Blepharoplasty is also known as an eyelid lift. This surgery will repair droopy eyelids, remove some of the excess fat and skin, and reposition muscles in this area.
As we age, our eyelids stretch, and the muscles that support them weaken, causing excess fat to gather below and above your eyelids. This results in bags under the eyes, droopy upper lids, and sagging eyebrows. Thankfully, blepharoplasty can rectify this.
You may be a good candidate for blepharoplasty in South Jersey if the following applies:
Some types of eyelid drooping may require a different procedure to address it properly. Dr. Coville will diagnose the cause and recommend the appropriate treatment. During your consultation at Cornerstone Plastic Surgery in Linwood and Toms River, NJ, he will discuss your goals and create the best treatment plan for you.
If you have surgery on both your lower and upper eyelids, Dr. Coville will typically tackle the latter first. Small cuts are made along the eyelid fold, through which Dr. Coville will remove excess skin and possibly fat. He will also reposition any muscle that has shifted. The cut will then be closed. The same process is carried out on the lower lid, with the incision made just underneath the lashes in the natural crease of your eye or inside the lower lid.
An upper eyelid lift primarily addresses sagging or hooded eyelids that can give the face a tired or aged appearance. A lower eyelid lift targets wrinkles, bags under the eyes, and drooping. The table below explains the difference between the techniques used for upper and lower lid rejuvenation procedures.
Feature |
Upper Eyelid Lift |
Lower Eyelid Lift |
|---|---|---|
| Technique | Removal of excess skin and fat, muscle adjustment if necessary | Fat repositioning or removal, skin tightening |
| Incision Placement | Along the natural fold of the upper lid | Just below the lashes or inside the lid (transconjunctival) |
| Primary Focus | Correcting drooping or hooded eyelids | Eliminating under-eye bags and wrinkles |
| Ideal Candidates | Patients with significant drooping, possibly impairing vision, or desiring aesthetic improvement | Patients with chronic under-eye puffiness, bags, or wrinkles |
| Goal of Procedure | To restore a youthful contour to the upper eye area, improving aesthetics and possibly vision | To rejuvenate the under-eye area, reducing signs of aging and fatigue |
| Recovery Timeframe | Similar recovery time to lower eyelid lift, with specific aftercare instructions | Similar recovery time to upper eyelid lift, with specific aftercare instructions focused on minimizing swelling and bruising |
| Visibility of Results | Results are often immediately noticeable post-recovery, enhancing the overall openness of the eyes | Results improve the smoothness and contour of the under-eye, noticeably rejuvenating facial appearance |
| Scarring Potential | Scars are well hidden within the natural crease of the eyelid, becoming nearly invisible over time. | Scars are minimal, especially with the transconjunctival approach, and are well-concealed by natural structures. |
These procedures are most often done under local anesthesia with sedation. You can choose General Anesthesia at the Surgery Center if you prefer. Either way, you will not feel any pain. You will need someone to drive you home afterward since you will probably still feel drowsy and have swelling around your eyes.
Very small incisions allow Dr. Coville to access the fat and tissue around the eyes, while larger incisions may be needed to remove excess skin. The doctor will hide these incisions in the natural folds of the eye so they become almost invisible.
Before surgery, you will undergo a medical evaluation to assess your suitability. Dr. Coville will guide you on avoiding medications such as aspirin and certain herbal supplements. Smokers will need to quit several weeks before and after the surgery to facilitate healing. Ensure you arrange for someone to drive you home post-procedure and assist you for at least the first night. Set up a comfortable recovery area at home with essentials like pillows to keep your head elevated, ice packs, gauze, and prescribed medications within easy reach.
On the day of your surgery, you will be checked in by the medical staff. Depending on the discussions with Dr. Coville, you will receive either local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia to ensure comfort during the procedure. The surgery typically lasts between one to three hours, depending on whether both upper and lower eyelids are being addressed.
Post-surgery, you’ll spend some time in the recovery area under observation to ensure your initial recovery is smooth. You’ll be able to go home the same day, provided you are stable and have someone to take you home and care for you as you start your recovery.
You can expect to look more rested and alert, with a more youthful and bright-eyed appearance. Without excess skin or fat obscuring them, your eyes will no longer look hooded or drooping.
As the focus of your face, bright and vibrant-looking eyes can help improve your confidence and make you feel better making eye contact with others. You can expect your results to last for many years.
When you undergo blepharoplasty, Dr. Coville will provide you with aftercare advice, which is important to follow. We recommend you take one week off work to recover. Do not engage in any activities that would stress the incisions while they heal. You may need assistance the day you go home.
You may be a good candidate for this procedure if you have sagging skin or excess tissue around the eyes. You should be in overall good health. An evaluation and examination with Dr. Coville at our Atlantic County, New Jersey office help him determine whether this procedure will work best for you.
Before surgery, Dr. Coville may recommend some steps to prepare, including stopping any medicines that could increase bleeding and quitting smoking at least several weeks before surgery. Follow all instructions to make sure your surgery and healing process go smoothly.
The procedure offers several aesthetic and functional benefits, making it a popular choice for those looking to rejuvenate their appearance. Here are some of the key benefits:
Blepharoplasty, while effective for rejuvenating the appearance of the eyelids, carries certain risks and side effects. Common risks include infection, bleeding, and visible scarring, although the latter is usually minimal due to strategic incision placement. Asymmetry may occur, and some patients could experience dry eyes or difficulty closing their eyes, which typically resolves over time. Temporary vision changes and a slight risk of nerve damage are also possible.
Side effects commonly include swelling, bruising, and discomfort around the eyes, which can be managed with medications. Patients may also experience increased eye fatigue and sensitivity to light, necessitating the use of sunglasses. These side effects generally diminish as the healing process progresses.
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“I had Botox with dr federick him and his whole team especially his glamorous wife and Maggie are so lovely and great humerd I actually canceled a different practice to have my upper eyelid lift done here at cornerstone as I fully believe dr federick is the best he’s a lovely person I’m so exited to see results tomorrow and definitely will be back next year edit 6 days out from upper eyelid surgery and it’s looking unbelievable extremely happy results amazing”
Katie Connors
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“Love Dr. Fred. He took good care of my eyes and made sure they healed properly. The staff is friendly and very helpful. The office is clean and I never had a long wait to see the Dr. Best of all I can see so much better now after my eyelid surgery!”
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The duration of a blepharoplasty procedure typically ranges from 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on whether you are having both upper and lower eyelids done together or just one of these.
Most patients return to normal activities within 7 to 10 days after surgery. Complete healing may take several weeks, with full resolution of swelling and settling of scars.
Blepharoplasty does result in scars, but they are usually well-concealed within the natural folds of the eyelids or along the lash line. These scars tend to fade significantly over time and are typically not noticeable.
The cost of blepharoplasty can vary widely depending on the complexity of the surgery, the surgeon’s experience, and the geographical location. It’s best to consult Dr. Coville for a detailed estimate and discuss financing options.
Blepharoplasty is usually considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance. However, if it’s performed to eliminate vision impairment caused by drooping eyelids, it may be partially or fully covered. You should consult your insurance provider for specific details.
The results of blepharoplasty are generally long-lasting. Upper eyelid surgery can last at least 5 to 7 years, and lower eyelid surgery rarely needs to be repeated. However, natural aging processes continue and can affect the longevity of the results.
Yes, it is common to perform both upper and lower blepharoplasty in the same session. This approach is efficient and can achieve a harmonious result, reducing overall recovery time compared to having two separate procedures.
Written By: Dr. Frederick Coville
Frederick A. Coville, M.D., Cornerstone Plastic Surgery’s Owner and Medical Director
Frederick A. Coville, M.D., Cornerstone Plastic Surgery’s Owner and Medical Director, has been an Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon for over 25 years. He firmly believes each of us possesses an inner “Foundational Beauty.”
As a student of beauty all his life, he calls upon his naturally artistic eye and God-given talents as a surgeon to deliver the results you demand. Dr. Fred likes to say, “It’s my job to help you find Your Beautiful!”
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Dr. Fred Coville, is a renowned Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon. He proudly extends his services to Toms River, Atlantic County, Cape May County, Ocean County, South Jersey and the greater Philadelphia area. With a distinguished career spanning 25 years, Dr. Coville is a trusted professional delivering personalized and natural-looking results. His expertise caters to clients in locations such as Atlantic City, Trenton, Toms River, Vineland, Bridgeton, Hammonton, Cape May, and Cherry Hill.
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