When was the last time your reflection showed eyes as energetic as you feel after a full eight hours of sleep? If loose lids or puffy under-eye bags are telling a different story, you’re not alone—eyelid concerns are among the most common early signs of facial aging.
Most patients benefit from one or the other, but combining both can deliver a seamlessly refreshed look.
Why the Eye Area Ages So Quickly
The skin around your eyes is thinner than a credit-card swipe, and it withstands thousands of blinks, squints, and smiles every day. Add genetics, UV exposure, and collagen loss, and it’s easy to see why sagging lids and “tired eyes” can appear even in your 30s.Functional vs. Cosmetic Concerns
Beyond aesthetics, heavy upper lids can obstruct peripheral vision, while bulging fat pads below the eyes cast shadows that no concealer can fully hide. Modern blepharoplasty addresses both.What Exactly Is Modern Blepharoplasty?
Classic eyelid surgery involved long incisions and weeks of bruising. Bellevue’s current approach relies on:- Micro-incisions hidden in natural creases—no obvious scars.
- High-definition cautery that seals small blood vessels as it cuts, reducing bruising.
- Fat sculpting, not removal, to avoid the “hollow-eye” look of older techniques.
- Skin tightening with a CO₂ laser finish for extra smoothing without another procedure.
Upper vs. Lower Blepharoplasty—Which Do You Need?
Concern | Typical Solution |
Hooded, heavy upper lids | Upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin and re-positions muscle. |
Under-eye bags, “tear-trough” shadows | Lower blepharoplasty redistributes fat and tightens skin through an incision inside the lower lid. |
The Bellevue Advantage: Minimal Downtime
Thanks to advanced instrumentation and a carefully layered closure technique, most of our patients:- Return to desk work in 3–4 days.
- Resume light exercise at one week.
- Feel “camera-ready” for events by week three, with residual pinkness easily hidden by makeup.
Am I a Good Candidate?
You may be an ideal fit if you:- Notice skin resting on your lashes or under-eye puffiness that persists all day.
- Are in good general health with no uncontrolled eye conditions (e.g., severe dry eye).
- Can pause blood-thinning medications and avoid nicotine two weeks before surgery.
What Happens on Procedure Day?
- Local anesthesia with light oral sedation keeps you comfortable yet awake—no general anesthesia is necessary for most cases.
- The surgeon marks natural creases, then creates 2–3 cm incisions (upper lids) or a hidden trans-conjunctival entry (lower lids).
- Fat pads are gently repositioned, lax muscle is tightened, and excess skin is trimmed.
- Absorbable sutures close the incision; cool compresses are applied before you head home.
Recovery Roadmap
- Day 1–2: Mild swelling; eyes may feel “tight.” Chill packs and prescription eye drops keep you comfortable.
- Day 3: Most swelling peaks, then quickly subsides.
- Day 4–7: Stitches dissolve or are removed; you can return to Zoom meetings.
- Week 2: Light cardio ok. Any bruising is usually light yellow—concealable.
- Week 6: Final refinement appears; scars have faded to hairline-thin lines hidden in creases.