Lower-eyelid surgery can last a lifetime, while upper-eyelid results typically last around 5 to 10 years, since the skin keeps aging naturally. Even so, most patients enjoy a refreshed, more youthful look for many years.
Are you awake during a blepharoplasty under local anesthesia?
Yes. When eyelid surgery is done under local anesthesia, you stay awake but the area is completely numbed, so you won’t feel a thing — many patients simply chat with our team throughout. Staying awake avoids the grogginess of general anesthesia and often makes the procedure faster. If you feel anxious, we can give you a mild sedative beforehand to help you relax. When blepharoplasty is combined with a procedure that requires you to be asleep — such as a facelift — we perform both under general anesthesia.
Does a blepharoplasty hurt?
The procedure itself is pain-free — the local anesthetic means you won’t feel anything. Afterward you may have some mild discomfort, which varies with what was done and your personal pain tolerance. Most patients find recovery very comfortable and manage with icing alone; we’re always happy to prescribe pain medication if you need it.
Can I use fillers for my under-eye area, or do I need a lower blepharoplasty?
It depends on your anatomy, so it’s best assessed in person. Dermal fillers can soften a hollow look under the eyes and smooth the transition between the lower lid and the cheek, while a lower blepharoplasty removes excess skin and fat. Because your eyes are so central to your expression, we recommend a consultation so we can assess you and recommend the right option for your goals.
Will I still look like myself, or will it look “done”?
You’ll still look like you — that’s the goal. A well-performed blepharoplasty never changes the shape or character of your eyes; they simply look more lifted, brighter, and more rested. The best way to feel confident about a natural result is to review a surgeon’s before-and-after photos and choose one whose aesthetic matches your own.
What’s the best age to have blepharoplasty?
There’s no single “right” age — any healthy adult bothered by sagging or drooping lids can benefit. When the concern is age-related, patients in their 40s and 50s often see the most noticeable results.
Who isn’t a good candidate for blepharoplasty?
Certain conditions — such as uncontrolled diabetes, heart problems, high blood pressure, or significant dry eye — mean blepharoplasty should be considered carefully, so we review your full health history during your consultation. Patients over 60 can still benefit, though results may be more subtle and healing may take a little longer. Your safety always comes first, so we tailor our recommendation to you.
Why do my eyes look different right after surgery?
Swelling and the early healing process make it hard to judge your result at first. As that settles, you’ll see that your eyes keep their same natural shape and structure — just with the signs of aging from sagging, droopy lid skin reduced.
Will I need to hide my blepharoplasty?
You shouldn’t need to. Incisions are tucked into the natural crease of the upper eyelid or along the lash line of the lower lid, so scarring stays discreet. Early swelling and redness ease with cold compresses and over-the-counter care, and a light cosmetic concealer can help cover any temporary discoloration.
Are financing options available?
Yes. We offer flexible financing through trusted providers like Cherry and CareCredit, so you can spread the cost of your procedure over time. You can review the details on our financing page, and we’ll walk you through the available plans during your consultation.
Why Choose Golden Cosmetic Center?
Every procedure at Golden Cosmetic Center is guided by one goal: to keep you as safe and comfortable as possible while delivering natural-looking results. Our experienced surgical and medical team combines precision with genuine, personalized care — from your first consultation through your final result.
To support a smooth recovery, we often recommend increasing your protein intake before and after surgery and avoiding restrictive diets while you heal, and we’ll walk you through a simple, personalized preparation plan at your consultation.
At our West Miami practice, your safety and trust always come first — so you can focus on feeling like the best version of yourself.