The eyes are among the first facial features to show signs of aging, thanks to the thin and delicate tissues in the area that are quick to sag and wrinkle. Thankfully, we can effectively correct many of the most common eyelid concerns with eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty). At my Toronto plastic surgery practice, the procedure is consistently popular among men and women who want to appear as awake and youthful on the outside as they feel inside.
In this blog post, I’d like to answer the questions I hear most often about blepharoplasty surgery to help you understand what it is, how it’s done, and whether it may be right for you.
What does eyelid surgery do?
Eyelid surgery is a facial plastic surgery procedure that corrects drooping (ptosis) in the upper eyelids, puffy bags in the lower eyelids, or a combination of both. It’s often performed for rejuvenation purposes, though younger candidates with naturally drooping eyelids may also benefit. In some cases, addressing sagging in the upper eyelids can help clear obstructed vision.
How is eyelid surgery done?
Eyelid surgery involves incisions along the upper eyelid crease or just below, sometimes inside, the lower lash line. I use these incisions to carefully remove excess skin and fat and tighten muscle tissue to restore a more youthful, refreshed appearance to the eyes.
The surgery requires special expertise in the delicate ocular area. I’m happy to be able to offer my patients this unique skill as 1 of only 2 plastic surgeons in Canada with specialized oculoplastic surgery training.
What is Asian eyelid surgery? How is it different?
Sometimes referred to as double eyelid surgery, Asian eyelid surgery is a similar procedure that primarily focuses on creating or defining the upper eyelid crease. Some candidates can enjoy great results with just the placement of some small sutures, while others may require incisions to achieve the more dramatic results they’re looking for.
How much does eyelid surgery cost?
The cost of eyelid surgery ranges from $6,500 to $12,700 at my Toronto practice. Pricing varies slightly depending on whether you’re interested in upper or lower blepharoplasty or both, or whether you combine your procedure with another treatment such as a brow lift. You can calculate your pricing using our interactive price estimator.
How long is eyelid surgery recovery?
In general, your eyelid surgery recovery timeline will look like the following:
- Days 1 to 3: You’ll rest at home, keeping your head elevated and applying cool compresses to your eyes.
- Day 7: I’ll remove any sutures at a follow-up appointment.
- Day 10: You’ll be cleared to wear makeup.
- Week 2: You may gradually resume more physical activity and return to work.
- Week 3: Most bruising and swelling subsides.
After that point, your incisions will continue to fade to very thin, barely visible lines that blend in with the natural creases of your eyelids.
Learn more about the recovery process in this related blog post.
Is there a nonsurgical alternative to eyelid surgery?
Injectables can help rejuvenate the areas around the eyes. Dermal fillers work well for filling in undereye hollows and disguising bags, and BOTOX® Cosmetic smooths out crow’s feet and lines between the eyebrows for an anti-aging effect. However, these treatments are temporary whereas surgery creates longer-lasting results.
See examples of the results you can expect after eyelid surgery by visiting our before-and-after photo gallery.
If you would like to learn more about your options for blepharoplasty in Toronto, please request a consultation online or call (416) 925-7337.
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