Eyelid Surgery
When the eyelids and under-eye areas age, they can begin lending a permanent look of tiredness or disinterest to the face. Every glance in the mirror is then met with an expression that does not match how alive you still feel. Eyelid surgery allows you to restore that balance, creating a youthful look and expression to your eyes in line with how you want to be perceived. We proudly provide eyelid surgery in Sarasota with each procedure custom-tailored to your specific goals.
At the Sarasota Institute of Dermatology & Oculoplastic Surgery, work with board-certified oculofacial surgeon Dr. Renelle Lim for a revitalizing experience built around your goals.
What Is Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid surgery, commonly known as blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic or medical procedure aimed at improving the appearance and function of the eyelids. Over time, our eyelids can stretch, and the muscles supporting them weaken. This leads to sagging, droopy eyelids and under-eye bags, which can not only affect how we look but also impair vision. While many people opt for this surgery to achieve a more youthful appearance, others undergo it to improve their sight, especially if droopy eyelids obstruct their field of vision.
Types of Eyelid Surgery
Upper Eyelid Surgery
The Goal: Restore an open and youthful shape and expression to the eyes.
Excess or sagging upper eyelid skin can dramatically influence eye shape and how the face is perceived. Smaller, heavier-looking eyes may seem tired or even angry, regardless of how you actually feel. Upper blepharoplasty trims excess skin and eliminates fat to tighten the eyelid and lift it to a higher position. The result is a more youthful and alert expression to the eyes.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
The Goal: Eliminate bags, dark circles, and aging under eyes.
Fat deposits, thinning skin, and drooping eyelids lend to a fatigued appearance. While these may naturally happen with age, that does not mean you have to let it impact you. Lower blepharoplasty adjusts the under-eye tissues according to your goals to restore a rested yet interested look to the eyes.
Combined Blepharoplasty
The Goal: Refresh the upper and lower eyelids in a single procedure.
If both your upper and lower eyelids are affected by age, then you can treat both at the same time. A combined “quad” eyelid surgery provides comprehensive results. Each improvement in the upper eyelids is designed to complement the lower (and vice versa). A core advantage is that you will only need one recovery period.
Is Eyelid Surgery Right for Me?
Eyelid surgery places less strain on the body than other plastic surgery options, allowing for a wider range of candidates. However, we are still meticulous to ensure that each patient is matched with a procedure that is ideal (and safe) for them. This starts with the consultation, during which you meet with Dr. Lim one-on-one to begin building a plan. Learn about your options, discuss your goals, and go through before-and-after photos to get an idea of what you can expect.
Even if eyelid surgery is not your optimal choice, we provide a range of other treatments that can address your concerns. Some of these include injectables for crow’s feet or ptosis repair for eyelid ptosis. We also offer a range of other nonsurgical options for patients who want a less invasive approach that still produces impressive benefits to their appearance.
What Is the Procedure Like?
- Will It Hurt?: We ensure patients feel no pain whatsoever during the procedure. Dr. Lim’s precise technique requires only local anesthetic, but some patients may have sedation to minimize stress. The most patients may feel is a slight pinching when the anesthetic is administered.
- What Happens During Surgery?: Dr. Lim will make incisions in hidden locations to avoid any visible scarring. Depending on your procedure, she may remove excess skin or fat, adjust underlying tissues, and reposition the eyelids. She then closes all the incisions carefully to promote a smooth healing process.
- How Long Does It Take?: An individual procedure takes about 2 hours on average. For quad eyelid surgery, expect a duration of about 3 to 4 hours. Dr. Lim will let you know what to expect ahead of your procedure.
- What Happens Afterward?: First, you can spend some time in the recovery room. Especially after sedation, patients may benefit from taking about half an hour or so to return to being fully alert. Once you are ready, you can return home with someone driving you.
What Is the Recovery Like?
Eyelid surgery is a lighter procedure, but the recovery period is still crucial. Patients can expect swelling, bruising, and discomfort the first week, so we encourage taking 1 to 2 weeks off as downtime. Dr. Lim provides full instructions on caring for your healing eyelids, which not only promote healing but also help produce better results. The better your eyelids heal, the more refined the final results will be.
Dr. Lim sees all her patients for follow-up visits. These check-ups allow her to track your recovery and for you to ask any additional questions as needed. Based on how these go, you can make a gradual return to your full routine over the following weeks.
Our Mission Is To Help You
Live Your Best Life Every Single Day.
When Can I See My Eyelid Surgery Results?
- The Initial Results: You can begin enjoying your results around 2 weeks after surgery. By this point, the most visible signs of surgery should fade (bruising, swelling), and your new appearance should become more noticeable.
- The Final Results: Residual swelling takes longer to fade. While it is not noticeable in itself, it can still influence how your eyelid tissues sit and settle. Even minor swelling can affect the eye’s appearance, so full results appear once the swelling is fully gone (after a few months).
- Your Results Duration: Eyelid surgery results can last for years, particularly when you take good care of your eyelid skin. Avoid excess sun and keep up a good skincare routine to make the most of your procedure’s benefits. Upper eyelid surgery tends to look at its best for about 5 to 7, while lower eyelid surgery can provide benefits for 10+ years.
Book your consultation
Reclaim and embolden your appearance with an alert and youthful look that matches how you feel. Start by scheduling a consultation for eyelid surgery in Sarasota by calling our office or using our online form.