Eyelid Surgery in
Scottsdale, AZ

At Jude LaBarbera Plastic Surgery, we offer advanced eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, to correct baggy or wrinkled eyelids. Aging often leads to a loss of skin elasticity, causing fat deposits under or above the eyes and resulting in sagging. This sagging can make patients look older, give a tired appearance, and sometimes impair vision. But with modern surgical techniques, we can address baggy lower eyelids and hooded upper eyelids.
Dr. Jude LaBarbera offers specialized blepharoplasty to help remove these undesirable features. This surgery can be donealone or combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures like brow and neck lifts. He has successfully helped numerous patients, including those as young as 35, achieve a more refreshed and youthful appearance through eyelid surgery. We aim to help every patient look younger and restore their confidence.

Table Of Contents

What Is an Eyelid Surgery?

An eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that rejuvenates the appearance of the upper and/or lower eyelid. During this procedure, Dr. LaBarbera removes the excess skin, fat, and muscle that leads to saggy upper eyelids or puffy lower lids. The goal is to restore a smoother, younger eye contour that brightens and refreshes the overall appearance of the entire face. Blepharoplasty is most commonly chosen by patients who want to reduce the look of tiredness, aging, or vision loss due to saggy eyelids.

While cosmetic eyelid surgery addresses issues specific to the upper or lower eyelids, it does not correct related cosmetic concerns like dark circles, wrinkles, or crow’s feet. Dr. LaBarbera can create a comprehensive plan that includes these additional treatments along with blepharoplasty. This combined approach, known as eyelid rejuvenation, aims to enhance the overall aesthetic of the eye area.

Reasons to Have an Eyelid Surgery

Blepharoplasty effectively treats:

This eyelid lift is designed to restore a more youthful and alert look. Dr. Jude LaBarbera customizes his approach for each patient, ensuring the results align with their goals.

Eyelid Surgery Techniques

At Jude LaBarbera Plastic Surgery, an eyelid lift can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, aiming to preserve the natural appearance of the eyes. The techniques may vary slightly depending on the eyelid being treated, but the overall approach is similar. This procedure involves removing loose tissue or skin and repositioning fat deposits for optimal results.

Upper Eyelid Surgery

Excess skin hanging over the eyes can impact both appearance and vision. To address this, an incision is made along the eyelid’s natural crease. This cosmetic surgery allows for the removal of excess fat and tissue, as well as the elimination of any bulges. Sometimes, fat tissues are repositioned rather than removed. Finally, the excess skin is trimmed away, and the incision sites are closed with fine sutures.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

Lower blepharoplasty addresses under-eye puffiness and sagging. The surgeon can opt for different incision locations. One method involves making an incision just below the eyelashes to remove surplus fat, skin, and tissue. Another option is the transconjunctival approach, which involves an incision inside the lower eyelid. This technique is suitable forpatients with good skin elasticity and results in minimal scarring. For those with dark circles, Dr. Jude LaBarbera might suggest combining the procedure with other treatments like chemical peels or fillers to achieve more comprehensive improvements.

Quadruple Eyelid Surgery (Upper and lower blepharoplasty)

In order to fully revitalize the eyes, Dr. LaBarbera may conduct upper and lower eyelid operations simultaneously. This two-tiered method offers a complete solution for eyes that appear aged or exhausted – and creates striking results that are entirely symmetrical. It is an ideal reconstructive surgery for patients whose upper and lower lids have changed dramatically over the years.

Initial Consultation and Testing

During the first appointment, Dr. LaBarbera examines the patient’s eyelid to determine the course of action to take. He discusses cosmetic goals with the patient, answers questions, and reviews their eye and facial surgery history, medications taken, and overall medical history. Our surgeon may take photographs to stage the procedure and compare before-and-after results. If the patient meets the qualifications, he provides detailed pre-surgical instructions to have a comfortable and issue-free experience.

Eyelid Surgery Procedure Explained

Marking and Anesthesia: Before surgery, Dr. LaBarbera identifies where to make incisions by considering each person’s body structure and what would look best. An anesthesiologist gives the patient anesthesia so they will be completely pain-free during the procedure.
Incisions and Adjustment: Typically, our surgeon starts the operation with the upper eyelid lift before addressing the lower ones. Dr. LaBarbera creates precise incisions along natural creases in the eyelids or inside the lower lid. From there, he might remove fat and/or skin, reposition muscle, or do all three to restore a youthful contour.
Closing the Incisions: Once the required changes have been made, our surgeon closes the incisions using delicate sutures so that scarring is barely noticeable. It usually takes between one and two hours to perform a blepharoplasty from start to finish. However, this timeframe can vary depending on whether just the top or bottom eyelids are being operated on or both.

Add-On Procedures

Facial Fat Grafting

Facial fat grafting is a favored accompanying procedure for eyelid surgery. While blepharoplasty takes away surplus skin and fat from the eyelids, fat grafting adds young volume back to sunken areas like the cheeks, under-eye tear troughs, and temples. Together, the two surgeries can enhance the overall facial result by softening transitions and giving a more refreshed look. Because the material comes from the patient’s own body, outcomes are both natural in appearance and durable.

Brow Lift

A brow lift is often done at the same time as eyelid surgery to deal with sagging brows and forehead creases that are too deep for eyelid surgery to correct. This operation raises the eyebrows, opens up the top part of the eyes, and gives them an appearance that is more alert and youthful. When blepharoplasty and a brow lift are performed together, it ensures that the position of the brow and upper eyelid are in harmony. Also, having just one period of recovery maximizes how young a patient can look after having facial rejuvenation.

Facelift/Neck Lift

In order to combat signs of aging on the lower face and neck, patients may choose to have a neck lift or facelift at the same time as an eyelid surgery. Whereas blepharoplasty rejuvenates the upper third portion of the face, a facelift addresses concerns such as a slack jawline, droopy corners of the mouth, and loose skin. Meanwhile, a neck lift can remedy both slack tissue and vertical bands in the neck.

Recovery After Eyelid Surgery

Immediate Recovery

Following eyelid surgery, the majority of patients are observed in our recovery area for a brief period before being discharged later that day. Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort around the eyes are to be expected. Dr. LaBarbera might recommend painkillers, lubricating ointment, and cold compresses to help alleviate these symptoms and assist with healing during the initial days post-op.

Initial Weeks

For the initial days after the procedure, patients are advised to lie down with their heads elevated in order to reduce swelling. Removal of stitches normally takes place between five and seven days later. Any bruising should be gone within a fortnight. While it is usual for patients to feel up to some light duties or office work after one to two weeks, we recommend steering clear of vigorous exercise as well as activities that involve bending over or lifting heavy objects for around 21 days post-op. This will help stave off complications.

Long Term-Results

As the swelling diminishes in the weeks following eyelid surgery, patients will begin to see more pronounced results. Around month three or four, their eyelids should appear noticeably refreshed and younger. In addition to long-lasting enhancements in how the eyes look overall, most patients find that any resulting scars fade naturally and become almost imperceptible.

Candidates for Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery is intended for patients who want to address age-related concerns near their eyes or enhance vision hindered by sagging eyelids. Those who usually make good candidates meet these criteria:

Sagging Eyelids or Bags: This procedure can treat sagging skin, puffiness, or fatty tissue that creates hooding on the upper eyelids or under-eye bags.
Impaired Vision: Patients with sagging upper eyelids that block their side vision, making everyday tasks such as reading or driving hard, can greatly benefit from the procedure. It raises their eyelids and improves vision.
Good Skin Elasticity: In order to achieve the best surgical results, patients need to have skin that is both healthy and has a degree of natural elasticity.

General Good Health: Applicants must not have any medical conditions that are not being managed, for example, glaucoma, dry eyes, bleeding disorders, or heart disease, as they create a risk of complications.
Non-smokers: Nicotine may slow healing and raise the chances of complications. Patients should refrain from smoking or be prepared to quit for several weeks before and after surgery.
Realistic Expectations: An eyelid surgery enhances looks but can’t halt aging. Suitable candidates know this and have specific goals in mind.

Benefits of Eyelid Surgery

More Youthful Eye Appearance

By getting rid of droopy skin and pockets of fat near their eyes, eyelid surgery can make patients look more alert and refreshed. This procedure may also take years off their appearance—while still keeping their face from looking “done.”

Improved Vision

When too much skin on the upper eyelid gets in the way of side vision, it can make things like reading or driving tough to do. However, there is a solution. By lifting lids that sag downward (ptotic), this operation increases how much patients are able to see.

Reduced Under-Eye Bags

Blepharoplasty can address puffiness in the lower eyelids to make the face appear less tired. If a patient has baggy lower eyelids, surgery can smooth this area by removing or repositioning the fat pad.

Boosted Self-Confidence

This operation frequently boosts self-confidence by improving the face’s key focal point: the eyes. Patients’ newfound comfort in social and professional settings shines through when their peepers look wide awake and alert.

Long-Lasting Results

Although aging never stops, blepharoplasty can provide long-lasting results. The rejuvenating effects of this eyelid surgery typically last anywhere from seven to 10 years – and often longer for patients who take good care of themselves through diet, exercise, and skincare routines.

Eyelid Surgery Cost in Scottsdale, AZ

An eyelid surgery cost in Scottsdale, AZ, typically ranges from $3,000 to $8,000. Typically, insurance does not cover the cost of blepharoplasty. The surgeon’s fees, anesthesia fees, operating room fees, and postoperative care costs are all included in the cost of this cosmetic procedure. The price depends on whether it includes the upper lids, lower lids, or both. Additional costs may be incurred if eyelid surgery is done in conjunction with another facial rejuvenation process, such as a brow lift surgery or facelift. Patients should book a personal appointment with Dr. Jude LaBarbera so they can receive an estimate that will be tailored to their goals and the complexity involved in the process.

Planning your Eyelid Rejuvenation Surgery In Scottsdale, AZ

At Jude LaBarbera Plastic Surgery, patients receive expert care in a myriad of facial plastic surgery procedures from one of Scottsdale’s finest plastic surgeons. Dr. Jude LaBarbera conducts blepharoplasty in his state-of-the-art operating room with the assistance of a skilled and licensed team. He serves patients from Scottsdale and the surrounding Arizona areas, ensuring each individual receives the highest level of care and expertise. Our compassionate staff and well-equipped surgical facility provide the process from consult through recovery to be safe, seamless, and comfortable.

Will there be visible scars?

To ensure minimal visible scarring after eyelid surgery, surgeons make incisions within the natural fold lines of the eyes. Once the healing process is complete, scars are typically unnoticeable. It’s essential to select a highly skilled surgeon to achieve optimal results and avoid potential complications.

Does blepharoplasty help with crow's feet and hollow eyes?

While blepharoplasty effectively addresses issues like sagging and drooping eyelids, it doesn’t treat crow’s feet or hollow eyes. To tackle these concerns, surgeons often recommend combining eyelid surgery with nonsurgical treatments, such as BOTOX, for a more comprehensive rejuvenation of the eye area.

Does eyelid surgery lead to better eyesight?

While mainly a cosmetic operation, eyelid surgery can improve functionality. Many individuals with drooping upper eyelids find that their vision improves post-surgery, as excess skin removal can enhance their field of view.

Eyelid Surgery in Scottsdale, AZ