Blepharoplasty
Over time, the delicate skin around our eyes can lose its elasticity, leading to hooding on the upper lids or puffiness and bags beneath the lower lids. These changes can often make you look tired or older than you feel, even when you are well-rested. By meticulously removing excess tissue and smoothing the transition between the lids and cheeks, Dr. Crawford can open up your eyes and bring a new level of vibrance to your entire face.
Choosing a surgeon for such a delicate area requires a partner who values precision and artistry. Dr. Kayva Crawford’s rare level of expertise in facial procedures ensures your results look soft, natural, and never overdone. Contact us today to schedule your private consultation and discover how a tailored eyelid procedure can help you look as vibrant as you feel.
Corrects drooping lids and under-eye bags for a rested look.
Typically takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on the complexity.
Most patients return to social life within 7 to 10 days.
Results are long-lasting and age gracefully with your features.
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that involves removing skin and often fat from around the eyes to address age-related changes of the upper and lower eyelids. These changes may include excess skin, muscle laxity, or protruding fat that contributes to upper eyelid hooding, vision impairment, puffiness, or under-eye bags.
Eyelid surgery may be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, depending on anatomy and goals. Because the eyelids are delicate structures, successful blepharoplasty requires precision, restraint, and a clear understanding of eyelid anatomy and facial balance.
Please note that while blepharoplasty can improve peripheral vision, any patient with vision concerns must have seen an Ophthalmologist prior to proceeding with surgery.
Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is designed to remove excess skin that can create a heavy or hooded appearance. In some patients, this excess tissue may also interfere with vision.
Common indications for upper eyelid surgery include:
Dr. Crawford is careful to place upper eyelid incisions within the natural upper eyelid crease so that they heal discreetly. The goal is to restore a more open, rested appearance while maintaining natural eyelid shape and symmetry.
Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty addresses puffiness, under-eye bags, and contour irregularities of the lower eyelid and upper cheek junction. These concerns are often related to herniation of eyelid fat, skin laxity, or changes in support of the lower eyelid.
Lower eyelid surgery may involve:
In many cases, incisions are hidden inside the eyelid or placed just beneath the lash line to remain inconspicuous. The emphasis is on smoothing the contour and the natural transition between the eyelid and cheek rather than simply removing tissue.
Planning for blepharoplasty begins with a detailed in-person consultation. The eyelids are evaluated in the context of the entire face, with attention to skin quality, eyelid position, symmetry, and underlying support structures.
Surgical planning focuses on:
Clear communication is essential, and at your consultation, Dr. Crawford will guide you through what eyelid surgery can realistically achieve depending on your unique anatomy and goals.
Depending on your personalized plan, the procedure is typically performed under sedation or general anesthesia. Dr. Crawford begins by making incredibly fine, discrete incisions. For the upper lids, these are hidden within the natural crease; for the lower lids, they are tucked just inside the lash line or even inside the eyelid itself.
Through these incisions, Dr. Crawford meticulously removes or repositions fat and trims away excess skin. Her goal is to restore the natural contours of your eyes rather than simply "pulling" the skin tight. Once the structural work is complete, she uses hair-thin sutures to ensure the incisions heal as invisibly as possible. The entire experience is designed to be calm and professional, focusing on a result that looks like you simply got the best night of sleep of your life.
Eyelid surgery corrects structural changes that can lead to a heavy, tired, or aged appearance, including.
Blepharoplasty is both an aesthetic and functional procedure. While many patients seek eyelid surgery for cosmetic reasons, careful attention must also be paid to eyelid position, support, and long-term function.
Over-resection of skin or fat can lead to a hollowed or unnatural appearance and may compromise eyelid closure. Blepharoplasty can also exacerbate dry eye syndrome in certain patients. For this reason, Dr. Crawford’s approach emphasizes preservation of natural anatomy and conservative tissue removal. The goal is to achieve a refreshed appearance while maintaining healthy eyelid function and comfort.
Eyelid surgery restores a more refreshed, vibrant look that often leads to a boost in confidence. Unlike more extensive surgeries, blepharoplasty offers a high-impact change with a relatively quick recovery. Because Dr. Crawford focuses on preservation techniques, keeping your natural eye shape intact, the results feel authentic to you. Many patients report that friends and colleagues notice they look great but can't quite pinpoint why.
Candidates for upper, lower, or combined blepharoplasty may be seeking aesthetic benefits, functional improvements, or both. While many of our patients are in their 40s or older, some seek this procedure earlier due to genetic traits like hooded eyes or persistent under-eye bags. During your private consultation, Dr. Crawford will perform an honest assessment of your anatomy and skin quality to ensure that surgery is the best step for your specific goals.
Eyelid aging rarely occurs in isolation. In some patients, optimal results are achieved by addressing adjacent areas of the face. Dr. Crawford often recommends a simultaneous brow lift depending on the degree of eyebrow and upper eyelid heaviness.
Depending on anatomy and goals, blepharoplasty may be combined with:
These recommendations are individualized and discussed carefully during consultation, with the aim of achieving full facial harmony.
Healing after blepharoplasty is generally well tolerated, though swelling and bruising are expected in the early postoperative period. Most patients find that their swelling resolves over the course of one week and that their eyes begin to look brighter and more rested over one to two weeks.
While early improvement is visible within the first few weeks, final refinement continues over several months as tissues settle and scars mature. Thoughtful postoperative care and follow-up help ensure smooth healing and optimal outcomes. Dr. Crawford will review your written aftercare instructions at your preoperative appointment.
You will see a noticeable change in the vibrance of your eyes within the first two weeks as the initial swelling and bruising fade. The results continue to refine over the following months, with the final, elegant outcome fully apparent once all subtle swelling has resolved. You can expect your eyes to look more open, your lower lids to appear smoother, and your overall expression to feel much more alert and energetic.
Because Dr. Crawford emphasizes structural support, your results are designed to stand the test of time. While your face will continue to age naturally, your eyes will always look more refreshed than they would have without the procedure. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle and protecting the delicate skin around your eyes from the sun, you can enjoy your bright, rested reflection for many years to come.
Blepharoplasty is a procedure where subtlety matters. Small changes can have a significant impact on how the face is perceived, and overcorrection can compromise function, making judgment and restraint essential. Dr. Crawford’s approach emphasizes precision, preservation of natural anatomy, and results that appear effortless, as though you just got a great night of sleep.
Dr. Crawford is meticulous about incision placement. Upper eyelid scars are hidden within the natural fold of the eyelid, while lower eyelid scars are often placed inside the lid (transconjunctival) or right under the lashes. Once healed, these lines are typically very difficult for even you to find in the mirror.
Yes, but you will need to switch to glasses for the first week or two after surgery to avoid pulling on the healing eyelids. Dr. Crawford will let you know exactly when it is safe to resume wearing your contacts during your follow-up visits.
While eyelid surgery is excellent for removing excess skin and bags, it does not specifically address the fine lines at the outer corners of the eyes caused by expression. However, Dr. Crawford can often combine surgery with skin resurfacing or neuromodulators like Botox to smooth those areas for a complete rejuvenation.
Absolutely. Many patients choose to address both the upper and lower lids simultaneously for a more harmonious, balanced result. This allows for a single recovery period while providing a total refresh for the entire eye area.
Most patients can safely return to wearing eye makeup about two weeks after their procedure. We recommend using fresh, clean products to ensure your incisions stay protected as they finish healing.
