Blepharoplasty
As a normal part of the natural aging process, the delicate eyelid skin loses elasticity, causing heavy upper lids to droop and dark puffy bags under the eyes to form. At Knoxville Center for Dermatology & Plastic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Daniel Fowler performs cosmetic eyelid surgery to refresh the upper and lower eyelids. Read on to learn more about how this surgical strategy can help you reach your aesthetic goals, and then book your consultation with Dr. Fowler to get started.
Removes excess eyelid skin and repositions fat deposits to correct droopy eyelids and puffy lower lids.
Typically 1 to 2 hours
Most patients return to regular social routines in about a week.
Creates an open, rested appearance and can improve impaired peripheral vision.
Blepharoplasty, commonly called eyelid surgery or an eye lift, is a precise plastic surgery procedure designed to restore a youthful appearance to the area surrounding the eyes. Drooping skin and sagging eyelid skin can create heavy folds over the upper lids, while weakened tissue in the lower eyelids allows fat pockets to bulge forward. Depending on your goals and anatomy, your surgeon can perform different eyelid surgery procedures:
On the day of your procedure, our plastic surgeons ensure you remain comfortable and completely relaxed. To numb eyelids and prevent discomfort, local anesthesia with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia is administered.
For an upper lid blepharoplasty, the surgeon makes a hidden incision along the natural crease of the upper lid to remove excess skin, tighten loose muscle, and remove small amounts of fat. For lower eyelid surgery, an incision is made just beneath the lower lash line or inside the lid (a transconjunctival incision) to remove excess fat or reposition fat along the cheek border. Fine sutures close the incision, keeping scars hidden within the natural contour of the eyes.
Cosmetic procedures for the eyelids address structural and aesthetic concerns that non-surgical options cannot resolve alone:
Eyelid surgery directly targets the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, and tear trough junction.
Eyelid surgery offers functional and aesthetic improvements that boost your self-confidence and brighten your whole face.
Restored Vision and Comfort
Removing heavy, drooping skin elevates sagging upper eyelids, clearing your peripheral vision and relieving muscle strain from constantly lifting your brows.
Natural, Open Expression
Reducing lower lid puffiness eliminates a chronically tired look, restoring a youthful, rested appearance that flatters your overall facial plastic balance.
Good candidates for cosmetic or reconstructive eyelid surgery are adult men and women in overall good health who are bothered by droopy eyelids or under-eye bags. Patients should be non-smokers without severe eye conditions (like unmanaged dry eye) or untreated thyroid problems. During your consultation, tell Dr. Fowler about your complete medical history, including any blood thinners, herbal supplements, or prescription medications you take.
Blepharoplasty surgery involves a straightforward recovery process with only slight discomfort. Immediately after surgery, applying cold compresses and resting with your head elevated helps manage initial swelling and bruising. You may experience temporary light sensitivity or watery eyes, so we advise patients to wear dark sunglasses when outdoors.
Many patients feel comfortable returning to work and daily routines in about a week. You will need to avoid contact lenses, strenuous activity, and heavy lifting for 2 weeks to ensure proper healing of the delicate eyelid skin.
You will see an immediate change in the contour of your eyelids once the initial swelling subsides. Full, beautiful results appear within 2 to 3 months as incision sites fade completely into the natural crease of your eyelids.
Upper blepharoplasty results typically last 5 to 7 years or longer, while fat removal in lower eyelid surgery is often permanent. Maintaining healthy skin care, using sun protection, or pairing your surgery with laser skin resurfacing, a chemical peel, or a brow lift will help maintain your vibrant, youthful appearance over time.
At Knoxville Center for Dermatology & Plastic Surgery, your surgery is performed by a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Daniel Fowler. Our unique practice model pairs facial plastic surgeons, board-certified dermatologists, and licensed aestheticians under one roof. Whether combining eyelid surgery with non-surgical skin resurfacing or seeking standalone functional correction, our team delivers accessible, compassionate medical care for every stage of life.
Incision lines are hidden within the natural crease of the upper lid or placed inside/just beneath the lash line on the lower lid. Once fully healed, scars are practically invisible.
While blepharoplasty removes sagging skin and reduces puffiness, dynamic wrinkles at the outer corners of the eyes are better addressed with non-surgical treatments such as Botox or laser skin resurfacing.
If sagging eyelid skin significantly obstructs your upper peripheral vision, an upper blepharoplasty may be considered functional or reconstructive surgery and partially covered by medical insurance.
Most patients can safely resume wearing eye makeup and contact lenses about 10 to 14 days after surgery, once the initial incision site has sealed.
Costs depend on whether you undergo upper lid blepharoplasty, lower eyelid surgery, or a combined procedure. Our team provides clear, straightforward pricing details during your personal consultation.
