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Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

Most patients seeking eyelid surgery in the Upper East Side complain of looking tired all the time despite getting adequate rest. Eyelid rejuvenation can involve surgery of the upper and/or lower eyelids. Sagging skin and bulging fat are removed through well-hidden incisions, and patient satisfaction is extremely high because they can look much younger after a blepharoplasty. This procedure truly brightens up the face, and is one of board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Reitzen’s primary procedures.

What Does Blepharoplasty Do?

Blepharoplasty on the Upper East Side can do far more than simply improve the appearance of the eyes — it can restore a youthful, refreshed look while also addressing certain functional concerns. Depending on your needs, the procedure can achieve the following:

  • Opens up and refreshes the eyes
  • Removes sagging skin of the upper eyelids
  • Reduces under-eye bags
  • Decreases puffiness around the eyes
  • Addresses drooping lower eyelids that appear to be “pulled down”
  • Improves vision for those whose skin is obstructing their view
  • Provides an overall more attractive and youthful appearance

Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty

There are two types of eyelid surgery: upper and lower. Many patients choose to have both their upper and lower eyelids addressed for complete rejuvenation, while others prefer to focus on just one or the other. Some patients also request complimentary procedures (such as BOTOX® or fat transfer) to be combined with eyelid surgery. 

Sometimes a patient may think they need eyelid surgery, when in fact a brow lift would be a better option. To determine this, Dr. Reitzen will distinguish between the eyebrows being droopy or the eyelids being droopy. She will also determine if there is a muscular problem with the upper lid. During your consultation with Dr. Reitzen, she will talk with you about whether upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, both combined, or a different procedure will be best for your personal cosmetic goals.

Before & After Eyelid Surgery in Upper East Side

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“Amazing doctor. Understood my needs and wants and was open, honest, and straightforward.” 

Patrick G.

Eyelid Surgery Details

Upper blepharoplasty alone can be performed in the office under local anesthesia only. Dr. Reitzen will carefully make tiny incisions within the natural folds of the eyelid. From this incision, she will remove or adjust extra skin and fat and tuck the skin to achieve a rejuvenated appearance. Performed alone, upper eyelid surgery takes approximately one hour. Once the incisions are healed, they will be hidden because they are made within the crease of the eyelid.

For lower eyelid surgery, general anesthesia is typically used. Dr. Reitzen will make incisions either on the inside of the lower eyelids or beneath the eyelash line. She will remove or redistribute skin and fat, or add volume if needed. Performed alone, lower eyelid surgery takes approximately 90 minutes.

Recovery and Results

A week of recovery is normal for eyelid surgery, and after one week Dr. Reitzen will remove your sutures. During recovery, you may experience bruising, redness, swelling, discomfort, blurry vision, and/or dry eyes. These side effects are all temporary. During this time, you should also avoid wearing contact lenses. 

You will have a one-month follow-up with Dr. Reitzen after your procedure.

Results from blepharoplasty in the Upper East Side are apparent at six weeks. Dr. Reitzen’s patients frequently say that their eyes feel brighter and less heavy, and that they can apply makeup more easily, without it clumping up. 

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Why Choose Dr. Reitzen for Eyelid Surgery?

Dr. Shari Reitzen strives to provide individualized care and results that are both beautiful and natural in every procedure she approaches. She is a double board-certified ENT and facial plastic surgeon serving Manhattan’s Upper East Side, and she is highly favored among her patients for her exceptional results. Dr. Reitzen achieves beautiful results by putting her patients first and closely listening as they discuss their areas of concern. Her goal is to safely deliver a natural look that doesn’t appear overdone — just rejuvenated. Now with two locations to better accommodate her patients, Dr. Reitzen is here to help you look your best. 

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Eyelid Surgery FAQ's

What is eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)?

What concerns can eyelid surgery address?

Who is a good candidate for eyelid surgery?

What is the difference between upper and lower eyelid surgery?

How long does eyelid surgery take?

What type of anesthesia is used for eyelid surgery?

What is the recovery time after blepharoplasty?

When will I see results from eyelid surgery?

Are the results of eyelid surgery permanent?

Who performs eyelid surgery at the Upper East Side practice?

What is eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)?

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a procedure that removes excess skin, fat, and puffiness from the upper and/or lower eyelids to create a more youthful, refreshed appearance.

What concerns can eyelid surgery address?

Blepharoplasty can reduce sagging upper eyelid skin, under-eye bags, puffiness, and drooping eyelids, and can also improve vision if excess skin is obstructing the line of sight.

Who is a good candidate for eyelid surgery?

Good candidates are generally healthy non-smokers with realistic expectations who have excess eyelid skin, puffiness, or drooping eyelids, and no significant eye or thyroid conditions.

What is the difference between upper and lower eyelid surgery?

Upper eyelid surgery focuses on removing excess skin and fat from the upper lids, while lower eyelid surgery addresses under-eye bags, puffiness, and skin laxity in the lower lids. Some patients choose both for full rejuvenation.

How long does eyelid surgery take?

Upper eyelid surgery typically takes about one hour, while lower eyelid surgery usually takes around 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the procedure.

What type of anesthesia is used for eyelid surgery?

Upper eyelid surgery can often be performed under local anesthesia in the office, while lower eyelid surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia.

What is the recovery time after blepharoplasty?

Most patients experience about one week of initial recovery. Swelling, bruising, and temporary discomfort are common, and sutures are usually removed after one week.

When will I see results from eyelid surgery?

Initial improvements are visible after swelling decreases, with final results typically apparent around six weeks after surgery.

Are the results of eyelid surgery permanent?

Results are long-lasting, though natural aging will continue over time. Many patients enjoy a refreshed appearance for many years after the procedure.

Who performs eyelid surgery at the Upper East Side practice?

Eyelid surgery is performed by Dr. Shari Reitzen, a double board-certified ENT and facial plastic surgeon known for delivering natural-looking, individualized results.

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