Eyelid Surgery

Gravity and age can take a toll on the thin, fragile skin on your eyelids. Loose, hanging skin can eventually obstruct your vision and create the impression that you’re older than you are. You may also constantly fend off questions about how tired you look and whether you’re getting enough sleep. Eyelid surgery — also known as blepharoplasty or an eye lift — removes excess skin, eliminates puffiness and removes the bags under your eyes.*

Double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Dellinger has over 20 years in practice performing facial plastic surgery, including eyelid surgery. The team at Elysian Plastic Surgery in Austin works with men and women throughout Texas who are interested facial rejuvenation with an eyelid lift.

Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512-229-1978 to learn more your options for blepharoplasty.

• At Elysian Plastic Surgery, we believe that good plastic surgery comes from a combination of education, experience and engaged care. You won’t be just another patient. Dr. Dellinger and his staff will listen carefully to your concerns to recommend the best treatment for you.
• Dr. Dellinger keeps up with the latest developments in techniques and technology to provide you with optimal results without compromising your safety.
• We offer a full range of nonsurgical cosmetic treatments to complement your eyelid surgery results, such as BOTOX® to temporarily diminish crow’s feet and frown lines.*

Eyelid surgery can be an effective treatment for healthy men and women who are bothered by droopy skin in their upper or lower eyelids and have realistic expectations. You may be a good candidate if you struggle to see clearly because of loose skin in the upper eyelid, have skin that falls below the natural fold in your upper eyelids, sagging lower eyelids, extra skin and wrinkles in your lower eyelids and puffiness, bags or dark circles under your eyes.

For more extensive rejuvenation, Dr. Dellinger may suggest combining your procedure with a forehead lift if you have a fallen brow and creases in your forehead. Eyelid surgery is also commonly combined with a facelift for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation results.*

At your consultation, Dr. Dellinger will examine your eyelids, talk with you about your goals and explain how eyelid surgery can be tailored to fit your unique concerns. Depending on your needs, you can have eyelid surgery on just the upper or lower eyelids or both.

You will be under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia throughout your eyelid surgery, which takes about an hour to two hours to perform. During blepharoplasty, Dr. Dellinger makes tiny incisions in the natural crease of your upper eyelids and just below your eyelashes or inside the eyelid for lower eyelid surgery. Your scars should fade into the natural lines of your eyelids. Depending on your needs, Dr. Dellinger then removes extra skin and fat, repositions the skin and tightens the muscles in the lower eyelids.*

Your Eyelid Surgery Recovery & Results

Although you should be able to go home the same day as your eyelid surgery, you should plan on taking it easy for several days and keep your head higher than your chest when you lay down. Your eyes may feel irritated or dry and you may have some bruising and swelling immediately after your procedure. Dr. Dellinger may recommend using a lubricating ointment and cool compresses for the first few days to protect your eyes and ease any discomfort. You should avoid strenuous activity and may wear dark sunglasses for at least the first 2 weeks.*

Your eyelid surgery results should be long-lasting, though aging can continue to affect the area around your eyes. Wearing sunscreen and sunglasses may help maintain your results.*

To schedule your eyelid surgery consultation, please call our Austin plastic surgery practice at 512-229-1978 or request a consultation online.

How much does eyelid surgery cost?

On average, eyelid surgery in the United States costs $3,163. This price only reflects the average cost of surgery and does not include other critical elements, such as anesthesia and facility fees. It is important to keep in mind that the cost of surgery varies based on numerous factors, including the type of eyelid surgery you want and the experience of the surgeon you select.

If you are concerned about being able to afford surgery, ask about our financing options.

How do I find the best plastic surgeon for eyelid surgery near me?

The first thing you need to look for in a plastic surgeon near you is significant experience with eyelid surgery. Ask the surgeons you are vetting about how many eyelid surgeries they have performed and request to see some examples of before and after photos of their work. If you find more than one surgeon who is experienced and demonstrates good results, select the one who makes you feel the most comfortable. Often, a good experience with plastic surgery is about working with the surgeon who makes you feel most confident going into the procedure.

How much pain will I experience after my eyelid surgery?

Pain is normal after any surgical procedure, including eyelid surgery. Pain with eyelid surgeries tends to be less than patients anticipate and easily controlled. Keep your head elevated and using cold compresses the first 24-72 hours helps with pain significantly. Anticipate the eye area being sensitive, and even the eyes themselves may feel sore, especially when in bright light. We will prescribe pain medications to make this manageable and give you tips on staying comfortable as you heal.

What should I expect from eyelid surgery recovery?

The eye area may appear bruised and swollen for 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. Most patients are comfortable returning to work and being in public after 10 days. While the majority of swelling tends to be gone within 10-14 days time, residual swelling can remain for a few weeks.

What are the risks associated with eyelid surgery?

All surgeries come with risks. However, eyelid surgery is safer than most. Some patients experience dry itchy eyes and other notice water eyes although both conditions will resolve over time. Artifical tears, available over-the-counter, will help lubricate the area and help with these issues. While very rare, patients should keep an eye out for signs of infection, adverse reactions and excessive bleeding, which can occur with any surgical procedure.

How do I know if I am an eyelid surgery candidate?

The only way to know for certain is to schedule a consultation. At this appointment, Dr. Dellinger will evaluate your overall health as well as the specifics related to the surgery. He will determine if you could benefit from eyelid surgery, if there are alternatives to consider and whether or not additional procedures could help you realize your aesthetic goals.

How can I prepare for my eyelid surgery?

When we schedule your surgery, we will give you a list of things to do to get ready for the procedure. This will include not smoking, eating a healthy diet and stopping medications that thin the blood. It is important that you follow all the directions Dr. Dellinger gives you, as they are meant to keep you safe during the procedure and ensure the best results.

*This information is for education only, and is not meant as a guarantee of results. Your results may vary.