The skin on the face, particularly around the eyes, is prone to signs of aging, such as wrinkles, fine lines, puffiness, and sagging. Many individuals who experience these problems are unhappy with their appearance and may look tired, even when they are well-rested.
Eyelid surgery can help reshape and smooth the area around your eyes. It can be used to treat the fatty tissue that makes the area around your eyes appear puffy, as well as bags under the eyes, droopy upper eyelids, and skin that hangs from the eyelid that may impair your vision.
Eyelid surgery is a delicate procedure that addresses various issues in the upper and/or lower eyelids, helping patients achieve a revitalized, well-rested, and youthful appearance. If facial wrinkles or sagginess under the eyes is affecting how you feel about your appearance, Scottsdale plastic surgeon Dr. Berardi can help. The eyelid surgery procedure removes and reshapes sagging eyelid skin. It may also include the removal or redistribution of fat in the lower eyelids.
Blepharoplasty is typically an outpatient surgery that can be done on upper lids (an upper blepharoplasty), to remove excess skin and raise hooded or droopy eyelids, as well as on the lower lids (a lower blepharoplasty), to remove eye bags and tighten loose skin. The procedure on both lids can be performed separately on each lid or simultaneously.
Read through the paragraphs below to learn more about eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty.
Upper blepharoplasty focuses on rejuvenating the upper eyelids by removing excess skin, muscle, and sometimes fat that can cause drooping or hooding of the eyelids. This procedure is often sought to correct sagging eyelid skin that may impair vision or create a tired, aged appearance. By tightening and reshaping the upper eyelid contour, upper blepharoplasty can restore a more alert, refreshed look while enhancing the natural eyelid crease and improving overall facial balance.
Lower blepharoplasty targets puffiness, under-eye bags, and excess skin beneath the eyes. Dr. Berardi may reposition or remove fat deposits and tighten loose skin to create a smoother, more youthful transition between the lower eyelid and the cheek. This procedure is ideal for individuals who struggle with a constantly tired or aged appearance due to under-eye fullness or hollowing and can significantly improve the brightness and harmony of the midface area.
Quad blepharoplasty combines both upper and lower eyelid surgery in a single procedure to achieve comprehensive eyelid rejuvenation. It addresses sagging skin on the upper lids as well as puffiness and wrinkles under the eyes. By treating all four eyelids simultaneously, quad blepharoplasty achieves more dramatic and harmonious results. It is often chosen by patients seeking comprehensive periorbital enhancement. The combined approach also minimizes overall recovery time compared to staging the surgeries separately.
“Dr. Berardi took away 10 years worth of pain!!! I would recommend Dr. Berardi to anyone. This man was meant to be a cosmetic surgeon, so caring and knowledgeable. I am so grateful for his expertise!!! Don’t think twice and don’t walk just run to Dr. Berardi.” – C.G
Eyelid surgery is a procedure that can be performed on the upper and lower eyelids to eliminate under-eye bags, sagging skin, and puffiness. This procedure involves the removal of skin and excess fat for a rejuvenating final result.
During lower eyelid surgery, Dr. Berardi will make an inconspicuous incision along your lash line, through which he will remove any excess tissue. During upper eyelid surgery, the incision is made within the upper crease of the eye. This procedure can be performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia and typically lasts between one and two hours, depending on the extent of the required changes.
A Step-by-Step Procedure
When you arrive for surgery, a nurse will check your vitals to assess your general health before the procedure. If you are determined healthy, a prep nurse will place an IV in your hand or arm. The IV will deliver medication and much-needed fluids that will be needed for the procedure. Dr. Berardi will meet with you before the procedure to review the details and mark the incision sites with a surgical pen.
If you are undergoing general anesthesia, you’ll receive medication through your arm via IV or through a gas mask. The sedative will make you temporarily unconscious during the procedure, and you will be unable to feel any discomfort. A tube may also be used to help you breathe during the procedure.
If you are having an upper eyelid procedure, Dr. Berardi makes an initial incision with a blade, laser, or cautery unit along the marked area on the eyelid. The extra skin is then removed or repositioned within the eyelid. This can be achieved by either removing the excess fat or by burning it away with a cautery tool.
Lower eyelid incision is made inside the lower eyelid or below the eyelash line. If the procedure is being performed inside the lower eyelid (transconjunctival), an instrument will be used to pull the lower eyelid down. An incision is made through the conjunctiva and lower eyelid. Retractors will be placed inside the lid. Fat pads in the lower lid will be repositioned or reduced during the procedure.
If the procedure is done below the eyelash line, an incision is made 1 to 2 millimeters below the lash line. A small amount of excess skin may be removed during the procedure. Fat pockets in the area will also be repositioned or reduced.
Dr. Berardi closes the incisions with fine sutures—along the upper lid crease for upper eyelid surgery, and either inside the eyelid or just below the lash line for lower lid procedures. Closure is done carefully to support healing and reduce visible scarring.
After the procedure, initial recovery will take place under observation from Dr. Berardi and his team. They will monitor you to ensure you are healing well and remain comfortable as you begin your recovery. An ice compress may be used to help reduce any postoperative swelling. Once the anesthesia wears off, you will be permitted to leave with a relative or loved one.
Some patients choose to undergo blepharoplasty at the same time as other cosmetic procedures, such as a facelift or brow lift. Having these treatments performed simultaneously provides a comprehensive facial rejuvenation with a single recovery period. Here are the typical add-on procedures:
A facelift is a surgical procedure often combined with blepharoplasty to address signs of aging beyond the eyes. As skin loses elasticity with age, a facelift targets sagging in the lower face and neck, offering a more comprehensive rejuvenation for a balanced, youthful look.
A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, corrects drooping skin and improves skin laxity above the eyes. By lifting the brow to its natural contours, this procedure complements eyelid surgery, resulting in a smoother and more alert appearance.
Microneedling is a non-surgical treatment that enhances skin texture and supports a refreshed appearance. When added to blepharoplasty, it can further improve the overall quality of the skin around the eyes and face.
The recovery process varies depending on the extent of the procedure, as well as whether other procedures are performed simultaneously. After the eyelid procedure, you will be monitored to ensure that your body is healing well. You should be able to leave later that day to continue to heal at home.
There may be some temporary effects on your vision and eyes as you recover. After the eyelid procedure, you may experience blurred vision from lubrication applied to the eyes during the procedure, watering eyes, light sensitivity, double vision, puffy and numb eyelids, swelling and discoloration to the skin of the eyes similar to what appears with a black eye, and assorted pain and discomfort around the eyelids.
POST-OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS &RETURNING TO NORMAL ACTIVITIES
The blepharoplasty procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you will be able to go home on the same day as your surgery. Your eyes will be swollen, so you will need someone to drive you home afterward. Dr. Berardi will provide you with prescriptions to control any mild discomfort as well as eye drops to keep the eyes lubricated in the weeks after eyelid surgery.
He will also provide you with a list of thorough post-operative instructions which include avoiding makeup, rubbing the eyelids, and the use of contact lenses. You may be asked to cleanse your incisions. If so, Dr. Berardi will direct you on how to do this specifically. As bruising and swelling may persist in the days following the procedure, you may also be asked to apply a cold compress to help reduce the postoperative effects.
Initial recovery is expected within 10 to 14 days, and most patients are able to return to normal activities within 7 days. Should any questions or concerns arise during your recovery period, Dr. Berardi and his staff are always available to address them. Once the recovery period is over, which may take several months, you will find that you look more youthful and alert as under-eye bags and wrinkles are no longer visible.
Eyelid surgery patients are typically individuals in their mid-30s or older who are experiencing visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles and sagging skin around the eyes. If you suffer from glaucoma or dry eye syndrome, eyelid surgery may not be for you, as the procedure sometimes results in drier eye conditions.
Besides aging, severely sagging skin around the eyes can reduce side vision (peripheral vision). Eyelid surgery may help reduce these vision problems and restore your vision.
You should also be in good general health and have realistic expectations regarding the outcome of eyelid surgery.
During your pre-surgery consultation, our Scottsdale-based plastic surgeon, Dr. Berardi, will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. He may also recommend additional cosmetic treatments, such as neuromodulators or other dermal fillers. Some patients opt to have their eyelids treated as part of several other facial rejuvenation procedures, including facelifts or brow lifts.
As a patient, it is crucial to understand the benefits of eyelift surgery and to have a personal consultation to determine if this is the proper procedure to meet your goals. Dr. Berardi takes pride in consulting with patients and providing an honest assessment about their goals and concerns, as well as answering their questions. As a part of this consultation, Dr. Berardi and his team will explore your medical history by asking about previous procedures and any medical conditions that might provide complications that would impact the success of the eyelid surgery or your overall health.
You may also undergo an eye exam that will assess your tear production and field of vision. This may help establish that eyelid surgery is medically beneficial, in addition to its cosmetic benefits. While insurance does not cover most eyelid cosmetic surgeries, the procedure may be covered if a medical need is identified. During your initial consultation with Dr. Berardi and his team, we will determine your goals and any underlying medical conditions that may also be addressed through eyelid correction.
An eyelid lift can enhance your facial appearance by addressing changes that develop over time. Whether done for cosmetic reasons or to improve function, this procedure offers a range of aesthetic and personal benefits. Many individuals find that an eyelid lift not only contributes to a refreshed look but also improves their self-esteem.
The cost of blepharoplasty in Scottsdale ranges from $4,000 to $24,000. Pricing depends on whether the procedure involves the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, as well as the complexity of the treatment. This range typically includes the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, and facility costs.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Berardi for personalized price quotes.
What sets our facial plastic surgery apart is that Dr. Joseph Berardi brings exceptional skill, experience, and care to every patient. He is a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience in the field, known for his precision and natural-looking results. With over 2,000 procedures performed and recognition as Scottsdale’s Best Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Berardi focuses on what actually matters: understanding your goals and earning your trust. From your first consultation to your final result, everything is tailored, honest, and handled with the kind of attention that makes a real difference.
Dr. Berardi is one of the leading plastic surgeons in Phoenix and Scottsdale. He takes pride in helping all of his patients look just as young as they feel. Through eyelid surgery, Dr. Berardi has helped many patients reinvigorate their appearance.
CONTACT US
If you are interested in learning more about what eyelid surgery can do for you, please contact Berardi Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery online or call us at 480.397.0711 to schedule a comprehensive consultation today.
Yes, a combined upper eyelid lift and lower blepharoplasty is often performed to address excess eyelid skin and under-eye concerns in one procedure. This approach can provide more balanced results and streamline your recovery. Dr. Berardi will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your goals and assess how the aging process has affected your upper and lower eyelids.
You’ll need to wait until your incisions are fully healed before wearing contact lenses or applying makeup. Inserting lenses too soon can irritate the inner surface of the eyelid and delay the healing process. Dr. Berardi will give you clear instructions on when it’s safe to resume your routine.
Blepharoplasty is designed to correct puffy eyes caused by fatty deposits, but it doesn’t always eliminate dark circles. Depending on the cause of the darkness, additional procedures like fat grafting or skin resurfacing may be recommended to achieve your desired outcome.
Scarring is typically minimal. Incisions are placed in natural folds—such as the upper lid crease or inside the lower lid—making scars less noticeable once healed. With proper care and technique, most scars fade well over time.
To recover more quickly, follow Dr. Berardi’s aftercare instructions closely. Use ice packs as directed, keep your head elevated, and take prescribed pain medications to manage discomfort and reduce swelling.
