• Home
• Surgery
• Face
• Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty

REFRESH TIRED EYES AND BRIGHTEN YOUR LOOK

CONTENTS

BLEPHAROPLASTY: UNLOCK BRIGHT, BEAUTIFUL EYES

SIGNS YOU’RE READY FOR BLEPHAROPLASTY

WHAT HAPPENS DURING YOUR BLEPHAROPLASTY PROCEDURE

OPTIMIZING YOUR HEALING AFTER BLEPHAROPLASTY SURGERY

The eyes and the surrounding area are often regarded as the most expressive features of the face, particularly during face-to-face communication. As time goes on, our eyes can start to show signs of wear, such as droopy eyelids, puffiness, and tiredness. Sagging skin may even affect peripheral vision, and excess skin under the eyes can create a tired, heavy look. Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty for the Philadelphia and Villanova areas at Cross Medical Group is a smart, subtle way to refresh your eyes and give your whole face a more youthful, revitalized appearance.

EYELID SURGERY DESIGNED TO RESTORE A MORE YOUTHFUL, ALERT APPEARANCE

Blepharoplasty is a form of cosmetic surgery that is designed to remove excess skin as well as reposition tissues, in order to “tighten up” drooping eyelids. It is commonly done for cosmetic reasons, but blepharoplasty can also address sagging lids that intrude into a patient's field of vision. Blepharoplasty smooths, lifts, and rejuvenates the delicate eye area.

BLEPHAROPLASTY: UNLOCK BRIGHT, BEAUTIFUL EYES

An important concept to understand when considering blepharoplasty is that eyelids that look older or more tired often look this way for a combination of reasons. Not only do youthful eyes have a minimal amount of extra skin, but they typically also have good volume. Since the face loses fat, thins, and sags over time, the eye area loses much of this volume as it ages.

Dr. Kevin Cross equates this volume to high tide at the beach. When the tide is high, the rocks, stones, and irregularities on the beach underneath are not visible. As the tide recedes over time, the poor underlying contours are revealed. For many patients, restoring volume is the equivalent of bringing the tide back in.

Too often, surgeons performing eyelid surgery procedures remove fat and skin, but don't recognize the importance of restoring youthful volume. Dr. Cross feels that achieving the optimal result for blepharoplasty must include customizing the procedure to the individual patient's anatomy and needs.

Blepharoplasty may be performed on the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids, or both upper and lower. Likewise, it may be performed on the left eye, the right eye, or both. The goal is to restore a more alert and rested look, improve the field of vision if necessary, and give the entire face a more balanced and symmetrical look.

SIGNS YOU’RE READY FOR BLEPHAROPLASTY

Drooping eyelids can stem from different causes, so the most effective treatment depends on what’s behind the issue. If sagging is due to loose skin or muscle weakness in the forehead or brow, a different surgical approach may be needed. Dr. Kevin Cross and Dr. Jackie Lyons will carefully evaluate your facial structure to determine whether blepharoplasty or another procedure is the best fit for your needs.

While many patients seeking eyelid surgery tend to be older, there’s no specific age requirement. Some may opt for surgery earlier if droopy or hooded eyelids run in their family. If you notice heavy upper eyelids, feel discomfort, experience headaches, or feel your eyes are constantly tired, blepharoplasty could be a beneficial option.

Ideal candidates are generally healthy, non-smokers, without serious eye conditions, and have realistic expectations about the results. The best way to find out if blepharoplasty is right for you is to connect with Dr. Cross or Dr. Lyons for a thorough evaluation. They will create a tailored treatment approach designed specifically for your needs.

OUR APPROACH TO UPPER AND LOWER BLEPHAROPLASTY PROCEDURES

UPPER EYELID BLEPHAROPLASTY

When preparing for blepharoplasty, Dr. Cross and Dr. Lyons always begin the evaluation by examining the position of the eyebrows. Over time, the brows can drift downward and rotate at the outer edges, causing skin to drape over the upper eyelids. This creates a hooded appearance that many patients mistake as purely an eyelid issue. In these cases, a brow lift may be necessary in combination with blepharoplasty to achieve the best results. Our surgeons outline several hooded eye surgery techniques that can elevate the brows and enhance the outcome of blepharoplasty. Ignoring the brow's impact can leave residual heaviness, even after the eyelids have been addressed surgically.

Not every patient requires blepharoplasty to rejuvenate the eye area. For mild concerns, we may recommend non-surgical options like chemical peels, lasers, or volume restoration with fillers or a patient’s own fat. These treatments can be powerful on their own or used to complement blepharoplasty for a more complete result.

When there is significant sagging skin or bulging fat in the upper eyelids, blepharoplasty is often the most effective solution. The incision is placed within the natural crease of the eyelid, so it becomes virtually undetectable once healed. From this discreet location, your surgeon will remove excess skin and sculpt the fat pads that commonly shift forward with age. By refining these areas through upper blepharoplasty, we restore a smoother, more youthful contour to the eyes.

LOWER EYELID BLEPHAROPLASTY

Dr. Cross often points out that one hallmark of a youthful face is the smooth transition between the lower eyelids and the cheeks. In younger individuals, this area flows together so naturally that it's hard to distinguish where the eyelid ends and the cheek begins. With age, however, the lower eyelid can become longer, more hollow, and shadowed. Wrinkles increase, the skin loses its firmness, and a noticeable divide forms between the eyelid and cheek. This contrast can make the face appear tired or drawn. In such cases, lower blepharoplasty can be an excellent option for restoring a smoother, more refreshed appearance.

As with the upper eye area, Dr. Cross and Dr. Lyons carefully consider whether surgery is necessary or if non-surgical treatments may be more appropriate. Techniques such as laser resurfacing, chemical peels, or volume restoration with fillers or a patient’s own fat can dramatically improve skin quality and reduce under-eye shadows, often blending the lid-cheek junction beautifully without the need for surgery.

When blepharoplasty is the best course of action, our surgeons typically perform the procedure through a hidden incision inside the lower eyelid, avoiding any visible scars. In some cases, an external approach is used, with the incision placed discreetly just beneath the lash line. This allows for the removal or repositioning of fat pads, tightening loose skin, and reshaping the lower eyelid. Excess fat can also be transferred to hollow areas to smooth contours and restore a softer, more youthful appearance.

PREPARING FOR YOUR BLEPHAROPLASTY JOURNEY

Before you schedule your blepharoplasty, Dr. Cross or Dr. Lyons will meet with you to discuss your medical history, including any previous surgeries you have had, past and current conditions, and any medications or supplements you're currently taking. They talk to each of their patients about what they hope to achieve with blepharoplasty surgery and whether the procedure is likely to be effective for them.

To enjoy the best results possible, you'll be asked to stop taking aspirin, other blood thinners, or anti-inflammatory drugs that can increase the risk of bruising and bleeding, as long as it is medically safe to do so. You should also refrain from smoking, since nicotine reduces the body's ability to heal itself.

Ask a friend or loved one to drive you to and from eyelid surgery and stay with you overnight following the procedure.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING YOUR BLEPHAROPLASTY PROCEDURE

Blepharoplasty surgery may involve specific techniques used on one or both upper lids, one or both lower lids, or all four. The overarching goal of any lower or upper eyelid surgery is to rejuvenate the eyes and eye area, as well as to create a balanced and symmetrical look. A blepharoplasty procedure can also improve a patient's ability to see, since sagging upper lids can interfere with an unobstructed field of vision.

Most blepharoplasty surgeries can be performed with the patient under a "twilight" anesthesia or a deeper anesthesia, though a breathing tube is rarely necessary. Our anesthesiologists now use a technique called "TIVA" anesthesia that is very effective in preventing any nausea or vomiting.

Dr. Cross has made a number of advancements to help reduce bruising and swelling after blepharoplasty surgery. This includes a formulation in his numbing medicine that stops bruising before it has a chance to develop.

OPTIMIZING YOUR HEALING AFTER BLEPHAROPLASTY SURGERY

Patients are typically able to go home a few hours after completion of their blepharoplasty procedure. Post-eyelid surgery downtime and discomfort are generally very minimal.

Patients will be given a regimen of prescription drops and ointments to use during the first week after eyelid surgery to help reduce swelling and speed their recovery. Some patients may also experience dry eyes during the first two weeks.

Exercise should be avoided for one to two weeks, but all other normal activities can be resumed right away after blepharoplasty surgery.

Patients will return to the office five to seven days after their eyelid surgery. At that time, any remaining post-blepharoplasty bruising and swelling is addressed with a number of in-office treatments. Our goal is to get patients feeling comfortable in light social situations in less than one to two weeks after their blepharoplasty surgery.

We will provide guidelines for how to care for your eyes, what medications you should take, any specific concerns to watch out for, and when to return for follow-up appointments. Following postoperative instructions is critical for the success of your blepharoplasty.

To enjoy the best results possible, it's important to protect the fragile skin on the eyelids from sun exposure and wear darkly tinted sunglasses following a blepharoplasty. After a blepharoplasty, patients often feel more confident and believe that they look more youthful, relaxed, and rested.

WHAT TO EXPECT: LONGEVITY OF BLEPHAROPLASTY RESULTS

This surgery consistently delivers beautifully natural, long-lasting results that really stand the test of time. The eyelid skin bounces back remarkably well, with scars cleverly hidden in your natural crease lines, making them nearly invisible. While the eyes will keep aging gracefully, many blepharoplasty patients enjoy fresh, rejuvenated looks that can last a lifetime.

WHY CHOOSE CROSS MEDICAL GROUP FOR TRUSTED BLEPHAROPLASTY RESULTS

At Cross Medical Group, blepharoplasty is performed with unmatched skill, personalized care, and a focus on natural, beautiful results. Our experienced, board-certified surgeons, Dr. Kevin J. Cross and Dr. Jackie Lyons, tailor every procedure to your unique features and goals, ensuring a refreshed, youthful appearance that looks effortlessly you. Combining advanced techniques with a compassionate approach, we prioritize your safety, comfort, and satisfaction throughout your eyelid rejuvenation journey.

NEXT-LEVEL FACIAL ENHANCEMENTS BEYOND BLEPHAROPLASTY

As time goes by, the lower face often loses its youthful “heart-shaped” contour and can develop a more boxy or squared-off appearance. This change happens due to the natural shifting and loss of fat, skin laxity, and tissue descent. Blepharoplasty expertly rejuvenates the eye area, but to achieve a harmonious, balanced look, the lower face and neck also need attention. That’s where our surgeons’ facelift and neck lift expertise play a vital role. These procedures carefully remove excess skin, reposition fat, and tighten underlying tissues to restore the smooth, lifted curves that define a youthful jawline and neckline. When combined with blepharoplasty, the results are comprehensive, enhancing overall facial harmony and restoring a refreshed, vibrant appearance.

For those looking to soften fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes—such as crow’s feet—without surgery, BOTOX^® is highly effective. This neuromodulator works by relaxing the muscles responsible for dynamic wrinkles, smoothing the skin for several months. Dysport^® and Xeomin^® offer similar benefits, giving patients multiple options to maintain a fresh, youthful look. Incorporating these injectable treatments alongside blepharoplasty allows for a more natural, balanced rejuvenation by addressing both structural and surface-level signs of aging, leaving the entire face looking rested and revitalized.

From your very first consultation, your surgeon will work closely with you to create the perfect combination of treatments that refresh your entire face. The goal is a balanced, natural look where no one area stands out as too aged or too youthful—just effortlessly radiant.