Have you ever looked in the mirror and noticed that your eyes seemed tired, even after a good night’s sleep? Or maybe you realized that your eyelids started to feel heavier than before?
If these situations sound familiar, you may have asked yourself: what is blepharoplasty?
This surgical procedure has become increasingly popular among Americans who want to rejuvenate the eye area.
Keep reading to find out how it works, the different types available, and in which situations both men and women consider this procedure.
What is blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin, muscle, and sometimes fat from the upper or lower eyelids.
When you search for what is blepharoplasty, you’ll find that this procedure can address both aesthetic and functional concerns in the periorbital area.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 200,000 blepharoplasty procedures were performed in the United States in 2020, showing the growing popularity of this surgery.
At Illusions Plastic Surgery, located in West Palm Beach, FL, there has been a significant increase in patient demand for this procedure.
Types of blepharoplasty
When someone searches for what is blepharoplasty, they often want to understand the different types available.
The procedures are generally classified into three main categories:
- Upper blepharoplasty: recommended for individuals with excess skin or fat pockets on the upper eyelids. In some cases, the weight of the skin may even affect the field of vision.
- Lower blepharoplasty: focused on removing fat pockets and laxity beneath the eyes, often associated with the appearance of deep under-eye bags or a tired look.
- Functional blepharoplasty: performed when the condition of the eyelids directly interferes with vision and, in certain cases, may be covered by health insurance in the U.S.
At Illusions Plastic Surgery in West Palm Beach, patients seek both purely aesthetic results and solutions for functional concerns. An initial evaluation with a plastic surgeon helps determine which type of blepharoplasty aligns best with each patient’s goals.
Reasons why men and women consider blepharoplasty
Many people who search what is blepharoplasty end up discovering that the procedure can address different needs.
Common aesthetic concerns
The upper eyelids may develop excess skin that creates a “heavy” or tired appearance. You might notice that your makeup no longer applies the same way or that your eyelids seem to overshadow your naturally expressive eyes.
In the lower eyelids, “bags” under the eyes may form due to fat accumulation or tissue laxity. These changes often make you look more tired or older than you actually feel.
Functional concerns
Some people experience visual limitations when excess skin on the upper eyelids interferes with their peripheral vision.
This condition, known as eyelid ptosis, can affect daily activities such as driving or reading.
How the procedure works
Before fully understanding what is blepharoplasty, many people want to know how this type of surgery actually takes place.
1. Preoperative preparation
The process begins with a complete medical evaluation, including health history, current medications, and any conditions that may interfere with surgery.
Laboratory or ophthalmologic exams may be requested to ensure safety during the procedure.
2. Most common surgical techniques
Techniques vary depending on each patient’s needs.
In upper blepharoplasty, the surgeon removes excess skin and, in some cases, fat deposits.
In lower blepharoplasty, the approach may include removing or repositioning fat, along with tightening tissues.
Laser techniques or traditional scalpel incisions are among the options commonly used in U.S. centers.
3. Average duration
In most cases, surgery takes between one and three hours, depending on complexity and whether blepharoplasty is performed on just one eyelid or both.
4. Where it usually takes place
In the United States, the procedure is typically performed in outpatient surgical centers or accredited hospitals.
At Illusions Plastic Surgery in West Palm Beach, the surgery takes place in a safe environment, with modern equipment and specialized support from start to finish.
Recovery and postoperative care
The recovery period after blepharoplasty varies from person to person, but following medical guidance may help speed up healing and ensure the best possible results.
- First days: You may experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort during the first few days after the procedure. Cold compresses applied as instructed may help minimize these effects.
- First week: Most patients return to work within 7 to 10 days, although residual swelling may persist for several weeks. It is important to avoid strenuous activities during this time.
- Long-term results: The full results of blepharoplasty become noticeable after a few months, once all swelling subsides and the scars mature. Most patients report being satisfied with the younger and more refreshed appearance of their eyes.
Possible risks and complications
As with any surgical procedure, blepharoplasty carries some risks. The most common include bruising, swelling, minor scarring, or temporary asymmetry of the eyelids.
For this reason, specialists emphasize the importance of choosing board-certified plastic surgeons through the American Board of Plastic Surgery to ensure greater patient safety.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, significant complications are rare when the procedure is performed by qualified professionals.
Average costs in the U.S.
According to reports from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of blepharoplasty in the United States is $4,000 to $8,000 or more for upper eyelid surgery and $4,000 to $10,000+ for lower eyelid surgery, not including additional expenses such as anesthesia and surgical facility fees.
In cases where blepharoplasty is performed for functional reasons — when vision is impaired — some health insurance plans may offer partial coverage. Cosmetic procedures, however, are generally not covered.
Read more:
👉 How much does blepharoplasty cost?
Why choose Illusions Plastic Surgery for your blepharoplasty
Understanding what is blepharoplasty helps men and women decide whether this procedure aligns with their aesthetic or functional goals.
Learning about the types, recovery care, possible risks, and average costs in the United States represents an important step before scheduling a first consultation.
At Illusions Plastic Surgery in West Palm Beach, patients find a team of experienced surgeons committed to providing natural-looking results, always prioritizing safety and well-being.
Schedule your consultation and discover how blepharoplasty may meet your expectations in a personalized way.
