1-3 Hours
$3,000 - $7,500
1 Week
Our Approach to Eyelid Surgery
Medically reviewed by Christopher J. Ewart, MD and Michael S. Tarakji, MD, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons — Updated August 2026
Risks and How We Minimize Them
The eye area is delicate, and honest surgeons say so. Blepharoplasty risks include temporary dry or watery eyes, blurred vision for a few days, bruising, asymmetry, and — rarely — eyelid position changes. How we minimize them: careful pre-op screening (dry-eye and thyroid conditions are evaluated first, with ophthalmology clearance when needed), conservative skin removal that refreshes without changing your eye shape, and board-certified surgical technique in our QUAD A accredited facility. If drooping upper lids impair your peripheral vision, ask about visual field testing — functional blepharoplasty may be covered by insurance.
Common Concerns
- People say I look tired
- Extra skin makes makeup difficult to apply
- Trouble with peripheral vision
- Bags under my eyes
- I can’t see my eyes as well
- Wrinkles around my eyes
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a good candidate for eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)?
Blepharoplasty removes excess skin, fat, and muscle from the upper and/or lower eyelids for a more rested, youthful appearance. It can also improve peripheral vision when drooping lids obstruct sight.
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Excess upper eyelid skin: Hooding that creates a tired appearance or hides the eyelid crease
- Under-eye bags: Puffiness beneath the lower lids
- Good eye health: No untreated glaucoma, severe dry eye, or detached retina; thyroid eye disease must be stable
- Good overall health: Diabetes and hypertension should be controlled
- Age: Typically 35+, but younger patients with genetic predisposition may qualify
Upper vs. Lower Blepharoplasty
Upper addresses hooding (shorter procedure, can be local anesthesia); lower addresses bags and puffiness; quad treats both in one session.
Insurance May Cover It
When upper eyelid drooping impairs peripheral vision (documented by visual field testing), functional blepharoplasty may be covered by insurance.
Eye Health Considerations
Dry-eye patients need careful evaluation, and contact lens wearers should plan to wear glasses for about 2 weeks during recovery.
The best way to know is a personal consultation with Dr. Ewart or Dr. Tarakji. Schedule a consultation or call (706) 724-5611.
What does eyelid surgery involve?
The incisions are made in the creases of your upper lids and right below the lashes of your lower lids. The surgeon removes excess fat and trims baggy skin and muscle, then closes the incisions.
If you need fat but not skin removed from your lower lids, we may recommend a procedure called a transconjunctival blepharoplasty. The doctor makes an incision inside your lower lid and removes the excess fat, leaving no visible scar.
Eyelid surgery typically takes one to three hours, although that depends on whether you are having all four lids done or just the upper. This is performed as an outpatient procedure.
What is eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) recovery like?
Eyelid surgery has one of the easier recoveries among cosmetic procedures, but the eye area is delicate and visible, so proper care is important.
Days 1-3: Immediate Post-Op
Significant swelling and bruising around the eyes — expect to look worse before you look better.
- Apply cold compresses 10-15 minutes per hour while awake
- Use prescribed antibiotic and lubricating eye drops religiously
- Sleep with head elevated on 2-3 pillows
- Avoid reading, screens, and focused-vision activities — rest your eyes
- Do not wear contact lenses
Days 4-7: Early Recovery
Sutures removed at days 5-7 (upper) or dissolve on their own. Bruising shifts from purple to yellow/green. Short screen sessions okay for most patients.
Weeks 1-2: Social Recovery
Most patients are presentable with sunglasses by day 7-10. Makeup (away from incisions) at about 10 days. Return to work for most at 7-10 days.
Weeks 3-6: Progressive Refinement
Contact lenses typically resume at 2-3 weeks. Light exercise at 2-3 weeks; full exercise at 4-6 weeks.
Months 2-6: Final Results
Incision lines fade into natural eyelid creases. Final results by month 3-6. Results last 7-15 years for upper lids and are often permanent for lower lids. Keep eyes lubricated, wear sunglasses outdoors, and don’t rub your eyes while healing.
Every patient heals differently — your surgeon will give you personalized guidance at your consultation. Schedule a consultation or call (706) 724-5611.
What is eyelid surgery (Blepharoplasty)?
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, perks up drooping eyelids and minimizes puffy bags below your eyes by removing fat and excess skin and muscle from your upper and lower eyelids. The procedure can make you look younger and more alert; however, it will not lift droopy eyebrows or erase crow’s feet or dark circles under your eyes. To correct droopy eyebrows, you may want to consider a brow lift.
Most eyelid surgery patients at Augusta Plastic Surgery are 30 or older, though some have the surgery at a younger age if baggy eyelids are a family trait. If you are physically healthy and emotionally stable, you should be a good candidate.
What should I expect after my eyelid surgery?
Right after the surgery, your eyes will be lubricated with ointment and possibly bandaged. The lids may feel sore and tight, but your discomfort can be offset with medication.
Your stitches will be removed within a week, after which the bruising and swelling will begin to fade. You should be able to watch television or read in two or three days and return to work within a couple weeks. Strenuous activity must wait three weeks.
Your scars will look slightly pink for at least six months after the surgery, but eventually they will fade to a nearly invisible white line.