Is Eyelid Surgery Painful?

Local or general anesthesia is typically administered during eyelid surgery to ensure your comfort, which means that you will be completely pain-free during the procedure. After surgery, the treated area is expected to experience mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising. However, any discomfort can be managed with prescription pain medication and cold compresses.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

Dr. Heringer will want to see you ten to fourteen days after surgery to monitor recovery and remove stitches. Beyond that, the exact number of appointments depends on the complexity of your case. He will let you know at every appointment if and when he wants to see you next.

How Long Until I See Results?

The results are immediately noticeable, but you cannot fully appreciate your new eye contours for a few weeks to a month after surgery, as you must wait for the initial swelling and bruising to resolve. The final cosmetic results take about three to six months to see.

What Will the Scarring Look Like?

Dr. Heringer uses his skills and experience to ensure that the scarring from your blepharoplasty is minimal and well-concealed. Upper eyelid surgeries use an incision along the natural eyelid fold, hiding the scar in the crease. Over time, it will fade to a thin, pale line. In lower eyelid surgery, Dr. Heringer makes the incision on the inside of the eyelid or just below the lash line. The scar is initially visible as a thin red line but becomes less noticeable as it heals. Healing varies from person to person, but most scars improve significantly over several months. To optimize scar healing, following Dr. Heringer’s post-operative instructions is essential, which includes protecting the area from the sun and avoiding rubbing your eyelids. With proper care, the scars from blepharoplasty generally fade and become almost invisible, leaving you with a more youthful appearance.

When Can I Exercise Again After My Eyelid Surgery?

Whether you had an upper or lower eyelid lift, allowing enough healing time after surgery before resuming exercise is important. Light activities, such as walking, can typically be resumed about two weeks after surgery, but you will need to avoid more intense exercises for at least three weeks before gradually returning to activities like jogging or cycling. It is important to follow Dr. Heringer’s recommendations and avoid rushing the process to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications.

Can I Combine Eyelid Surgery With Other Procedures?

Yes, indeed! Many of our patients choose to combine eyelid surgery with other facial rejuvenation procedures, such as a facelift or brow lift, and non-surgical treatments like BOTOX or dermal fillers . We recommend that you share these plans with Dr. Heringer during your initial consultation so that he can provide his expert guidance on the best combined procedures for your individual cosmetic needs.

What Are the Risks Associated With Eyelid Surgery?

Being that it is a surgery, eyelid surgery comes with some risks, which are outlined below: Bleeding Infection Scarring Dry eyes Eyelid asymmetry Temporary numbness Vision changes Ectropion or eyelid malposition: In some instances, the eyelids may turn outward (ectropion) or have an unnatural position. This can usually be corrected with further treatment. Please call our office immediately if you experience any long-lasting or unexpected reactions.

Scottsdale, AZ

Eyelid Surgery

Introduction

Introduction to Eyelid Surgery

At AOFPS in Scottsdale (Phoenix adjacent), eyelid surgery is our most popular cosmetic procedure. Having wide, open eyes for eye contact is a necessity for basic communication and a beginning for any relationship building. Therefore, having droopy eyelids that hide your eyes isn’t a benefit to living a thriving social life. Cosmetic eyelid surgery aims to target challenges such as droopy eyelids, under-eye bags, and fine lines. If you are dealing with these concerns, you should consider a consultation with board-certified oculofacial plastic and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Dustin Heringer at Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery (AO&FPS) in Scottsdale, AZ.

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Eyelid Surgery B&A

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What is Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid Surgery, medically known as Blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure aimed at reversing droopy eyelids, under-eye bags, fine lines, and any other associated complaints around the upper and/or lower eyelid. This surgical procedure gets rid of excess skin and fat on your upper and lower eyelids and helps you regain a youthful eyelid contour and overall facial expression.

Upper Eyelid Surgery

We offer our Phoenix and Scottsdale patients upper eyelid surgery, also known as Upper Blepharoplasty. This anti-aging procedure is very common. As we age, more excess skin and wrinkles appear in the eyelids. The excessive skin droops and weighs down on the eyes, causing an aged appearance. An upper blepharoplasty can address this.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

It is common to see eye bags bulge out with aging. These bags become bigger and bigger as the years pass, causing the appearance of tiredness and lack of sleep. They are often accompanied by dark circles and tear troughs, which can make people very self-conscious about their appearance. Lower Eyelid Surgery (Lower Blepharoplasty) can address these issues and take years off your appearance.

What are the
benefits of a Eyelid Surgery

A woman with short gray hair, wearing a white robe, examines her face in a mirror, focusing on her skin. - Eyelid Surgery in Scottsdale, AZ

Our patients who have received eyelid surgery in Scottsdale & Phoenix have discussed a range of benefits, some of which are included below:

Better vision
Boost in self-confidence
Enhanced eyelid contour
Look less tired
Reduced wrinkles on the forehead
Reduction of excess, sagging skin
Rejuvenated appearance

Who are the
best candidates

If you have impaired vision or don’t like how drooping eyelids or bags under your eyes make you look, upper or lower-lid blepharoplasty is an ideal solution. You may be a good candidate for this procedure if you have:

Loose skin in the upper eyelids that interfere with your vision
Bags under your eyes even when you’re well-rested
Droopy eyelids
No severe skin or eye conditions
Realistic expectations for the outcome

It also helps with recovery if you’re a nonsmoker and you don’t have any serious medical conditions that may prevent you from healing.

Your Eyelid Surgery Journey with Dr. Dustin Heringer

What’s the first step?

To explore the possibility of eyelid surgery in the Scottsdale & Phoneix metropolitan areas, your first step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Dustin Heringer at Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery. During this appointment, Dr. Heringer will discuss your medical history, your aesthetic goals, concerns, and expectations for the procedure. He will then physically examine your eye area to determine your eligibility for eyelid surgery.

Dr. Heringer will share more information about the procedure, the techniques that could be used, potential risks and complications, and the expected recovery process.

You and Dr. Heringer will reach a mutually agreed-upon surgical plan, which you will then take to our patient coordinator. The coordinator will help you schedule the procedure, price out your options, and share any pre-operative instructions. Please follow these steps seriously for the best outcome and a smooth recovery.

What to Expect on the Day of Eyelid Surgery Surgery

On the day of your eyelid surgery, Dr. Heringer and his friendly staff will welcome you and go over the surgical plan for any last-minute questions and/or concerns. Once everyone feels in alignment, an anesthetist will administer anesthesia to ensure a pain-free surgery.

Dr. Dustin Heringer will then begin the procedure, carefully following the customized treatment plan discussed during your consultation.

During both upper eyelid surgery and/or lower eyelid surgery, Dr. Heringer will hide the incisions in the natural folds of the eye contours to minimize scarring. He will manipulate the skin to settle in the most flattering and natural-looking contour for your facial anatomy. He will finally seal the incisions with fine stitches.

The surgery typically takes about one to two hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the specific patient.

Expectations

Your Guide to Post-Eyelid Surgery Care

Eyelid Surgery Recovery

After the surgery, you will be monitored in the recovery room until sedation wears off. You will need a family member or a friend to drive you home.

Immediately after the surgery, your eyes may be covered with bandages or ointment to protect the incisions and promote healing. Minor swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common, but Dr. Heringer can prescribe pain medication, eye drops, and/or ointments to help recover and prevent infection.

During the initial days of recovery, it is essential to keep your head elevated and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling.

How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost In Scottsdale, AZ?

The cost of eyelid surgery in Scottsdale & Phoneix varies on several factors, including but not limited to the specific technique used, the complexity of the procedure, and the surgeon’s fees. To arrive at an accurate cost estimate for your eyelid surgery, you should schedule a consultation with Dr. Heringer to arrive at your personalized treatment plan, which can then be taken to our patient care coordinator, who can create a detailed cost estimate for you.

Cost

Why Choose Dr. Heringer?

Dustin Heringer, MD, is a board-certified oculofacial plastic and cosmetic surgeon at Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery in Scottsdale and Peoria, Arizona, who strives to deliver natural-looking outcomes and a seamless, transformative treatment experience. Dr. Dustin Heringer holds the unique distinction of being board-certified in not just one but in all three of these prestigious societies: the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery, the American Board of Ophthalmology, and the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. He utilizes conservative techniques to boost patient confidence and well-being and correct the imperfections that interfere with a positive self-image.

Dr. Heringer earned his medical degree from the University of North Dakota, receiving the prestigious North Dakota Medical Association Scholars Award, an honor bestowed on the top three students in the class. He also received the Dr. Stanley J. Brumleve Award in Physiology, the McGraw-Hill Award in Biochemistry, the Altru Clinic Award, and the Drs. O.W. and C.G. Johnson Award for outstanding medical student research project. After medical school, Dr. Heringer pursued residency training at the Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, Oregon, studying ophthalmology and general surgery. He then completed two separate plastic and cosmetic surgery fellowships, further honing his exceptional artistry. Today, Dr. Heringer is proud to provide concierge care and stunning aesthetic results at his world-class practice in Scottsdale.

Why us?

Eyelid Surgery FAQ’S

Local or general anesthesia is typically administered during eyelid surgery to ensure your comfort, which means that you will be completely pain-free during the procedure.
After surgery, the treated area is expected to experience mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising. However, any discomfort can be managed with prescription pain medication and cold compresses.
Dr. Heringer uses his skills and experience to ensure that the scarring from your blepharoplasty is minimal and well-concealed.

Upper eyelid surgeries use an incision along the natural eyelid fold, hiding the scar in the crease. Over time, it will fade to a thin, pale line. In lower eyelid surgery, Dr. Heringer makes the incision on the inside of the eyelid or just below the lash line. The scar is initially visible as a thin red line but becomes less noticeable as it heals.

Healing varies from person to person, but most scars improve significantly over several months. To optimize scar healing, following Dr. Heringer’s post-operative instructions is essential, which includes protecting the area from the sun and avoiding rubbing your eyelids.

With proper care, the scars from blepharoplasty generally fade and become almost invisible, leaving you with a more youthful appearance.
Whether you had an upper or lower eyelid lift, allowing enough healing time after surgery before resuming exercise is important. Light activities, such as walking, can typically be resumed about two weeks after surgery, but you will need to avoid more intense exercises for at least three weeks before gradually returning to activities like jogging or cycling. It is important to follow Dr. Heringer’s recommendations and avoid rushing the process to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications.
Yes, indeed! Many of our patients choose to combine eyelid surgery with other facial rejuvenation procedures, such as a facelift or brow lift, and non-surgical treatments like BOTOX or dermal fillers. We recommend that you share these plans with Dr. Heringer during your initial consultation so that he can provide his expert guidance on the best combined procedures for your individual cosmetic needs.
Being that it is a surgery, eyelid surgery comes with some risks, which are outlined below:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Scarring
- Dry eyes
- Eyelid asymmetry
- Temporary numbness
- Vision changes
- Ectropion or eyelid malposition: In some instances, the eyelids may turn outward (ectropion) or have an unnatural position. This can usually be corrected with further treatment.
Please call our office immediately if you experience any long-lasting or unexpected reactions.

Send a message to AO&FPS

Schedule a Consultation

Do you have droopy eyelids and puffy bags that prevent your eyes from opening to their optimal size? Then, it’s time to schedule your consultation at Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery in Scottsdale, AZ. Call us directly or use our consultation request form, and our friendly staff will be happy to help you schedule a convenient date and time.