Discover the Best Eyelid Surgery in
New York City

Beautiful Eyes For Every Age

That’s why finding a highly experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon is critical. They will assess your anatomical structure and facial features to determine whether you’re a suitable candidate for this procedure.
If you’ve been considering enhancing the appearance of your eyes by removing excess skin or fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids, blepharoplasty (also known as eyelid surgery) may be the ideal solution. Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is among the most sought-after cosmetic procedures for a rejuvenated, youthful appearance. Because it’s a personal decision, careful consideration is essential. Below is everything you need to know about this procedure—from how it’s performed to the benefits, recovery, and more.

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*results may vary

What Is Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty (Greek, "blepharos" means "eye, eyelid,") is a specialized eyelid surgery that aims to correct sagging or droopy eyelids by removing or repositioning excess skin, muscle, and fat. This rejuvenates the eye area, giving you a more youthful and refreshed appearance. Not only can blepharoplasty enhance your eyes, but it can also improve your peripheral vision if sagging eyelids are obstructing your sight.

Eyelid surgery is one of the most commonly performed facial plastic procedures.
By creating a smoother, more lifted contour around the eyes, you can address concerns like bags under the eyes or hooded upper eyelids.
People from all over visit Dr. Franck for blepharoplasty in New York City to achieve natural-looking results.

How is Blepharoplasty Performed?

Upper blepharoplasty is typically done under local anesthesia with sedation, but some patients may opt for general anesthesia depending on individual needs and comfort levels. Lower blepharoplasty is typically performed under anesthesia, as the procedure tends to be more complex. Here’s a step-by-step overview:

Preparation and Marking
Dr. Franck carefully marks the areas around your eyelids to determine how much skin or fat should be removed.
Incision Placement
- Upper Eyelid Surgery: Incisions are made within the natural creases of the upper eyelid to hide scars.
- Lower Eyelid Surgery: Incisions may be placed either just below the lash line or inside the lower lid (transconjunctival approach).
Tissue Removal or Repositioning
Excess skin, fat, and sometimes muscle are removed or repositioned to create a more youthful contour.
Closing the Incisions
Dr. Franck uses very fine sutures to minimize scarring. Stitches are typically removed within a few days.

Throughout the procedure, Dr. Franck’s meticulous approach ensures you achieve the best eyelid surgery results with minimal downtime.

Benefits of Blepharoplasty

Enhanced Appearance: Enjoy a brighter, more alert look that can make you appear years younger.
Improve Vision: Removing sagging skin can expand your field of vision if droopiness was causing obstruction.
Remove Under Eye Bags: Feel more self-assured when your eyes look fresher and rejuvenated.
Long-Lasting Results: While natural aging continues, blepharoplasty outcomes often last for many years, making it a worthwhile investment.

The Different Eyelid Surgery Techniques

Blepharoplasty can be tailored to each patient’s unique needs using various techniques:

Upper Eyelid Surgery

Incisions are concealed in the natural eyelid crease a few millimeters above the eyelid
Addresses loose or sagging skin on the upper lids.
Lifts the eyelid to reveal more of the pupil, enhancing vision and creating a more alert, refreshed appearance.
Addresses excess fat and puffiness around the eye, resulting in a smoother contour

Lower Eyelid Surgery

Incisions can be made below the lash line or placed inside the eyelid for minimal visibility.
Targets under-eye bags, excess skin, and puffiness, helping to achieve a refreshed, youthful look.
Helps smooth and minimize fine wrinkles under the eyes, resulting in a more rejuvenated appearance.
Tightens the lower eyelid to enhance the eye’s shape and overall facial balance.
May help reduce the appearance of dark circles for a brighter, more awake look.

Asian (Double) Eyelid Surgery

Creates a defined upper eyelid crease for those seeking a double eyelid appearance.
By choosing the right technique, patients can expect natural-looking results that complement their facial structure.

Are You A Good Candidate?

To determine if you’re a candidate for eyelid surgery in NYC, consider these factors:

General Health: You should be in good overall health without serious eye conditions or uncontrolled medical issues.
Realistic Expectations: Understand the potential outcomes and have reasonable goals for the surgery.
Concerns About Eye Appearance: Excess eyelid skin, under-eye bags, or obstructed vision might make you an excellent candidate.
Nonsmoker or Willing to Quit: Smoking can affect healing; quitting is advisable before and after surgery.

A thorough consultation with Dr. Franck will help confirm whether you’re the right candidate for blepharoplasty.

The Recovery After Eyelid Surgery

Patients routinely return home the same day and experience minimal discomfort. Here’s what to expect:

First Week
You may notice mild swelling, bruising, or irritation. Continuing cold compresses and head elevation will further help with swelling.
Stitch Removal
Sutures are usually removed within 5-7 days.
Returning to Normal Activities
Many people resume light activities within a week or two, though strenuous exercise should be avoided for a few weeks.
Final Results
As swelling diminishes, you’ll see the refreshed, youthful appearance of your eyes. Full healing can take a few months, but changes are noticeable much sooner.

"Blepharoplasty is a precision procedure that prioritizes your safety and maintains the unique shape of your eyes, resulting in a refreshed yet natural look"

The Consultation Process for Blepharoplasty

Every journey to improve your appearance begins with an in-depth consultation. During this meeting, you’ll discuss your concerns and goals in detail. Here’s what to expect:

Assessment of Your Eyelids
Dr. Franck will evaluate the skin and underlying structures to determine the extent of sagging, puffiness, or excess fat. He’ll also consider how each eyelid (upper and/or lower) should be addressed to best achieve your desired results.
Medical Review & Ophthalmologist Clearance
You’ll discuss your medical history, including any existing eye conditions, medications, or previous surgeries. Depending on your specific situation, you may need a clearance from your ophthalmologist to ensure your eye health is stable for surgery. This is particularly important for individuals with conditions like glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, or other ocular issues that could affect the outcome of the procedure.
Procedure Explanation
Dr. Franck will walk you through the specifics of upper and/or lower eyelid surgery, explaining incision placement, anesthesia options, and likely recovery timelines. This step gives you a clear expectation of what the procedure entails.
Questions and Concerns
Finally, you’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions about the surgery, from the technique used to post-operative care. Open communication ensures you feel well-prepared and confident moving forward.

By the end of your consultation, you’ll have a clear understanding of the blepharoplasty process and a tailored plan that aligns with your aesthetic vision and health considerations.

Dr. Philipp Franck -
New York Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Franck, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, completed his training at two prestigious Ivy League university hospitals. He is an expert in facial plastic surgery, including advanced blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery).

Named one of New York’s Rising Star Surgeons by the New York Times Magazine, since 2023, Dr. Franck also serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Cornell University Hospital in New York. His dedication to patient-centered care and consistently excellent surgical outcomes has earned him a place in Castle Connolly’s list of Top Doctors nationwide, solidifying his reputation as a leading choice for eyelid surgery in New York City.

Combine Blepharoplasty With Other Procedures

Many patients choose to combine blepharoplasty with additional treatments for a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation:

Brow Lift: Lifting a droopy brow can further enhance the eye area.
Facelift: Improves jowls and sagging in the mid-to-lower face.
Skin Resurfacing: Laser or chemical peels can complement eyelid surgery by improving skin texture.

By addressing multiple concerns simultaneously, you can optimize your results and minimize total recovery time.

What Are Some Of The Risks With Blepharoplasty

Like any surgical procedure, blepharoplasty carries certain risks and potential complications. It’s important to remember that these occurrences are very rare, and most patients experience a smooth healing process. Some of the possible risks include:

Infection or Bleeding: Though uncommon, proper wound care and following post-operative instructions help minimize this risk.
Dryness or Irritation: Eyes may feel dry or irritated following surgery; prescribed eye drops usually alleviate this symptom.
Temporary Changes in Vision: Blurred or double vision can occur but typically resolves on its own.
Scarring: While scars are usually discreet and well-concealed, some individuals may experience more visible scarring.

For a comprehensive overview of all potential risks and detailed guidance tailored to your situation, you’ll be thoroughly briefed during your consultation with Dr. Franck.