Blepharoplasty
The eyes are often the first place to show signs of aging. Over time, excess skin, sagging eyelids, or under eye bags can create a tired or aged appearance. Blepharoplasty, commonly referred to as eyelid surgery, is a precise surgical procedure that rejuvenates the upper or lower eyelids, restoring a smoother, more refreshed, and more youthful contour.
At Warrington Facial Plastic Surgery, fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon Dr. Stephanie Warrington offers advanced upper blepharoplasty and lower blepharoplasty, with techniques tailored to each patient’s anatomy and goals.
Corrects droopy eyelids, reduces bags under the eyes, and restores a natural crease
Can be performed on the upper lids, lower lids, or both
Usually performed under local anesthesia with sedation; some cases require general anesthesia
Swelling and bruising improve in 1–2 weeks; results continue to refine as the healing process progresses
Long-lasting improvements to eyelid skin, eyelid contour, and overall upper face aesthetics
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Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that removes or repositions excess skin, fat, and muscle around the eyes to create a more refreshed, awake appearance. It can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, depending on your needs.
As we age, the skin around the eyes tends to lose elasticity, while underlying fat may begin to bulge or sag. This can create the appearance of puffiness, hooded eyelids, or deep under-eye bags, even when you’re well-rested. In some cases, excess upper eyelid skin can even begin to interfere with vision. Blepharoplasty addresses these concerns by restoring smoother contours to the eye area, enhancing both function and aesthetics.
On the day of your blepharoplasty surgery, you’ll arrive at our office for your outpatient procedure. Dr. Warrington will administer either local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on your comfort and needs.
Both techniques are designed to minimize visible scarring while restoring balance to the upper and lower eyelids. Once the adjustments are complete, fine sutures are placed, and the surgical site is gently protected to begin the healing process. Patients return home the same day with clear aftercare instructions, including applying ice packs and keeping their head elevated to minimize swelling and support a smooth recovery.
Blepharoplasty helps correct a variety of age-related and structural eyelid concerns, including:
Eyelid blepharoplasty provides both cosmetic and functional benefits for patients seeking a refreshed appearance with brighter, more youthful-looking eyes. By removing excess skin that weighs down the upper eyelids, upper blepharoplasty creates a more youthful and approachable appearance. Lower blepharoplasty reduces puffiness, bags under the eyes, and bulging lower eyelid fat, restoring smoother, more natural contours.
For some patients, upper eyelid surgery has the added advantage of improving vision in cases where droopy eyelids obstruct the visual field. Whether performed on the upper or lower eyelids, or both, blepharoplasty helps restore balance and vitality to one of the face’s most expressive features.
For patients with significantly obstructed vision due to drooping upper eyelids, insurance typically covers upper blepharoplasty.
Blepharoplasty patients typically experience droopy upper eyelids or under eye bags and wish to restore balance and youthfulness to the upper face. Some patients also struggle with vision changes or obstruction caused by upper eyelid ptosis. You may be a good candidate for blepharoplasty if you are in good health and have a stable medical history.
It’s important to have realistic expectations for the blepharoplasty procedure, recovery, and results. Patients with uncontrolled health conditions, certain circulatory disorders, or chronic dry eyes may not be ideal candidates. Dr. Warrington will carefully review your medical history to ensure eyelid surgery is a safe option for you.
Blepharoplasty surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you return home the same day. Recovery involves some swelling, bruising, and tightness around the surgical site. Dr. Warrington may recommend applying ice packs during the first 48 hours to reduce swelling and minimize bruising. Keeping the head elevated supports proper healing. Some patients experience temporary blurred vision or dry eyes as their eyes adjust. Most patients return to work and social activities within 7 to 10 days. As incisions heal, they blend into the natural crease of the eyelids or the lower lash line, leaving minimal scarring.
Patients typically notice improvements in their eye area once swelling subsides in the first few weeks. The final results of upper blepharoplasty and lower eyelid blepharoplasty continue to refine for several months, revealing a smoother, more youthful eye contour. Upper blepharoplasty reduces drooping of the upper eyelids while lower blepharoplasty smooths out bags or hollows under the eyes. When combined, these procedures provide long-lasting improvements to the upper and lower eyelids.
Blepharoplasty results are long-term, though natural aging of the eyelid skin and surrounding facial structure will continue. Some patients may benefit from further surgery or adjunct cosmetic procedures, such as a brow lift, to maintain balance in the upper face.
At Warrington Facial Plastic Surgery, your blepharoplasty procedure is performed by Dr. Stephanie Warrington, a fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon and board-certified ENT. Dr. Warrington’s training in facial anatomy and surgical techniques allows her to achieve precise, natural results that complement your unique features. Patients in Phoenix and Glendale appreciate her dual expertise, compassionate approach, and commitment to excellence in cosmetic surgery.
Most patients experience only mild discomfort during recovery, which is well managed with medication and rest.
Results are long-lasting, often 10 years or more, though natural aging continues.
Blepharoplasty incisions are placed in the natural crease of the upper lid or just below the lower lash line, making scars discreet once healed.
Yes, upper eyelid surgery can improve vision when droopy eyelids interfere with the visual field.
The cost of blepharoplasty varies based on whether you undergo upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or both. Our team will provide a detailed price estimate during your consultation. Financing is available to help you pay for your procedure in a way that makes sense for your budget.
As with any surgical procedure, blepharoplasty comes with certain risks, including infection, prolonged swelling, or changes in the position of the eyelid crease. Complications are rare when an experienced plastic surgeon performs blepharoplasty.
