How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost in NYC?
The cost of eyelid surgery in NYC varies from patient to patient. Dr. Konstantin customizes your surgical plan after the consultation, taking your physical examination and cosmetic goals into account.
Blepharoplasty performed by Dr. Konstantin usually ranges from $10,500 to $12,000. The procedure costs more for patients who have both upper and lower eyelid surgery, and the price increases beyond this range for patients who combine blepharoplasty with other procedures. It can be cost-effective to have multiple procedures performed simultaneously, as you will save money by only paying the operating room and anesthesia fees once.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
Droopy skin covering upper eyelids and puffiness under the eyes are two common problems that can be solved with blepharoplasty. People with puffy eyes and those whose eyes look tired with sagging skin are often good candidates for this procedure.
During your consultation, Dr. Konstantin thoroughly evaluates your eye area to determine whether you are a good candidate for surgery on your upper, lower, or both sets of eyelids.
Your Blepharoplasty Procedure
Anesthesia
Blepharoplasty is a small and quite delicate surgical procedure. Oftentimes Dr. Konstantin performs it using local anesthesia and mild sedation. The eyes are first numbed with a topical anesthetic and then injected with additional anesthesia.
Incisions
Dr. Konstantin hides the incisions in the natural skin creases and lines around the eyes to make them inconspicuous. In some cases, lower eyelid surgery can be performed through incisions made inside the lower eyelid.
Upper Eyelid Procedure
In upper blepharoplasty, Dr. Konstantin removes the excess skin, redundant muscle, and protruding fat to restore a youthful eyelid shape and “open up” the eyes.
Lower Eyelid Procedure
Lower blepharoplasty is primarily concerned with the removal of excess fat under the eyes. Dr. Konstantin can perform this procedure through a small incision on the inner surface of the eyelid, thus avoiding any external scars (transconjunctival blepharoplasty). In more advanced cases of eyelid aging, when, in addition to removing the fat, the skin needs to be tightened, he places the incision in the crease right under the eyelashes. Once he removes excess fat and sagging skin and achieves a smooth and natural contour of the eyelids, he closes the incisions with small sutures and places cold compresses over the eyelids.
What To Expect From Eyelid Surgery Recovery
The time needed for healing after blepharoplasty varies from patient to patient; in large part, it depends on the type and the extent of the procedure. On average, it takes from 3 to 7 days for someone to feel comfortable going back to work and resuming their normal daily activities. Some help from glasses or a touch of makeup to cover the occasional bruise might be necessary to hide the residual signs of surgery.
Complementary Procedures
A few other procedures can significantly complement the results of blepharoplasty. A brow lift could be a great way to “frame” the eyes by improving the shape and position of the brows. Fat grafting can restore the volume and the shape of the upper cheek and the periorbital area to further enhance the rejuvenating effect of blepharoplasty. The skin of the eyelids can be further smoothed out by a nonsurgical treatment such as a laser peel, BOTOX® Cosmetic, or temporary dermal fillers.
Eyelid surgery is quite often performed at the same time as a facelift for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Dr. Konstantin is happy to recommend any procedures that might help you reach your best possible results during your consultation.
Eyelid Surgery FAQ
Can I wear contact lenses after surgery?
Yes, but you will need to wait until the initial recuperation period is over. Wearing contact lenses before your incisions are fully closed can lead to discomfort and even infection. To allow your eyes to heal undisturbed, Dr. Konstantin advises blepharoplasty patients to wait at least 10 days after surgery to begin wearing contacts again. In the interim, you are permitted to wear regular eyeglasses. If you require corrective lenses and don’t own eyeglasses, it’s important to plan ahead and be sure you have a pair of glasses on hand to use after your surgery.
How long will the results of my blepharoplasty last?
The longevity of your results depends on the details of the surgery. Certain techniques tend to create longer-lasting results than others. During your consultation, Dr. Konstantin gives you a more specific idea of the type of results you can anticipate. Generally, the least invasive blepharoplasty creates results that last for at least 5 years. More significant surgeries that require the removal of excess skin can yield results that last for more than a decade. It’s important to understand that blepharoplasty, like any other facial rejuvenation surgery, does not stop the aging process but, instead, resets the clock.
What will my eyelid surgery scars look like?
Patients are drawn to blepharoplasty partly because it doesn’t create significant scarring. The incisions are often made so expertly within the natural creases of the eyelids that the resulting scars are nearly invisible.