Blepharoplasty is the medical term for eyelid surgery. It involves correcting drooping or sagging skin, excess fat, or muscle around the upper and/or lower eyelids. The goal can be functional (to improve vision or reduce obstruction) and/or cosmetic (to give a more youthful, refreshed look). 

Here are some signs you might be a good candidate:

• Your upper eyelid skin is hanging over the natural lid crease.
• You have “bags,” puffiness, or bulges under your lower eyelids, or a tired appearance.
• Your vision is being affected: for example, upper eyelid droop that partially blocks peripheral or upper vision (reading, driving) can push the surgery from cosmetic into functional need.
• You are in good general health and have realistic expectations.

Collins Vision also offers non-surgical lower-lid blepharoplasty (using tools like Morpheus8) for people who are not ready for, or not good candidates for, full surgical options. 

Yes — for many procedures, patients are awake under local anesthesia (often with mild sedation) at Collins Vision.

Sometimes light sedation is offered. More extensive or combined procedures may require deeper sedation, or in some cases, general anesthesia. 

Blepharoplasty is generally considered safe when performed by experienced surgeons or ophthalmologists. That said, it is still surgery; risks include things like bleeding, infection, dry or irritated eyes, difficulty closing the eyes, visible scarring, temporary blurred vision. More serious but rare complications (like vision loss) are possible. At Collins Vision, the fact that the surgeon is a board-certified ophthalmologist with specialized experience adds to safety.

It’s usually not very painful. Immediately after surgery, there can be discomfort, swelling, and bruising; many people manage with over-the-counter pain relievers, possibly with stronger medication for a short time. Pain tends to diminish after a few days. Collins Vision patients report very little discomfort.

Yes, but mostly in beneficial ways if the procedure is done for functional reasons:

• If excess upper eyelid skin droops over your eye field, removing it can improve peripheral vision or reduce obstruction. 
• Temporary blurred vision can happen post-op due to swelling, dressings, or ointments.
• Rarely, complications can cause more serious visual problems — which is why evaluation and care are important.

• Many people enjoy lasting results, especially for lower eyelid surgery.
• Upper eyelid changes may recur to some degree over time due to natural aging (skin laxity, gravity, etc.).
• Some sources estimate 5 years to a lifetime, depending on how much sagging recurs, how someone ages, sun exposure, and lifestyle.

• Expect swelling and bruising, often most noticeable in the first 1-2 weeks.
• Sutures are often removed about 5-7 days after surgery.
• Most people can return to non-strenuous work after about a week; more strenuous activity should be avoided for longer.
• Full healing (including resolution of minor swelling, subtle final contour) may take several weeks to a few months.

• Yes — incisions are made, so there will be scars. But they are typically placed in natural folds (upper eyelid crease, just under lashes, or inside lower lid) so they are well hidden.
• Over time, scars generally fade and become less noticeable. Proper wound care, avoiding sun exposure, and following post-op instructions help.

• Short trips are possible, but travel immediately after surgery has extra risks (e.g. swelling, pressure changes, hygiene, risk of infection).
• It’s generally best to wait at least until you feel stable (less swelling/bruising, can care for yourself). Many surgeons recommend avoiding long flights, heavy lifting, or strenuous exertion until cleared.
• At Collins Vision, patients return for suture removal 5-7 days post-op; many people resume most daily activities after about one week.

• Blepharoplasty can be medically necessary. When excess upper eyelid tissue or sagging is severe enough to obstruct vision (field of vision, reading, driving), it is considered “functional” blepharoplasty.
• If it is purely cosmetic — for appearance, to reduce puffiness, etc. — then it is not medically necessary.

• Upper Lid Blepharoplasty can sometimes be covered by insurance. When there is a functional reason — i.e. excess skin obstructing vision — insurance or Medicare may cover part or all of the cost of upper eyelid blepharoplasty. Our team will perform tests to determine the level of vision loss and whether drooping is sufficient for coverage.
• Lower eyelid surgery is less likely to be covered because it is rarely considered medically necessary.
• Coverage depends heavily on your insurance plan as each plan can be different. Your counselor will go over all details with you prior to surgery.