Refresh Your Look: What You Should Know About Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

Your eyes are one of the first things people notice about you — they convey emotion, energy, and vitality. However, as we age, the delicate skin around the eyes can begin to sag, droop, or develop puffiness, making us look tired or older than we feel. Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a highly effective procedure designed to restore a refreshed, youthful appearance to the eyes while maintaining your natural expression.

What Is Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes or repositions excess skin, fat, and sometimes muscle from the upper and/or lower eyelids. The goal is to correct drooping lids, under-eye bags, and puffiness that often result from aging, genetics, or lifestyle factors.

There are two main types of blepharoplasty:

Upper Eyelid Surgery: Focuses on removing sagging skin that may cause the upper lids to droop or even obstruct vision.
Lower Eyelid Surgery: Targets puffy under-eye bags, loose skin, and wrinkles below the eyes.

These procedures can be performed individually or together, depending on your needs and desired results.

Why People Choose Eyelid Surgery?

The eyes play a central role in facial expression and overall appearance. Over time, the skin around them naturally loses elasticity, and fat deposits can shift, creating shadows or puffiness. This can make even well-rested people appear fatigued or stern.

Patients often seek blepharoplasty to:

Rejuvenate tired or aging eyes
Reduce puffiness or “bags” beneath the eyes
Remove excess upper eyelid skin that affects vision or makeup application
Achieve a smoother, firmer eye contour
Enhance overall facial harmony and confidence

The best results are subtle and natural-looking — restoring your eyes to a youthful state without changing their shape or character.

The Consultation Process

A personalized consultation with our board-certified Plastic surgeon, Dr. Renee Gasgarth, is the first step toward achieving your desired outcome. During your visit, your surgeon will:

Evaluate your eyelid anatomy, skin quality, and muscle tone
Review your medical history and any vision concerns
Discuss your goals and aesthetic preferences
Explain surgical options, incision placement, and anesthesia choices
Review potential risks, benefits, and the recovery process

In some cases, your surgeon may recommend combining blepharoplasty with other procedures — such as a brow lift or facial fat transfer — to achieve a more balanced rejuvenation.

The Procedure

Blepharoplasty is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure and patient preference.

Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty: The surgeon makes a small incision along the natural crease of the upper eyelid, allowing precise removal of excess skin and fat. The incision is carefully closed with fine sutures, which heal into nearly invisible lines.
Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty: The incision may be made just below the lash line or inside the lower eyelid (a transconjunctival approach). Through this incision, the surgeon can remove or reposition fat and tighten the skin for a smoother contour.

The surgery usually takes one to two hours, and most patients return home the same day.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery from blepharoplasty is typically smooth and straightforward. Here’s what you can expect:

Mild swelling and bruising are normal for the first week and gradually subside.
Cold compresses and prescribed eye ointments can help reduce discomfort and promote healing.
Sutures are usually removed in seven days.
Most patients return to work or light activities within a week, though strenuous exercise should be avoided for about two to three weeks.

You’ll notice an improvement in your eye area almost immediately, with final results becoming visible after several weeks once swelling fully resolves. The rejuvenating effects of blepharoplasty can last many years, especially when paired with good skincare and sun protection.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?

Ideal candidates for eyelid surgery are individuals who:

Are in good general health
Have realistic expectations about their results
Are bothered by droopy upper lids, under-eye bags, or sagging skin
Do not have serious eye conditions (such as uncontrolled dry eye or glaucoma)

While most patients seeking blepharoplasty are in their 40s to 60s, many younger adults pursue the procedure to address inherited puffiness or asymmetry around the eyes.

Benefits of Blepharoplasty

The benefits of eyelid surgery extend beyond cosmetic enhancement. Many patients experience both aesthetic and functional improvements, such as:

Brighter, more alert eyes
Smoother and firmer skin around the eyes
Improved peripheral vision (in cases of droopy upper lids)
Enhanced self-confidence and facial expression

When performed by Dr. Renee Gasgarth, blepharoplasty provides natural, long-lasting results that can make you look years younger without appearing “Done.”

Final Thoughts

Your eyes tell your story — and blepharoplasty helps ensure that story reflects your inner vitality rather than fatigue or aging. With precise surgical techniques and an artistic approach, eyelid surgery can rejuvenate your appearance while maintaining the unique beauty of your eyes.

If you’ve been noticing droopy lids or persistent under-eye bags that make you look tired, consider scheduling a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Together, you can create a tailored plan to restore your eyes’ youthful, refreshed look and help you feel more confident every day.