Blepharoplasty Eyelid Surgery
Serving patients in: Paramus, Wyckoff, Ridgewood, Allendale, Woodcliff Lake, Montvale, Saddle River, Upper Saddle River, Westwood, Ho Ho Kus, Park Ridge, Rivervale, Old Tappan, and surrounding areas.
Whether it’s sagging upper lids that make you look sleepy or persistent bags under the eyes that won’t fade with rest, eyelid surgery offers a sophisticated solution. At our Paramus practice, Dr. Gary Breslow performs blepharoplasty with a focus on natural harmony. By removing excess skin and repositioning displaced fat, he restores the youthful contours of the eye area without changing the fundamental character of your face.
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Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is a common procedure done in Bergen County. As individuals age, the body produces less collagen and elastin, two proteins crucial for healthy, elastic skin. Without sufficient levels of these proteins, the skin loses its elasticity and begins to sag. Another consequence of natural aging is the redistribution of fat. These factors often affect the eye area, causing sagging upper eyelids that can impede the line of sight, drooping lower eyelids that often lead to the appearance of dark, puffy under-eye “bags,” or both. As a result, some individuals undergo eyelid surgery.
To address these aesthetic concerns and provide patients with a rejuvenated look across the eyes, Paramus, New Jersey, plastic surgeon Gary D. Breslow, MD, performs blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery. Blepharoplasty can also create a distinct crease in the upper eyelids for individuals with certain hereditary traits that contribute to the look of “monolids.”
Rejuvenating the Eyes with Natural Results
Eyelid surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, with the use of either intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia. The exact details of the eyelid surgery vary, depending on whether the surgeon is addressing both sets of eyelids or the upper eyelids in conjunction with brow lift surgery. When appropriate, Dr. Breslow performs upper blepharoplasty in conjunction with a brow lift to achieve the most natural and comprehensive rejuvenation. In general, the eyelid surgery takes about two hours.
If both the upper and lower eyelids are treated, the upper eyelids are addressed first. To start the procedure, an incision is made in the natural crease of the upper eyelid, where it is most inconspicuous. Excess skin and fat are removed, and the underlying tissue structures are tightened, if necessary. The surgeon then closes the incisions with stitches that are removed about five days after the procedure.
To treat the lower eyelids, an incision is made either directly underneath the lower eyelash line or just inside the lower eyelids (transconjunctival blepharoplasty). Excess skin and fat are again removed, and the underlying tissues are tightened as needed. If the incisions were made below the lash line, the surgeon closes them with removable stitches. If the incisions were made inside the lower eyelid, dissolvable stitches are typically used.
Over time, the delicate tissues surrounding the eyes are often the first to succumb to gravity and environmental stress, creating a look that doesn't quite match your inner energy. Blepharoplasty is designed to correct these structural changes by meticulously refining the upper and lower lids to restore a more alert, youthful contour.
A Naturally Rested Aesthetic
The most celebrated benefit of blepharoplasty is the well-rested effect. Unlike more dramatic surgeries, a successful eyelid lift doesn't change your fundamental appearance—it simply clears away the shadows and puffiness. Friends and colleagues will likely notice you look refreshed and vibrant, though they may not be able to point to a specific reason.
Enhanced Functional Vision
For many, upper eyelid surgery is a functional necessity. When upper lid skin hangs too low, it can actually reduce your field of vision. When this weight is lifted, patients often report better range of vision and less strain on the forehead muscles that were previously working overtime to keep the eyes open.
Seamless Integration With Your Routine
Because blepharoplasty incisions are hidden within the eye's natural creases, the results are incredibly discreet. Once the area heals, you’ll enjoy a smoother surface for skincare and cosmetics, allowing you to highlight your eyes rather than spending time trying to conceal shadows, dark circles, or hooding.
This cosmetic and reconstructive surgery is a favorite among our North Jersey patients because of its high impact and relatively straightforward nature, but the best results start with the right candidate. Ideal candidates are healthy individuals who are bothered by excess skin or fat around the eyes.
Most patients are 35 or older, though genetics can make younger individuals great candidates if they have inherited heavy lids or persistent bags.
If you have certain medical conditions, such as severe dry eye, glaucoma, or uncontrolled high blood pressure, we may need to coordinate with your eye specialist first. We also suggest waiting if you are looking for a procedure to fix "crow's feet" alone, as those are often better treated with Botox or lasers.
While blepharoplasty can take years off your appearance, it won't stop the clock entirely. You can expect a significantly more open, energetic gaze and a profile that looks revitalized for years to come.
2-3 weeks for the majority of swelling to decrease
The healing timeline for this surgical procedure may vary by patient. Patients may be numb in any area that was operated on for up to one year, and some numbness may be permanent. For each procedure, everyone is sutured the same way, but patients’ scars may vary.
The transformation following blepharoplasty is among the most impactful in facial plastic surgery due to its subtlety. You won't look "different"—you will look like a much more rested, energetic version of yourself. The heavy look that often interferes with makeup application or even peripheral vision is gone, replaced by a smooth, open gaze. While initial results appear within two weeks, your rejuvenated look continues to refine over several months as the tissues settle into their new, firmer positions.
Because the underlying structural changes are permanent, the results of an eyelid lift are incredibly durable. While the natural aging process continues, the excess eyelid skin and fat removed from the upper or lower lids during the procedure will not return. Most patients enjoy their refreshed appearance for a decade or more. Blepharoplasty represents a lasting investment in your confidence, ensuring that when people look into your eyes, they see your vibrant energy.
The eyes are one of the first features people notice. When the upper eyelids begin to droop, they can create the appearance of fatigue, stress, or aging even when you feel well-rested and energized.
Blepharoplasty can restore a rested, more youthful appearance to the eye area. Improve your appearance with eyelid surgery! To schedule a consultation with Dr. Breslow, our Paramus, New Jersey board-certified plastic surgeon and find out more about eyelid surgery, contact us by calling (201) 444-9522 today.
Serving patients in Paramus, Wyckoff, Ridgewood, Allendale, Woodcliff Lake, Montvale, Saddle River, Upper Saddle River, Westwood, Ho Ho Kus, Park Ridge, Rivervale, and Old Tappan, and surrounding areas.
While blepharoplasty is excellent for removing excess skin and fat, it does not specifically target the fine lines at the corners of the eyes. For crow’s feet, we often recommend pairing your surgery with Botox® or laser skin resurfacing for more comprehensive rejuvenation.
In some cases, if sagging upper eyelid skin is so severe that it obstructs your vision, insurance may cover a portion of the procedure. We can help you determine if your case meets the medical necessity criteria during your consultation.
Absolutely. In fact, many patients choose to have a "quad blepharoplasty," addressing the upper and lower eyelids in one procedure. Combining eyelid surgery procedures ensures the entire eye area is harmonized and allows for a single recovery period.
Most patients can safely resume wearing eye makeup about two weeks after the procedure, once the incisions have fully closed and the initial healing is complete.
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