Eye Lift (Blepharoplasty)

If your eyes always look tired or older than their years, or if your vision is obstructed by drooping eyelids (also known as ptosis), you may benefit from eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty). Wrinkles, such as crow’s feet, are also improved during an eyelift.

The success and safety of your procedure depends on your complete candidness during your consultation. You’ll be asked a number of questions about your health and the outcomes you would like to achieve. The consultation is thorough and takes about 45 minutes. Be prepared for a complete eye examination and to discuss your medical history.

Henry Ford cosmetic eye surgeons are experts at eyelid rejuvenation and continually work to advance the field through research to optimize the outcomes in eyelid lift therapies.

What causes my eyes to sag and become baggy?

Your eye tissue begins to deteriorate from sun damage, smoking, stretching from swelling or obesity, rubbing your eyes and from blinking.

How long will my eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) take?

Eyelid surgery is an outpatient procedure that usually takes two to three hours. As a general guideline, upper or lower blepharoplasty alone takes about 60 minutes. Eyelift surgery can be combined with other procedures, such as chemical peels or a forehead/brow lift, which will require more time.

How is eyelift surgery performed?

Eyelid surgery is an outpatient procedure and is routinely performed under local anesthesia with oral sedation to keep you comfortable. Local anesthesia is associated with less bleeding, increased safety, enhanced precisions and faster recovery.

During surgery, incisions are made in the natural folds of your eyelid skin, or in some cases, from your lower eyelid in a transconjunctival approach. The incisions are then closed with fine sutures. Your eyelift results can last for years.

How long is the recovery process for eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)?

You may experience moderate bruising and swelling, but most discoloration is gone within about 10 days. While recovery time is different between individuals, you should be able to resume normal activity within three days. Most people prefer to avoid work and public places for one to two weeks. You should avoid strenuous activities for at least one week after surgery. Your incisions heal with a fine scar softening over six months.

Does insurance cover eyelift surgery?

Your insurance will not cover eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) if the primary goal is to improve the cosmetic appearance of your eyes.

If you need eye surgery to improve the function of your eyelids and/or improve your vision, insurance may cover eyelid surgery. You may have your photograph taken to help determine your insurance coverage.