Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

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The eyes are among the most expressive features of the face, often acting as visual indications of your emotions. Unfortunately, as the first regions of the face to develop noticeable signs of aging, it’s not uncommon for men and women to unintentionally convey the appearance of anger, stress, or fatigue due to crow’s feet, frown lines, and skin laxity surrounding the eyelid contours. Blepharoplasty, known as “eyelid surgery,” is a transformative procedure that smooths and restores support for the upper and/or lower eyelids, providing a more rested and youthful look. Whether performed for aesthetic enhancement or to improve visual function, blepharoplasty is tailored to each person’s unique anatomical needs and goals, delivering results that look natural, refreshed, and refined.

When rejuvenating the delicate tissues of the upper and lower eyelids, it’s essential to entrust your care to a team of extensively trained and board-certified facial plastic surgeons. Dr. J. David Kriet, Dr. Clinton D. Humphrey, and Dr. John P. Flynn — our doctors in Kansas City — have not only dedicated their careers exclusively to high-quality aesthetic enhancement for the face and neck, but they have also completed prestigious fellowship training in facial plastic surgery and practice in the nationally-recognized Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Kansas Medical Center.

What Can Blepharoplasty Improve?

Over time, the delicate skin around the eyes can lose elasticity and begin to droop, resulting in a tired or aged appearance. This tissue laxity can even cause obstruction when excess skin droops below the lash line and into a patient’s field of vision, a condition commonly referred to as “hooding.” By addressing excess skin, puffiness, and sagging tissue, eyelid surgery can significantly improve:

Sagging upper lids that may impair vision or create a fatigued look
Under-eye bags and puffiness caused by fat protrusion or fluid retention
Excess skin and fine wrinkles on the lower eyelids
Asymmetries between the eyelids
Hooded or heavy upper lids that alter the natural eye contour

Performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both regions, blepharoplasty restores a more youthful and alert expression while preserving the inherent character of a patient’s eyes. This procedure is frequently paired with brow lift surgery, which can soften frown lines and lift a drooping brow for complete rejuvenation of the upper face.

Is Eyelid Surgery Right for Me?

Blepharoplasty can benefit a wide range of patients who believe signs of aging above or below the eyelids are preventing them from looking more energetic, refreshed, and youthful. While a personal consultation is necessary to confirm your candidacy, the procedure is usually most effective for:

Individuals in good overall health with no serious eye conditions
Those experiencing functional vision issues due to drooping upper eyelids
Patients bothered by puffiness, bags, or laxity around the eyes
Non-smokers with realistic expectations about the outcome

During your consultation, your facial plastic surgeon will carefully evaluate your facial anatomy, skin quality, eye health, and personal goals to determine whether eyelid surgery is the best procedure to address your concerns. In most cases, realistic expectations for the final results and diligent patient education are key to high satisfaction rates after surgery. Our team will help ensure you’re well-informed of the limitations and risks of blepharoplasty so you can make an educated decision about the procedure.

How is the Blepharoplasty Procedure Performed?

Blepharoplasty is typically an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia with intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the procedure and your unique needs. During upper eyelid surgery, incisions are made along the natural crease of the upper eyelid, making scars virtually invisible once healed. During lower eyelid surgery, incisions are usually made just beneath the lash line or inside the lower eyelid (transconjunctival approach), depending on whether excess skin, fat, or both need to be addressed.

Once the incisions are made, protruding fat deposits are removed or repositioned, excess skin is trimmed, and muscles and connective tissue are tightened to restore a smoother, more seamless contour. Sutures are meticulously placed to optimize healing and minimize scarring.

What Can I Expect During the Eyelid Surgery Recovery Process?

While individual experiences may vary, blepharoplasty is generally associated with a manageable and relatively quick recovery. Most patients report minimal pain and are able to resume light activities within a few days. Immediately after the procedure, bruising and swelling, mild discomfort, tightness, and dryness are common. Cold compresses and prescribed medications can help reduce inflammation.

Patients typically feel well enough to return to work or normal daily activities after one to two weeks. Makeup application can usually be resumed after day 10. In order to facilitate the smoothest possible healing period, our facial plastic surgeons recommend protecting the eyes from sun exposure, avoiding strenuous activities, and following personalized aftercare instructions.

How Much Does Blepharoplasty Cost?

The cost of eyelid surgery varies depending on the scope of the procedure, your facial plastic surgeon’s expertise, and whether blepharoplasty is combined with other treatments. Other factors that influence pricing include:

Whether one or both eyelids are treated
The complexity of the surgery
Anesthesia and surgical facility fees
Post-operative care, lab fees, etc.

Our office team would be happy to provide information on financing plans for qualified patients via CareCredit^® or CommerceCare^® to make your procedure more accessible and stress-free. If you have any questions about blepharoplasty costs, please reach out to our team today.

At Facial Plastic Surgery KC, our board-certified and fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeons specialize in achieving high-caliber blepharoplasty results personalized for each patient’s individual concerns. Contact our practice in Kansas City to learn more about how blepharoplasty can bring forth a brighter, more refreshed version of yourself, or if you’re ready to schedule a consultation.