Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery

With over 30 years of plastic surgery experience, Dr. Fredric Newman can help you achieve natrual-looking results that improve your confidence as well as your appearance.

Types of Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty can address the upper or lower eyelids. Upper blepharoplasty can remove drooping skin and fat in the upper eyelids that can obscure vision and cause patients to look tired or angry. Lower blepharoplasty can reduce baggy skin under the eyes by tightening the skin and underlying tissues. Both procedures are simple, and scars can be easily hidden in the lashline for supremely natural-looking results.

Candidacy

You may be a candidate for upper eyelid surgery if you suffer from:

• The disappearance of the natural fold of the upper eyelids
• Excess skin in the upper eyelids that hangs over the eyes (sometimes called "hooded eyelids")
• Eyelids that obstruct vision
• A tired appearance 

You may be a good candidate for lower eyelid surgery if you have:

• Wrinkles below the eyes
• Sagging, puffing skin
• Dark circles below the eyes

To complement your eyelid surgery, you may want to consider additional procedures offered at the Aesthetic Surgery Center, such facial implants, BOTOX® Cosmetic injections, and laser skin resurfacing. Dr. Newman can help create a treatment plan based on what you hope to achieve.

The Procedure

Patients typically undergo general anesthesia during blepharoplasty to make the procedure as comfortable as possible. The procedure lasts one to three hours, depending on the extent of surgery.

Upper Blepharoplasty

Upper eyelid surgery begins with an incision, usually made in the natural crease of the eyelid, beginning at the inside corner of the eye and extending past the outer corner. Through this incision, the surgeon removes excess skin and fat. The incision is then closed with sutures. The folds of the eyelid can hide resulting scars.

Lower Blepharoplasty

During lower eyelid surgery, the incision is usually made just beneath the lower eyelashes. The surgeon trims away excess skin, tightens underlying muscle tissue, and can remove or reposition fatty tissue. The incisions are then closed. For patients who do not require extensive adjustments, lower blepharoplasty can sometimes be performed with an incision on the inside of the eyelid.

How Will I Look and Feel After Eyelid Surgery?

After your blepharoplasty procedure, you will be taken to a recovery room. Typical effects of eyelid surgery include:

Blurry Vision - Dr. Newman sometimes applies an ointment to lubricate and protect the eyes, and this can temporarily blur your vision.

Tightness in the Area of Surgery - An effect of swelling, this usually diminishes quickly.

Discomfort - Some discomfort is common to many cosmetic procedures. Discomfort from eyelid surgery is usually minimal.

Bruising and Swelling

The Day of Eyelid Surgery

Elevating your head and applying cold compresses to the eyes will help to minimize swelling from blepharoplasty. It is particularly important to rest with your head up at this point.

First Week after Blepharoplasty

Bruising in the area around the eyes increases to a point then fades. You may experience blurred vision, excess tears or dry eyes, itchiness in the area, or sensitivity to light. Makeup can be used to conceal discoloration. Stitches will be removed or will have dissolved during this time. You can return to ordinary activity, but strenuous activities or actions that put the eyes at risk should be avoided.

Several Weeks after Eyelid Surgery

Any swelling left from the blepharoplasty will be virtually unnoticeable, and you will realize the final results of the eyelid surgery. You should no longer be experiencing blurry vision or sensitivity to light. After about three weeks, strenuous activities can be resumed and contact lenses can be used.

What Should I Know About My Results?

Most eyelid surgery patients are pleased with their blepharoplasty experience and their new invigorated appearance. It is normal to feel more confident in professional and social engagements. Most people may not realize that you have undergone a surgical procedure, but may comment that you look happier and more energetic.

The Cost of Eyelid Surgery

The cost of eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, varies depending on your choice of surgeon, the extent of surgery you require, the purpose of your surgery, and other factors. Functional blepharoplasty procedures can remove excess skin that may be obstructing your field of vision. Because it can improve your vision, insurance plans may contribute to the cost. Blepharoplasty performed for cosmetic purposes can provide a dramatic aesthetic enhancement, but is not covered by insurance. Your estimated blepharoplasty cost will be explained during a consultation with Dr. Fredric Newman. 

Factors Affecting the Cost of Eyelid Surgery

The cost of eyelid surgery can vary greatly depending on your choice of surgeon. An experienced and reputable surgeon will likely cost more than a less experienced surgeon, but the likelihood of an excellent outcome is far greater. Cost also varies according to the extent of treatment necessary to achieve your goals, anesthesia, and other factors. Blepharoplasty cost is typically higher for out-of-town patients simply because of the cost of accommodations such as lodging. Our team members can ensure the entire process is hassle-free by assisting you in any way possible.

The venue in which surgery takes place is another significant cost factor. Hospitals are the costliest option, while an ambulatory surgical center (or ASC, a third-party surgical venue) costs less. Dr. Newman has his own surgical center certified by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, which is considered the gold standard for patient care and safety. In addition, the center meets the stringent requirements of the State of Connecticut, the same agency that credentials hospital operating rooms. Having our own ambulatory surgical facility allows us to not only offer our patients increased privacy, but also a significant cost savings compared to a hospital or ASC. We follow a strict screening protocol and do not treat anyone with infections. Patients need to first undergo pre-operative testing, after which they are cleared to receive treatment at our facility. This process has ensured that we have an infection rate of nearly zero.

Calculating Your Cost

During your initial consultation with Dr. Newman, he will listen to your concerns and answer any questions you may have. If he determines that you are a good candidate for eyelid surgery, he will create a customized treatment plan and a member of our staff will provide an overall cost estimate. 

While the cost of a surgical procedure is an important aspect of your decision-making process, it is even more important to ensure that your treatment is performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who will customize the procedure to your unique needs. Dr. Newman places a strong emphasis on providing fully customized procedures in the utmost safety, designed to provide significant long-term benefits.

We can work with you to place the cost of your aesthetic goals comfortably within your budget.

Financing Options

Patients who undergo blepharoplasty for the purpose of improving their vision can expect that insurance may cover a portion of the cost. However, if you are undergoing the procedure for cosmetic reasons, or wish to achieve enhancements beyond a practical scope of treatment, we can recommend a number of financing options offering low-interest monthly payment plans for qualified applicants. Dr. Newman and our team believe treatment should be within reach for all individuals who desire it, and we will do everything we can to help you afford the results you desire.

Schedule a Consultation

With over 30 years of plastic surgery experience, Dr. Fredric Newman has the knowledge and expertise to provide results that enhance your self-esteem as well as your appearance. During a consultation with Dr. Newman, he can help determine if eyelid surgery is the right facial plastic surgery procedure for you. Contact us online or call (203) 987-6284 to schedule your appointment.