The Eyes Have It: Blepharoplasty Eyelid Lifts Offer Youthful Rejuvenation

Joel K. Sears, M.D., FAAD

Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon
Board-Certified Dermatologist


The Appearance of Our Eyes Can Tell the World a Lot About Us

Have you ever noticed how much the appearance of our eyes reflect our emotions and feelings? There is some truth to the saying that “your eyes are windows to your soul.” But when your eyes begin to show signs of aging, such as drooping skin, excess wrinkles and fatty bulges, the eyes can give off false impressions of being tired or old, when, in fact, we feel great!Beautiful eyes are the focal point of the face. Smooth, fresh-looking eyes give the appearance of youth and vitality. At Advanced Dermatology & Skin Surgery, we can provide eyelid rejuvenation through eyelid-lift surgery called blepharoplasty [blef-uh-row-plasty]. 

Eyelid Lifts Provide a Fresh Bright Natural-Looking Result

Signs of aging eyes are a common concern and generally first appear as we enter our thirties. Many factors contribute to aging around the eyes such as genetics, sun exposure, and lifestyle factors like experiencing stress or smoking. As the upper eyelid skin sags more, it may show excess folds or even begin to droop down over your eyelashes. The lower lid “bags” are actually bulging fat pads that cause dark, tired-looking rings under the eyes.Blepharoplasty, or eyelid “lift”, is a cosmetic procedure to freshen the eyes by reducing the loose skin, removing the bulging “bags” under the eyes and smoothing the wrinkles making your eyes look brighter and less tired or angry. It’s important to know that we provide a very natural-appearing result, refreshing and brightening your eyes, never “over-doing” the surgery. 

What To Expect With Eyelid Lift Surgery

Blepharoplasty is one of my areas of special interest and extended training. When you come in for consultation, the upper and lower lids are evaluated separately. The procedure is divided into upper lid and lower lid blepharoplasties, depending on your needs. You will be asked about your general health history, medications, history of eye problems and previous cosmetic surgeries. Aspirin or other blood-thinners will need to be discontinued at least ten days before surgery.Surgery takes anywhere from one to two hours, depending on whether upper or lower or both upper and lower lids are done. The eyelid skin is meticulously marked by the doctor prior to surgery. Anesthesia includes a combination of intravenous sedation and local numbing where the patient remembers very little of the procedure. We ensure your safety and comfort.In the upper lid, the incision is hidden in the natural skin fold. Excess skin is removed taking care to provide a natural, symmetric result. Stitches are very fine and are self-dissolving.The lower lid surgery involves a fine incision just below the lower eyelash line through which the bulging fat pads are identified and meticulously removed. Care is taken to remove the exact amount of fat to obtain the optimal cosmetic result.Depending on the need, eye-lift surgery may be done in combination with other cosmetic procedures on the same day. Commonly I will recommend laser resurfacing to smooth the fine wrinkling skin around the eyes or a brow-lift to help reposition sagging brows. When considering ways to look younger and brighter, remember, the “Eyes Have It”.


Schedule your consultation with Dr. Sears for Blepharoplasty today by calling us at 509.456.7414.