Why Do People Get Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery?

Patients often seek eyelid rejuvenation when they notice they look tired or older in photos. They may comment that family members or friends say they look tired, upset, or older-looking. Many complain of dark circles, smaller or less visible eyes, or difficulty with eye makeup. In advanced cases, the extra eyelid skin can obstruct vision and negatively affect one’s quality of life.

Dr. Burns’ has more than 20 years of experience in eyelid rejuvenation and understands how to achieve a patient's desired results. Patient-doctor communication is essential to achieving desired goals. Following your plastic surgery consultation with Dr. Burns, you will receive a highly personalized, treatment plan to achieve the results you desire.

You Might Need Eyelid Surgery If You're Noticing...

Eye makeup 
that smears or disappears

Pillowing fat & skin
that feels heavy

Crepey loose skin
& vision concerns

Pressure & puffiness
that you can't cover with makeup

Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty Surgery

In upper eyelid surgery, excess eyelid skin is removed using an ellipse buried within the eyelid crease.

Oftentimes, excess fat is removed from the upper eyelid fat pads to give a smooth and rejuvenated appearance. Once removed, a patient may feel some tightness in the upper eyelids as the swelling resolves. The result is a smooth upper eyelid, restoration of the upper eyelid crease, and better visibility of the eye.

Before and After Upper Eyelid Surgery by Dr. John Burns

Lower Eyelid Surgery

In the lower eyelid, excess skin and fatty deposits are removed by hiding the scar just below the lash line. If necessary, fat is removed using an incision inside the eyelid (transconjunctival) to preserve the supporting structures of the lower eyelid.

In most cases, a supporting suture known as a canthopexy is placed to support the lower eyelid during the healing process and prevent a common complication called ectropion where the eyelid temporarily droops.


In this video (left), Dr. Burns demonstrates a lower eyelid lift with lateral canthopexy.

What Is Double Eyelid Surgery?

In contrast to traditional blepharoplasty which addresses changes due to age, double eyelid surgery is designed to correct an anatomic variation that is not age dependent.

Double eyelid surgery is often called “Asian eyelid surgery” which refers to the anatomic variation in Asian upper eyelids which lack an upper eyelid crease. The lack of an upper eyelid crease (fold between the eyelashes and eyebrow) is called a monolid. Creating a natural crease in the upper eyelid adds space between the eyelids which makes the eyes more visible.

Preparing For Eyelid Surgery

Patients should be healthy with no significant medical problems. Candidates should be non-smokers or nicotine users. If you have a history of any eye conditions such as glaucoma, dry eyes, or visual issues, you should review them with your plastic surgeon. It is always advisable to see an ophthalmologist before your blepharoplasty.

Recovery From Eyelid Surgery

An eyelid lift is an outpatient procedure. Recovery is typically not painful but more of an inconvenience to aspects of your lifestyle. The most common side effects are bruising and swelling. Bruising can be dramatically decreased with the use of tranexamic acid (TXA) while swelling can be helped with oral steroids, ice, and elevation.

As discussed above, it is common for the lower eyelid to droop temporarily following surgery. Eyelid position returns to normal as the swelling resolves and lower eyelid muscle tone returns. Most patients will feel comfortable going out into public about one week after surgery when the sutures are removed.

Eyelid Surgery Recovery Expectations

Procedure Length: 1-2 hours
Anesthesia: General (occasionally local with sedation for smaller procedures)
In/Outpatient: Outpatient
Eyelid Surgery Side Effects:  Temporary swelling, bruising, and some discomfort; dry eyes, blurred vision.
Risks: Pain, bleeding, infection, rare damage to nerves or eye muscles, incomplete improvement, eyelid malposition, dry eyes.
Recovery: Back to work with makeup: 1 week. 
More strenuous activity: 2 weeks.
Final Appearance: 1-2 months for swelling to completely resolve.
Duration of Results: About 10 years.

Eyelid Surgey FAQs

• How to qualify for eyelid surgery? Ideal candidates are in good physical condition, non-smokers, and have no eye problems such as dry eyes, vision problems, or glaucoma. It is advisable to see an ophthalmologist before your procedure.
• How much is eyelid surgery? An upper eyelid procedure can be done in the office under local anesthesia. Lower eyelids always require the operating room.The fee would include a procedure or professional fee, an operating room, and a board-certified anesthesiologist. The cost ranges from approximately $5,000 to $9700.
• Can upper eyelids be done in the office? If just the upper eyelids are needed, the procedure can be done using local anesthesia in an office setting. If this is the preferred option, you’ll need someone to drive you home from the procedure.
• Can I tighten my eyelids without surgery? Several devices offer modest improvements. My favorite is Morpheus 8 which is a microneeding device with radiofrequency. Several treatments are usually necessary. Ablative or fractional laser resurfacing can also be done to improve fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. Botox is also helpful in softening crow’s feet.
• When will I see the final result after an eyelid lift? Results are immediate but you can expect some bruising and swelling in the initial period. By one week you should be presentable in public. The scars can remain red for several months until they fade into an imperceptible fine white line.
• How long does an eyelid lift last?  About 10 years, and most patients have even longer-lasting results

Before and After  Facelift with Upper Eyelid Surgery by Dr. John Burns

Plastic Surgery Financing

In most cases, eyelid considered elective and not covered by insurance. The cost of eyelid rejuvenation is determined by the surgeon's fee, anesthesia fee, and operating room fee. For those who prefer to review financing options, Dr. Burns' practice recommends financing with CareCredit, Alphaeon, and PatientFi.

Schedule Your Eyelid Lift Consult with Dallas Plastic Surgeon,
Dr. John Burns

Schedule your private consultation with Dr. John Burns.  Dr. Burns offers both virtual and in-office plastic surgery consultations for men and women seeking eyelid rejuvenation in Dallas, throughout the United States, and the world.