New York Blepharoplasty

Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in Manhattan, NY and Queens, NY

New York Blepharoplasty

An eyelid lift, or blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure that rejuvenates the appearance of your eyes by addressing drooping skin and/or bulging fat affecting the upper and/or lower eyelids. These changes may result from aging, genetics, or lifestyle factors and can contribute to a tired or aged look. Because eyelid skin is the thinnest in the body and the surrounding tissues are extremely delicate, it is essential to choose a surgeon with specialized experience. Eyelid surgery not only refreshes your look but also shapes first impressions, balancing both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the eyes. (1)

At ME Plastic Surgery, Dr. Ruya Zhao offers both upper and lower blepharoplasty for patients interested in refreshing their appearance. Dr. Zhao is a board-eligible plastic surgeon who has completed specialty fellowships with world-leading facial plastic surgeons in South Korea to learn the latest techniques in facial aesthetic procedures, personalizing each treatment to enhance one’s natural beauty and unique characteristics.

Contact us online to schedule your consultation, or call (212) 774-7715 to learn more.

About Blepharoplasty

Aging, facial volume loss, and genetic predispositions can all affect the appearance of the skin around your eyes. (2) Fatty deposits above or under the eyes can bulge forward and cause a puffy look. Blepharoplasty can help you appear more youthful and alert by removing excess skin, addressing puffiness, and removing/repositioning bulging fat.

Blepharoplasty is commonly paired with other procedures, such as a facelift, brow lift, or fat grafting, as part of a comprehensive facial rejuvenation treatment.

Techniques to Address Common Aesthetic Concerns of the Eyes

  • Excess or Droopy Upper Eyelid Skin

As we age, extra or drooping upper eyelid skin can create a heavy, hooded look—or even block part of our vision. Many patients subconsciously compensate by raising their brows with forehead muscles, which can cause increased forehead wrinkles and a tired appearance. Dr. Zhao carefully tailors upper eyelid surgery to restore a more youthful, open look. She determines the exact amount of skin and orbicularis oculi muscle to remove, and in select cases, conservatively excises retro-orbicularis fat. This measured approach ensures a natural result—avoiding the hollowed or “overdone” look that can happen when too much fat is removed.

  • Bulging Lower Eyelid Fat Pads (“Eye Bags”)

Puffiness or under-eye bags are among the most common concerns patients notice, often leading to a fatigued appearance. Dr. Zhao smooths the lower eyelids by either removing or repositioning fat pads, restoring a softer transition from eyelid to cheek. If there is hollowing of the tear trough, she may recommend fat grafting or fillers to achieve a fuller, more youthful contour. When excess skin is present, a minimal, precise excision is performed to tighten the lower lid—always to avoid visible scarring.

  • Ptosis (“Sleepy Eye”)

Ptosis occurs when the eyelid muscles weaken or their attachments loosen, often due to aging or genetics. It may cause a droopy or half-closed eye appearance and can even impair vision. In older patients, Dr. Zhao corrects ptosis by reattaching and adjusting the eyelid muscles for proper lift and function. In Asian patients, ptosis correction is often performed using non-incisional or partial-incisional techniques. These methods allow Dr. Zhao to adjust the eyelid muscles while removing small amounts of soft tissue if needed, creating brighter, more open eyes with minimal downtime.

  • Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Skin laxity around the eyes can accentuate aging by deepening fine lines and wrinkles. While blepharoplasty helps smooth and tighten eyelid skin, Dr. Zhao often recommends adjunctive treatments such as skin resurfacing, Botox, fillers, or fat grafting. These combination approaches enhance the outcome of blepharoplasty, creating a refreshed, youthful look.

  • Asian Blepharoplasty

Asian blepharoplasty is a specialized procedure designed to address the unique anatomy and aesthetic preferences of Asian patients. Many Asian individuals naturally have a monolid or a low crease, and seek double eyelid surgery, and the goal is not to westernize the eyes, but to enhance their natural shape for improved symmetry, brightness, and definition.

Dr. Zhao offers advanced techniques, including:

  • Non-incisional double eyelid creation – A scarless approach that creates a natural-looking crease with minimal downtime.
  • Non-incisional ptosis correction – Opens the eyes and corrects mild droopiness without external incisions.
  • Partial-incisional or full-incisional techniques – Recommended for patients with thicker skin or excess fat for long-lasting crease definition.

Having trained with leading Korean facial aesthetic surgeons in Seoul, Dr. Zhao brings these globally renowned, cutting-edge techniques to her New York patients. Her approach emphasizes natural results that respect cultural identity, helping patients achieve brighter, more youthful eyes that feel authentic and balanced.

Benefits

Blepharoplasty offers several benefits, which include:

  • Brighter eyes: Reducing excess tissue around the eyes and tightening the upper and/or lower lids can help you achieve a more awake appearance.
  • Reduced Puffiness: Dr. Zhao can remove and reposition underlying tissue and fat to restore flatter, smoother eyelid contours.
  • Natural-Looking Results: The results of each blepharoplasty can transform the appearance of your eyelids while avoiding an “overdone” or “worked on” appearance.
  • Lasting Effects: The results of your procedure are designed to last for years to come, providing you with long-lasting rejuvenation.
  • Increased Self-Esteem: You can enjoy feeling more comfortable with your appearance and more confident about yourself.
  • Customizable Procedure: This procedure can be tailored to address different concerns and aesthetic goals.
  • Fewer Fine Lines and Wrinkles: We can diminish signs of aging around the eyes for a smoother, more youthful-looking appearance.

Candidates

If you have sagging or excess upper or lower eyelid skin that has led to an aged appearance, or bulging fat pads around the eyes, then you are most likely a good candidate for blepharoplasty. You should be in good general health and maintain realistic expectations for your procedure. You should also be a nonsmoker or willing to quit using nicotine well in advance. Dr. Zhao will determine whether you are a good fit for blepharoplasty after she has evaluated your medical history and facial structure.

Schedule a consultation with us to receive a proper evaluation and learn more about your treatment options.

Consultation

During your consultation, we will discuss your medications, lifestyle, and medical history. We also ask that you come prepared to discuss your cosmetic goals. We will examine the areas around your eyes to create a personalized plan for your specific needs. If you could benefit from additional treatments or if you have other aesthetic goals, we can discuss your options at this time.

During your consultation, we will also provide specific instructions to help you prepare for blepharoplasty based on your medical history and the condition of your skin.

How to Prepare

To prepare for an upper eyelid lift, you should stop smoking temporarily, approximately 6 weeks before your treatment. You should also stop taking medications and supplements that thin the blood at least 1-2 weeks before, or as directed by your care team. Arrange transportation home from the office ahead of time; a trusted adult will need to drive you home. We also recommend arranging for assistance during the initial phase of your recovery.

The practice will provide you with comprehensive preparatory instructions before your procedure date. It is important to follow these instructions closely to ensure a smooth process.

Procedure

Blepharoplasty is completed using general anesthesia or local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. The details of the procedure vary between patients, depending on what concerns are being addressed. If the patient receives a quad blepharoplasty, Dr. Zhao will likely address the upper eyelids first.

For an upper eyelid lift, Dr. Zhao will make incisions within the upper eyelid crease to minimize visibility. For a lower eyelid lift, she can make the incisions just below the lower lash line, or she can make them inside the lower eyelids. This strategic placement of the incisions not only allows easy access to the underlying tissues but also keeps scars hidden within the natural creases of the skin.

During lower blepharoplasty, she will remove or reposition fatty deposits, as well as excise excess skin, contributing to the appearance of under-eye bags. Once any excess tissue has been removed and the necessary adjustments have been made, Dr. Zhao will suture the incisions closed. The treatment takes approximately one to two hours.

Blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure; patients can return home the same day as their surgery.

Recovery

Following blepharoplasty, patients should expect mild to moderate swelling and bruising for approximately two weeks. Dr. Zhao provides all of their patients with detailed information on how to best mitigate the side effects of eyelid surgery to ensure a safe and comfortable recovery. These side effects tend to last about one week, and you can alleviate any discomfort you experience with ice packs, eye drops, and/or ointments. It is also advisable to sleep with your head elevated to minimize any further swelling.

Patients should expect to spend about one to two weeks away from work and wait until their surgeon approves before resuming any strenuous activity, such as exercise. Patients will also need to avoid rubbing their eyes while their incisions heal and should sleep with an elevated head for the first 72 hours to reduce swelling. We recommend wearing sunglasses to prevent wind and excess sun from bothering the eyes while they remain sensitive.

If you receive stitches, Dr. Zhao will remove them approximately three to seven days following surgery. Once swelling/bruising has diminished, results will be more visible. After a few months, you can enjoy the final results, which will continue to improve as swelling subsides and your incisions heal.

Results

Blepharoplasty is a comprehensive procedure that provides lasting results, especially if you take good care of your skin. Patients can expect the results of their blepharoplasty procedure to last for many years. The results are long-lasting, and you can enjoy brighter, smoother, more youthful-looking eyes. We recommend that you continue to avoid excessive sun exposure and take good care of your skin.

Cost of Blepharoplasty in NYC, New York

Dr. Zhao provides exceptional eyelid rejuvenation to her patients through blepharoplasty. During your consultation, she will provide you with a comprehensive price quote based on your personalized surgical plan. If you would like to restore a youthful and refreshed appearance, give us a call today to schedule a consultation and learn more about blepharoplasty.

Contact our offices in Manhattan or Queens, or call (212) 774-7715 to learn more about how we can freshen your appearance with this highly effective procedure.

FAQ

Can my blepharoplasty be covered by insurance?

In certain circumstances where you are experiencing functional concerns, such as a limited field of view, insurance may be used to cover the cost of an upper eyelid lift.

Will blepharoplasty get rid of my crow’s feet?

In some cases, an extended incision can be used to bring in the skin creases from outside of the eye (crow’s feet). In other cases, we will use neuromodulators (like Botox) to keep the scar concealed within the eyelid. We can discuss this during your consultation.

Will there be noticeable scarring?

We will work with absolute precision to minimize the visibility of your scars by placing incisions within the natural creases of the skin and in other hidden areas. We make discreet scarring our priority so that this factor will not interfere with your results or make you feel self-conscious. If you receive a lower eyelid lift with incisions inside the lower eyelids, there will be no visible scarring externally.

What is the recovery time for blepharoplasty?

Most patients experience a recovery period of about 10 to 14 days before returning to most normal activities. However, full healing may take longer, and patients should wait until their surgeon approves for them to resume more strenuous activities.

Are there any risks associated with blepharoplasty?

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks, including infection, dry eyes, or abnormal eyelid positioning. Discussing these with your surgeon can help ease concerns.

Will I need to avoid wearing makeup after surgery?

Yes, you will be advised not to wear makeup around the eyes for at least two weeks post-procedure to prevent irritation and infection.

Can blepharoplasty be combined with other procedures?

Yes, many patients choose to combine blepharoplasty with other facial surgeries like facelifts or brow lifts for a more comprehensive rejuvenation.

How long do the results of blepharoplasty last?

Results can be long-lasting. While the aging process continues, many patients enjoy their enhanced appearance for several years.

References

  1. Kossler AL, Peng GL, Yoo DB, Azizzadeh B, Massry GG. Current Trends in Upper and Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty Among American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Members. Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. 2018;34(1):37-42. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/iop.0000000000000849
  2. Suslavičius KA, Liutkauskaitė L, Zacharevskij E, Žuklytė R, Markevičiūtė MŠ, Pilipaitytė L. Optimizing Perioperative Experience in Upper Blepharoplasty: The Impact of Premedication on Anxiety, Pain, and Patient Satisfaction. Cureus. 16(2):e53858. doi:https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.53858