What Is Eyelid Surgery?

Blepharoplasty in Raleigh & Cary, NC, is a cosmetic procedure that removes or repositions excess skin, fat, and tissue around the eyes to restore a smoother, more youthful appearance.

  • Upper eyelid surgery addresses loose or drooping skin that may create a hooded appearance or even interfere with vision.
  • Lower eyelid surgery focuses on reducing under-eye bags, puffiness, and wrinkles for a smoother, more refreshed look.

By improving the contours of the upper and lower eyelids, this procedure enhances both appearance and, in some cases, function.

Eyelid Surgery Candidacy

Eyelid surgery is ideal for patients who are experiencing visible signs of aging or heaviness around the eyes and want a more refreshed, alert appearance.

You may be a good candidate for eyelid surgery in Raleigh if you:

  • Have drooping or hooded upper eyelids
  • Notice puffiness or bags under your eyes

  • Experience a tired or aged appearance, even when well-rested
  • Have excess skin that may interfere with vision
  • Are in good overall health and maintain realistic expectations

During your consultation, Dr. Anu Antony will evaluate your anatomy, skin quality, and goals to determine whether upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or a combination approach is best suited to you.

woman with wet hair resting face on her hand

Benefits of Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery offers both cosmetic and functional improvements, helping patients look more youthful while maintaining natural facial expression.

Benefits may include:

  • A more refreshed, awake appearance
  • Reduction of under-eye bags and puffiness
  • Smoother, tighter skin around the eyes
  • Improved upper eyelid contour and definition
  • Enhanced symmetry between the eyes
  • In some cases, improved field of vision

Dr. Antony’s approach prioritizes balance and subtlety, ensuring results that enhance your features without appearing artificial.

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Upper vs Lower Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery can be customized to target the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, depending on your concerns.

Upper Eyelid Surgery

Upper blepharoplasty focuses on removing excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids. This is ideal for patients with sagging or hooded eyelids that create a heavy or tired appearance. In some cases, it can also improve vision when excess skin obstructs the visual field.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

Lower blepharoplasty addresses puffiness, under-eye bags, and loose skin beneath the eyes. Fat may be removed or repositioned to create a smoother transition between the lower eyelid and cheek.

Combining both procedures often provides the most comprehensive and balanced rejuvenation.

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Eyelid Surgery vs Brow Lift

While eyelid surgery focuses on the eyelids themselves, a brow lift addresses the position of the eyebrows and forehead.

Eyelid surgery is best for:

Excess eyelid skin
Under-eye bags
Puffiness and fine wrinkles

Brow lift is better suited for:

Low or drooping eyebrows
Forehead wrinkles
Heaviness in the upper face

In some cases, patients may benefit from combining both procedures to achieve optimal facial harmony. Dr. Antony will help determine the most appropriate treatment plan during your consultation.

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How Eyelid Surgery Is Performed

Our eyelid surgery in Raleigh and Cary, NC is typically performed as an outpatient procedure using local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the treatment.The procedure generally includes:

Incision Placement

For upper eyelid surgery, incisions are placed within the natural crease of the eyelid. For lower eyelid surgery, incisions are made just below the lash line or inside the eyelid to minimize visible scarring.

Tissue Adjustment

Excess skin, fat, and muscle are carefully removed or repositioned to create a smoother, more youthful contour.

Refinement and Symmetry

The eyelids are reshaped with precision to maintain natural expression and balance.

Closure

Incisions are closed with fine sutures, and care is taken to support optimal healing and minimal scarring.

Before & After Blepharoplasty

View Blepharoplasty Gallery

Recovery From Eyelid Surgery

Recovery from eyelid surgery is generally smooth and well-tolerated.

In the first several days, patients may experience mild swelling, bruising, and tightness. Cold compresses and keeping the head elevated can help reduce these effects.

Most patients feel comfortable returning to light activities within 7 to 10 days. Strenuous exercise and sun exposure should be avoided for at least two weeks.

As healing progresses, swelling continues to improve, and final results typically become visible within 4 to 6 weeks, revealing a refreshed and natural-looking outcome.

How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost in Raleigh, NC?

The cost of eyelid surgery in Raleigh varies depending on the complexity of the procedure, whether upper or lower eyelids are treated, and whether additional procedures are combined.

Factors that may influence cost include surgical technique, anesthesia, and facility fees.

Because each procedure is fully customized, the most accurate way to determine pricing is through a personalized consultation with Dr. Anu Antony.

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Why Choose Dr. Antony for Eyelid Surgery?

Choosing Dr. Anu Antony for your eyelid surgery in the Raleigh & Cary, NC, area means entrusting your vision of beauty to a highly skilled professional. As a female board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience, Dr. Antony is renowned for her meticulous technique and exceptional attention to detail. Her extensive background, including training at Harvard and Stanford, ensures each procedure is performed to achieve an elegant, totally natural look. Her comprehensive approach considers both aesthetic and functional outcomes, aiming to enhance your appearance while preserving the natural expressiveness of your eyes.

At the Antony Institute of Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery, we are committed to providing a supportive, informative, and compassionate environment where your comfort and satisfaction are our top priorities. Schedule your consultation today to experience personalized care that is as unique as yours and discover how Dr. Antony can help you achieve a rejuvenated, vibrant look with lasting results.

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Procedures That Pair Well With Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery can be performed as a standalone procedure or combined with other facial rejuvenation treatments for more comprehensive and balanced results. Many patients choose to combine blepharoplasty with additional procedures to address multiple areas of facial aging at the same time.

Brow Lift

A brow lift elevates the position of the eyebrows and smooths forehead wrinkles. When combined with eyelid surgery, it can significantly improve heaviness in the upper face and create a more open, refreshed eye area.

Facelift

A facelift addresses sagging in the midface and lower face, including the cheeks, jawline, and jowls. Pairing a facelift with eyelid surgery creates a more complete facial rejuvenation by restoring harmony across the entire face.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser treatments can improve skin texture, fine lines, and pigmentation around the eyes and face. When combined with eyelid surgery, it enhances overall skin quality and smoothness for a more youthful finish.

Fat Transfer

Fat transfer restores lost volume in areas such as the under-eyes, cheeks, or temples. This can complement eyelid surgery by improving hollowing and creating a softer, more youthful transition between facial features.

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Eyelid vs Eyebrow Skin: Key Differences and Solutions

Eyelid vs Eyebrow Skin: Key Differences and Solutions I Anu Antony MD

Eyelid Surgery FAQs

What can eyelid surgery correct?

Is eyelid surgery permanent?

Can eyelid surgery be combined with other procedures?

Will I have visible scars after eyelid surgery?

When can I wear makeup after eyelid surgery?

What can eyelid surgery correct?

Eyelid surgery can address drooping eyelids, under-eye bags, puffiness, and excess skin that affects both appearance and, in some cases, vision.

Is eyelid surgery permanent?

Results are long-lasting and often last many years. While the aging process continues, most patients enjoy a refreshed appearance for a decade or longer.

Can eyelid surgery be combined with other procedures?

Yes, it is often combined with procedures such as a brow lift or facelift for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

Will I have visible scars after eyelid surgery?

Incisions are carefully placed in natural folds or inside the eyelid, making scars minimally visible once healed.

When can I wear makeup after eyelid surgery?

Most patients can resume wearing makeup around the eyes approximately two weeks after surgery, depending on healing progress.

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