Blepharoplasty

Surgical Face Blepharoplasty

The eyes are sometimes called the window to your soul, but unfortunately, they’re also one of the primary places to show signs of aging. Skin laxity and wrinkles may eventually lead to droopy eyelids and a permanently tired expression. For patients wanting to rejuvenate their appearance and restore bright, youthful-looking eyes, blepharoplasty at The Langdon Center may be the answer.

What is Blepharoplasty (Laser Eyelid Lift)?

Blepharoplasty, also called an eyelid lift, is a surgical technique used to improve the appearance of the eyelids. In the upper eyelid, excess skin can produce large folds and cause drooping. This can actually compromise the line of sight in extreme cases. There may also be bulging of orbital fat pads, creating a puffy look. In the lower eyelid, bulging fat pads that create under-eye bags are usually the main problem.

Dr. Langdon performs laser blepharoplasty, in which a CO2 laser is used as a surgical instrument instead of the traditional scalpel blade. This allows for optimal results with minimal scarring and downtime.

VIDEO CASE ANALYSIS – Learn How Dr. Langdon Approaches The Blepharoplasty

Watch library.

BEFORE & AFTER GALLERY – See Examples Of Our Best Work

*Individual results may vary.

Blepharoplasty results.

How Does a Blepharoplasty Procedure Work?

The average treatment time for laser blepharoplasty is 90-120 minutes,
depending on whether the upper, lower, or all four lids are treated.
Dr. Langdon can treat the upper and lower eyelids together, or they can be done separately. Some patients may have other procedures combined with their blepharoplasty, such as a brow lift or facelift if needed.

Depending on your personalized treatment, Dr. Langdon will use the CO2 laser to make incisions in the natural creases of the upper eyelids or just inside the lower eyelids. Through the upper incision, he will remove any excess skin and fat. On the lower lids, excess fat is removed via the incision on the inside of the lids. He may also reposition sagging lacrimal glands and tighten the lower lids before closing the incisions.

A local anesthetic is used during the procedure, and patients typically
experience little to no discomfort during surgery. For most patients, a sedative medication is also used to ensure comfort during the procedure.

What is Recovery Like From Blepharoplasty?

Dr. Langdon’s innovative approach and use of a CO2 laser for blepharoplasty help reduce recovery time. Most patients experience minimal bruising, swelling, or bleeding and can resume light activities within two to four days of the surgery. Post-operative pain is mild; most patients only require Tylenol and ice packs to ease any pain or discomfort.

Patients should expect to take approximately a week off of work. You should wait two weeks before resuming strenuous exercise. Dr. Langdon will provide detailed aftercare instructions and let you know when it’s safe to return to your usual activities.

Swelling will mostly subside within one week, revealing your results. Patients who have lower eyelid surgery won’t have any scarring, and upper eyelid surgery results only in a thin scar on the upper lid that, in most patients, nearly disappears in the months following the procedure.

What Results Can I Expect From Blepharoplasty?

After laser blepharoplasty at The Langdon Center, you can expect
improvements such as:

  • Vibrant, youthful eyes
  • Smoother eye area with reduced wrinkles
  • Improved visual field (if upper lid sagging was impairing vision)
  • Reduced puffiness and under-eye bags
  • A more alert and energetic appearance

Your results will become visible as any swelling and bruising from the surgery fade in a week or two. The exact outcome will depend on your unique procedure, including whether you had an upper, lower, or combined eyelid lift.

Typically, the results of blepharoplasty last many years. Blepharoplasty surgery is usually only needed once, although some patients may have an upper eyelid lift repeated to correct further signs of aging.

Am I a Candidate for an Eyelid Lift?

The best candidates for blepharoplasty are men and women who are physically healthy and have realistic expectations. Any individual who has bulges, bags, or drooping eyelids will see significant results after laser eyelid lift surgery.

Blepharoplasty is most common for patients over 40 but can be beneficial for younger patients as well. During your consultation, Dr. Langdon will discuss your goals and concerns, assess your eyes, and determine if you are a candidate. Some medical conditions and eye diseases may affect your eligibility for blepharoplasty.

If you are not a candidate for surgery or prefer a less invasive option, Dr.
Langdon may recommend non-surgical alternatives like fillers or laser skin resurfacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

An Eyelid surgery or Blepharoplasty procedure is a great way to improve the look of the upper and/or lower eyelids. This type of procedure can give those who are seeing the effects of aging in their eyes a more alert and youthful appearance. It typically involves tightening, lifting, or removing excess skin in the eyelid area.

On average, eyelid surgery will cost around $4,000, though it can range anywhere from $2,000 to $7,000. The different types of eyelid surgery can change the cost as well. On average, lower eyelid surgery cost is about $2,400, while the price of upper eyelid surgery is usually around $2,100. The cost of laser eyelid surgery is typically higher than that of conventional blepharoplasty and can be anywhere between $3,000 and $5,000. Some patients require both upper and lower eyelid surgery.

Here’s what you can expect once the laser blepharoplasty procedure has been performed:

  • Because the laser offers a clean and heated cut, there’s minimal swelling and bruising associated with the treatment.
  • Patients should expect minor post-operative discomfort, which can be relieved with ice packs and cold compresses.  This discomfort usually fades within one day.
  • Patients should focus on resting and recovering the first two days after the procedure.  Normal activities can be resumed two to four days after the treatment although vigorous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for two weeks.
  • There may be minor scarring on the upper eyelids.  This scar line is very minimal and barely noticeable. There is never a scar on the lower eyelid because Dr. Langdon always uses a trans-conjunctival incision (through the inner surface of the lower lid).

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty can have varying longevity of results based on the procedure. Upper eyelid surgery results approximately lasts anywhere from 5 to 7 years whereas lower eyelid surgery results are mostly considered as permanent.

As time passes the skin above the eyelids may start to droop more due to aging necessitating additional interventions such as a brow lift to uphold the refreshed look.

For lower lid blepharoplasty I first do a block of the infra-orbital nerve (this usually numbs most of the lower lid) using 0.5% bupivacaine (Marcaine) with epinephrine. This is followed by direct injection of 2% lidocaine (Xylocaine) with epinephrine into the lower eyelid area. The epinephrine constricts small blood vessels, which prolongs the effect of the local anesthetic and reduces intra-operative bleeding and bruising. Marcaine and Xylocaine are “trade names” for the listed generic drugs.

To provide sedation, I use intra-muscular midazolam (Versed) and hydroxyzine (Vistaril). It is safer to use IM rather than IV administration of midazolam because the drug will enter the bloodstream more slowly, thus avoiding the risk of respiratory arrest associated with the IV route.

Important LANGDONCENTER.COM Blepharoplasty Site Links – Learn all your surgical options.

Meet Dr. Langdon

Robert Langdon, MD, is triple-board-certified in Dermatology, Cosmetic
Surgery, and Facial Cosmetic Surgery. With over three decades of
experience, he has perfected many innovative techniques and specializes in low-impact procedures that minimize risks and recovery while maximizing results.

Dr. Langdon performs all procedures with safe, gentle local anesthesia. Many of his procedures use advanced lasers to maximize results. He also uses tumescent liposuction and strategic fat grafting to rejuvenate a patient’s body shape with the least intensive surgery possible.

Take the next step.

To learn more about getting a Blepharoplasty or to schedule your consultation with Board-Certified Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Langdon, please fill out the form on this page or call The Langdon Center at (203) 453-8625. We look forward to working with you! The Langdon Center serves patients in the Guilford & New Haven, CT areas.

Discover our before & after gallery

Real Patients, Real Reviews.

Request a consultation with The Langdon Center today.

If you have any questions or would like to gather more information prior to your visit, please fill out our contact form or give us a call at 203-453-8625

Icon of a phone receiver, symbolizing communication through a phone call. Call Guilford & Madison, CT best cosmetic and laser surgeon, The Langdon center now.

Chat with a team member.

An image showing a document icon suggesting the input of information or filling out a form.

Fill out the form.

An image symbolizing arranging or reserving appointments, suggesting organization of time or planning on a calendar.

Schedule appointment.

  • Should be Empty:

Stay up-to-date. Subscribe to our Newsletter.