Introduction to Eyelid Surgery
The eyes are the windows to the soul. All too often, however, they seem to reveal exhaustion. The very delicate skin around the eyes tends to get crepey and puffy due to fatigue and stress. Eyelid surgery has become one of the most popular procedures at the practice of Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin in New York City. We also perform scarless lower eyelid surgery, a technique that involves making a tiny incision inside the eye’s lower lid. The tissue heals so quickly that there’s no need for stitches and no visible scarring. If you are interested in this procedure, please keep reading below.
Topical creams (like Dr. Copeland’s Rewind Eye Formula) can immediately reduce some lines and wrinkles around the eyes, even without surgery.
What is Eyelid Surgery?
Blepharoplasty, also called eyelid surgery or eyelid lift, is a procedure performed on the upper and/or lower eyelids to provide a rejuvenated and alert appearance. Many patients seek improvement of the area around the eyes to correct puffy bags, loose skin under the eyes, and sagging or excess skin on the upper eyelid.
- Upper Eyelid: Patients often request an upper blepharoplasty to achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance by addressing drooping or sagging eyelids that can obstruct vision and contribute to a tired look. The procedure typically involves small incisions along the natural folds of the eyelids, minimizing visible scarring. Recovery is generally quick, with most patients experiencing swelling and bruising that resolve within a few weeks, leading to refreshed and rejuvenated eyes.
- Lower Eyelid: Lower blepharoplasty aims to rejuvenate the appearance of the lower eyelids by addressing issues such as puffiness, bags, and wrinkles. Our New York City patients often seek out this cosmetic surgery to restore their eyes to a more youthful and rested look by targeting the fat and excess skin that can accumulate with age or due to genetic factors. Lower blepharoplasty can enhance facial harmony and improve the overall aesthetic appearance by removing or repositioning fat deposits and tightening the skin. The procedure boosts confidence and provides long-lasting results, making it a popular choice for those looking to refresh their appearance.
What Are the Benefits of Eyelid Surgery?
Our patients who have received eyelid surgery have enjoyed improved upper facial appearance and long-lasting results. Some other benefits are listed below:
- Rejuvenated appearance
- Boost in self-confidence
- Enhanced eyelid contour
- Reduced wrinkles on the forehead
- Better vision
- Better social cues
Who Are The Best Candidates For Eyelid Surgery?
The best candidates for eyelid surgery in New York City are individuals who have some of the following concerns and characteristics:
- Excess skin on the upper eyelids
- Have under-eye bags
- Impaired vision due to droopy eyelids
- Maintain realistic expectations
- Experience misunderstandings due to bad eye contact
- No underlying medical conditions
- Non-smokers
Your Eyelid Surgery journey
What’s the First Step?
If you are interested in learning more about eyelid surgery, the first step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin. During this appointment, you and your surgeon will discuss your medical history, aesthetic goals, concerns, and expectations for the procedure. They will then examine your eye area to see what type of incision and procedure is best for your aesthetic needs and goals. They will also review specific details about the procedure, including the techniques that could be used, potential risks and complications, and the expected recovery.
If you and your doctor agree to proceed with eyelid surgery, our expert team will help you price out your options, schedule the procedure, and review preoperative and postoperative instructions. Please follow these closely to get the best results and recovery.
What to Expect on the Day of Eyelid Surgery
We perform blepharoplasty surgery in our fully accredited operating room suite under “twilight” IV sedation administered by board-certified anesthesiologists to keep you comfortable and safe during your surgery.
Once you are sedated, your surgeon will then begin the procedure, carefully following the customized treatment plan discussed during your consultation.
Dr. Copeland and Dr. Copeland-Halperin use their expertise to hide incisions in the natural folds of your eye contours for reduced scarring. Your surgeon will shape and adjust the skin to settle in the most flattering and natural-looking eye contour for your facial anatomy and then seal the incision with sutures.
Eyelid surgery takes about one to three hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the specific patient.
Your guide to post-Eyelid Surgery care
Eyelid Surgery Recovery
Blepharoplasty recovery is not painful for most people, and most patients use over-the-counter pain medication after surgery. We see patients within a week after surgery and include lymphatic massage to help reduce swelling and promote recovery.
Most bruising resolves within 7-10 days and preoperative measures like reducing salt intake can help reduce the occurrence of bruising and swelling. Heavy lifting should be avoided during this period.
How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost in New York City, NY?
The cost of eyelid surgery in New York City will vary depending on many factors, including, but not limited to, the complexity of your case, the surgeon’s fees, and the operating room and anesthesia costs. The best way to arrive at a cost is to schedule a consultation. During your consultation, you will discuss how the procedure can help you achieve your goals. You will receive a written quote of the procedures you discussed and a cost breakdown. Often, patients will finance their procedures through Carecredit.com or other finance companies.
Why Choose Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin?
The practice of Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin should be your go-to for eyelid surgery. In addition to their medical accomplishments, they are known for their empathy and kindness towards their patients as they deliver their expertise in sculpting your aesthetics. Dr. Michelle Copeland is the first woman plastic surgeon to receive a Harvard doctorate in medicine and dentistry. She has published numerous articles and presented her techniques internationally. She is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and an attending surgeon at the Mount Sinai Medical Center.
Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin has a wealth of experience, including advanced training in microsurgery at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital with a focus on breast reconstruction. She brings a humanistic dimension to plastic surgery and enjoys helping patients achieve their cosmetic, aesthetic, and reconstructive goals through a combination of surgical and non-surgical techniques. Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin is board-certified in general surgery and board-eligible in plastic surgery.
Both doctors work with an international clientele, drawing patients from Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Whether it’s a virtual consultation or in-person, they will answer all of your questions, including options, costs, recovery, and all aspects of treatment for surgical procedures such as breast augmentation, breast reduction, liposuction, facelift, and rhinoplasty, as well as non-surgical treatments like BOTOX®, Kybella®, fillers, and other non-invasive techniques. Our team is with you every step of the way to answer all your questions and ensure your recovery goes smoothly.
Eyelid Surgery FAQ’S
Schedule Your Consultation
Contact us
If you are struggling with puffy eyes and undereye bags, you should learn more about eyelid surgery. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin at the practice, and one of our friendly staff members will be happy to assist you.