Your eyes are often the first thing people notice, and they can reveal signs of fatigue, stress, or aging, even if you feel full of energy. Sagging upper lids, under-eye bags, and puffiness can alter your natural expression, but eyelid surgery can help restore a brighter, more youthful look. At Richmond Plastic Surgeons, our board-certified team has decades of experience performing blepharoplasty to refresh and enhance the eye area. This outpatient procedure is designed to deliver natural improvements—only more vibrant and well-rested. Let’s explore how blepharoplasty can benefit both the upper and lower eyelids.
What is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is surgery to remove or reposition excess skin and fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids. Aging, genetics, and lifestyle factors can cause drooping upper lids that may limit vision, and fat deposits under the eyes can create puffiness or bags. By addressing these issues, our surgeons aim to create a smoother, more open look that revitalizes your entire face.
Upper blepharoplasty focuses on tightening skin, muscle, and fat above the eyes, while lower blepharoplasty smooths puffiness and reshapes the under-eye area. Many patients combine both for balanced results, sometimes alongside a facelift or brow lift for more comprehensive rejuvenation.
Benefits of Eyelid Surgery
Blepharoplasty can offer both cosmetic and functional benefits:
- Upper eyelids: Can restore a more defined eyelid contour; may improve vision if sagging skin interferes with sight; can reduce the feeling of heaviness in the upper lids.
- Lower eyelids: Can smooth under-eye bags and puffiness; may reduce shadowing that contributes to a tired look; can improve lower eyelid contour for a fresher appearance.
- Overall: Incision placement designed to minimize visible scarring; results that can last for many years, though the natural aging process will continue.
Is Blepharoplasty Right for You?
Ideal candidates are healthy adults with age-related or hereditary eyelid concerns. While most are over 35, younger individuals with genetic drooping or puffiness can also benefit. Certain conditions, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, severe dry eyes, or glaucoma, may affect eligibility. During your consultation, we’ll review your medical history, discuss your goals, and, if needed, coordinate with your ophthalmologist to confirm your eyes are ready for surgery.
Your Procedure and Recovery
Once you decide to proceed, here’s what you can expect:
- Anesthesia options: Local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia for your comfort.
- Upper blepharoplasty: Incisions are made in the natural creases of the upper eyelids to remove or reposition excess skin, muscle, and fat, aiming for a smoother, lifted lid.
- Lower blepharoplasty: Incisions are made just below the lash line or inside the lower lid (transconjunctival approach) to remove or reposition fat, tighten muscle if needed, and smooth the under-eye area.
- Duration: Typically completed in one to three hours, depending on the extent of surgery.
- Recovery timeline: Most patients resume normal activities within one to two weeks; swelling usually peaks in the first few days and then improves steadily.
- Gradual reveal: Bruising and swelling fade over several weeks, revealing your refreshed appearance.
Rejuvenate Your Look with Richmond Plastic Surgeons
Your eyes should reflect the vitality and confidence you feel inside. At Richmond Plastic Surgeons, our board-certified surgeons blend advanced skill with an artistic approach to deliver results designed to look natural and functional. We provide a private, discreet, and personalized experience, with your comfort, safety, and satisfaction always prioritized.
Schedule your consultation today to see how our decades of expertise, advanced technology, and commitment to patient privacy have made us a trusted choice for blepharoplasty across Richmond, Midlothian, and the surrounding communities.