Large, open eyes are a universal sign of youth and beauty; however, the eyelids are one of the first areas to show signs of aging. Droopy upper eyelids, sagging eyebrows, or puffy lower eyelid bags can make you appear tired or older than you actually feel. While wrinkles typically come with age and sun exposure, some people are born with excess skin or fat around the eyes. Eyelid surgery is one of the first cosmetic procedures many patients undergo. As a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Chaboki specializes in all aspects of cosmetic eyelid surgery, technically called blepharoplasty. At his Washington, DC, practice, people from Arlington and Ashburn, Virginia; Bethesda and Chevy Chase, Maryland; and other nearby cities trust him for attractive, natural-looking results.
Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) Before & After Photos
Every patient has unique motivations for pursuing elective medical procedures. This patient, a female healthcare professional, sought to reduce the visible signs of aging, particularly persistent eye bags and dark circles that had increased over time. She felt these features made her appear tired, even when she felt vibrant. She preferred a l... Read More
Large, open eyes are a universal sign of youth and beauty. No wonder cosmetic procedures around the eyes and forehead are so popular, such as Botox® Cosmetic and eyelid surgery. In addition, the eyes may be the first area to show signs aging with wrinkles and sagging tissue. The eye area gradually becomes smaller, narrower, or tired appearing... Read More
Sagging skin and droopy eyelids are common complaints of Maryland patients considering cosmetic eyelid surgery. The extra skin and sagging tissue come primarily from a combination of natural aging and sun damage. In addition to appearing "tired" or "older", some cases of droopy eyebrows or eyelids may also obstruct or limit vision.This... Read More
Upper eyelid surgery is one of the most popular methods Washington DC area patients have to rejuvenate the face. Upper eyelid surgery can be performed in the office via local anesthesia with minimal downtime. A variable amount of skin, fat, and muscle is modified to "lift" the eye. While Botox or Dysport injection can help smooth wrinkles aro... Read More
Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is a popular cosmetic procedure for both Washington DC area men and women. Upper eyelid surgery reduces excess skin, reduces fat, and/or tightens eyelid tissue. Patients might also report looking or feeling less tired after eyelid surgery. Each upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is tailored specifically for... Read More
Eyes are the first thing one notices and are a universal sign of health and beauty. As a result, cosmetic procedures around the eyes and forehead are very popular, including Botox® Cosmetic, brow lift, and eyelid surgery. Some of the first signs of wrinkling may appear around the eyes. The eyes may become gradually&nb... Read More
Upper eyelid surgery (i.e. blepharoplasty) is tremendously popular worldwide, but especially popular in central and east Asian countries. The terms double eyelid surgery or Asian blepharoplasty refer to an upper eyelid surgery that creates or defines a crease in the upper eyelid, which normally isn't present... Read More
The eyes are a universal sign of beauty and often the first area one considers for plastic surgery. Extra skin and fat develops in the eyelids and around the eyes. In addition, the brow gradually descends with time, especially the sides of the brow. Sagging tissue can make the eyes appear smaller, narrower, or fatigued with tim... Read More
Blepharoplasty is a relatively straightforward cosmetic plastic surgery procedure that’s designed to create a more alert, rested, and youthful appearance. Upper eyelid surgery lifts hooded or sagging eyelids. Lower eyelid surgery can improve the appearance of bulging lids or undereye bags. Even though eyelid surgery is performed to reverse signs of aging, it’s also performed on younger patients who may have inherited hooded lids or undereye bags from their parents.
Blepharoplasty vs. Brow Lift
Upper blepharoplasty and brow lift surgery can both open up the eyes. For some patients, a brow lift alone may help improve the appearance of the upper eyelid because raising the eyebrows naturally leaves less redundant upper eyelid skin. Others require an upper blepharoplasty combined with a brow lift to attain the desired results. In some patients, the eyebrows may actually drop lower after upper blepharoplasty, if the eyebrows are not stabilized or lifted with a brow lift.
Planning Your Eyelid Surgery
As with other surgical procedures, Dr. Chaboki tailors each blepharoplasty to the patient’s precise specifications. During your consultation, he performs a thorough physical examination, evaluating factors including wrinkles, skin laxity, fat deposits, and volume loss. You also discuss your lifestyle, health history, and skincare habits. This helps him visualize your specific concerns and develop a surgical plan that gives you ideal results.
Depending on your aesthetic goals, your blepharoplasty can focus on your upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. Dr. Chaboki takes care to explain exactly what you can expect both before and after surgery, as well as what you can do to prepare. If you smoke, you should quit at least several weeks prior to surgery, as smoking increases your risk of certain complications. Dr. Chaboki may also advise you to temporarily discontinue the use of some medicines and supplements, such as blood thinners.
How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost in Washington, DC?
Each patient — and each procedure — is unique, and the ultimate cost of any plastic surgery procedure depends on a few different factors, including the surgeon’s fees, facility fees, and fees charged by the anesthesiologist. During your consultation, we provide you with a personalized quote that accurately reflects your procedure. Learn more about paying for plastic surgery here.
Who Is an Ideal Eyelid Surgery Candidate?
Most people in good overall health are candidates for blepharoplasty. It’s also important that eyelid surgery patients don’t smoke or are willing to quit for several weeks before and after the procedure. You may be a good candidate if you’re concerned about:
Sagging skin causing folds or drooping in the upper or lower eyelid
Puffiness in the upper eyelid due to excess fat deposits
Bags under the eyes, or droopiness of the lower eyelids.
Another important consideration is that you have realistic expectations about what eyelid surgery can accomplish.
Asian Eyelid Surgery
Dr. Chaboki is pleased to meet the needs of his patients of Asian descent with specialized eyelid surgery just for Asian eyes. Sometimes called double-eyelid surgery, this procedure adds definition to the upper eyelid and creates a clear eyelid crease. This creates a more “open” eye without sacrificing the patient’s ethnic identity.
Houtan Chaboki, MD
Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Certified by both the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. Chaboki has extensive knowledge of the intricacies of the face and neck. When you choose him for your procedure, you’re choosing one of the most reputable facial plastic surgeons in DC, as well as a nationwide leader in
preservation rhinoplasty.
Dr. Chaboki performs blepharoplasty using local anesthetic with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of your surgery. Dr. Chaboki can combine upper and eyelid surgery or perform only one of the procedures.
Upper Eyelid Surgery
When performing upper eyelid surgery, Dr. Chaboki carefully places incisions within the natural creases of the lid. Using these incisions, he removes or repositions fat, tightens muscle, and removes excess skin. He then sutures the incisions. The resulting scar is virtually imperceptible.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
The incisions for lower eyelid surgery may be made externally along the lash line or on the inside of the lid (transconjunctival approach), depending on the specific needs of each patient. The transconjunctival approach is best suited for patients who have bulging fat pads but no excess skin.
Blepharoplasty Recovery
To minimize swelling after surgery, Dr. Chaboki recommends the following:
Reduce your consumption of salty or spicy foods.
Reduce your consumption of processed foods. Focus instead on fresh produce and lean proteins.
Try gentle facial massage or compression garments.
After blepharoplasty, you will need to avoid strenuous activity for at least 2 weeks so you can heal. For the first few days after surgery, you should keep ice on your eyes while you are awake to control swelling. You should also keep your head elevated at all times and sleep upright using several pillows or in a chair.
Each patient is unique and follows his or her own pattern of recuperation. Blepharoplasty is one of the more comfortable facial surgeries, and some patients don’t require any sort of prescription medicine. Dr. Chaboki works with you to help you manage your discomfort. The following timeline is typical:
1-2 days after surgery: You may wash your face using a mild cleanser.
1 week: Dr. Chaboki removes your sutures. If you have dissolvable sutures, they will be mostly dissolved by this point.
7-10 days: You may return to work or school.
1-2 weeks: You may resume applying makeup.
2 weeks: You may resume vigorous, low-risk activities, including sexual activity.
3 weeks: You may switch from glasses to contact lenses.
2 months: You may safely participate in contact sports.
When swelling has fully resolved after several weeks, you might be hearing, “Wow, you look fabulous,” instead of, “You look tired.” No matter what other people say, what’s important is that you are happy with your fresh, younger-looking eyes.
Enhancing Your Blepharoplasty Results
Dr. Chaboki offers a variety of surgical and non surgical treatments to complement the results of your eyelid surgery. Explore your options:
Brow lift surgery, frequently combined with eyelid surgery, lifts a drooping forehead and eyebrows.
Non surgical facelift uses injectables or fat to renew the eye area for patients with less advanced facial aging.
BOTOX® Cosmetic and other injectable treatments for dynamic wrinkles can provide a non surgical brow lift and soften crow’s feet at the outer corners of the eyes.
Restylane® and BELOTERO BALANCE® restore volume around the eyes in areas such as the tear troughs and temples.
Fat transfer enhances the eye area with the patient’s own harvested fat.
Hooded eyelids can create a “tired” appearance even when you’re rested and alert. They are often a genetic trait, but can also develop with age. Upper blepharoplasty addresses hooded eyes by removing excess skin and soft tissue that causes the condition.
How painful is eyelid surgery?
The procedure itself is performed using either a local anesthetic with sedation or with the patient under general anesthesia. You’ll remain comfortable or asleep during the procedure, depending on the type of anesthetic used. Discomfort during your recovery can be managed with either prescription pain medication or over-the-counter pain relievers.
Is the surgery risky?
Eyelid surgery, as with other elective cosmetic procedures, includes some risk. However, when performed by a board-certified facial plastic surgeon such as Dr. Chaboki, the risk involved is minimal. Infection is the primary risk. We provide post-op instructions that help you care for your incisions as they heal.
What’s the best age to have blepharoplasty surgery?
Eyelid surgery patients may be any age. Some women and men in their 20s get eyelid surgery because of inherited conditions, such as hooded eyes. Patients in their 40s, 50s, 60s, or older schedule blepharoplasty to reverse signs of aging that make them appear older than they feel.
Do non surgical alternatives work?
Many patients can benefit from a non surgical approach to improve the appearance of their eyes. Injectable treatments such as BOTOX and fillers can temporarily lift eyelids, minimize wrinkles around the eyes, and add volume under the eyes. Fat transfer is another minimally invasive treatment, although it requires liposuction to harvest the patient’s fat.
Will the surgery make me look younger?
Eyelid surgery creates a rested, more alert appearance often associated with a youthful look. Droopy or hooded eyelids and dark circles under the eyes can make people appear older than they are.
How long will the results last?
The results of eyelid surgery can last for years. The aging process continues and eyelids will inevitably sag at some point, but patients can enjoy the results for 10, 15, or more years.
When can I resume regular exercise after eyelid surgery?
Strenuous activities or exercise after plastic surgery will increase the risk of bleeding, swelling, and bruising. Activity restriction during the recovery period varies based on the operation performed and patient’s medical condition. Light activities, such as slow walking, may be performed soon after anesthesia. Heavy activity, such as aerobics, yoga, cycling, running, heavy lifting, or similar vigorous activities are allowed 2 weeks after the procedure. Contact sports are generally allowed after 6 weeks.
Will I need time off work or school after eyelid surgery?
Patients can go to work or school the next day or work from home, if desired. Most patients, however, plan at least 1 week off from work or school after plastic surgery. A longer period of recovery may be necessary for combined procedures.
When can I travel after eyelid surgery?
Patients should remain in the area at least the first day after plastic surgery. Regional travel by car is allowed the following day after surgery. Patients should wait at least one week before air travel after plastic surgery, but waiting two weeks is preferred. The risks associated with travel reduce with time.
When can I wear makeup or contact lenses after eyelid surgery?
Makeup should not be used around the operated area for the first week after surgery. Contact lenses are usually allowed after the first week from eyelid surgery. As healing is monitored, Dr. Chaboki will help determine an appropriate time to resume makeup on operated areas.
What can I do to help recovery and reduce swelling or bruising after eyelid surgery?
Any plastic surgery procedure (surgical or non surgical) may result in bruising and swelling, which may peak in the first day before improving. In addition, the bruising generally fades away faster than swelling. Lastly, surgical procedures tend to swell or bruise more, as compared to non surgical treatments performed in the office.
To ensure the best outcomes after eyelid surgery, make sure to read and follow our plastic surgery care instructions and the following guidelines below:
Avoid Blood Thinners
Some normal medications or herbs may worsen bruising. Stop all ibuprofen, aspirin and aspirin-like products for at least 2 weeks prior to your procedure. Avoid any herbal teas, supplements, or medications which thin the blood such as St. John’s wort, ginkgo, ginger, garlic, ginseng, kava, vitamin C, and vitamin E.
Elevate Your Head
Let gravity play a role in the recovery process. Positioning your head on top of a few pillows, or elevated mattress top, will help reduce bruising and swelling in the treated area. Avoid bending over as much as possible, too.
Apply Ice
In addition to reducing swelling, a cool compress helps constrict blood vessels, which may decrease the extent of bruising. Ice, however, should not be placed directly on the skin. A soft cloth helps spread the cooling effects. Ice is the most important during the first 2 days after cosmetic treatments.
Avoid Heavy Activity
Heavy or strenuous activity that increases the heart rate or blood pressure can increase bruising and delay recovery. Heavy activities to avoid include, but are not limited to, all types of exercise and sex. Even lighter activity, such as yoga, should be avoided. This restriction on activity is for the first 2 weeks after plastic surgery.
Try Arnica Montana and Bromelain
Herbal supplements that help some patients reduce bruising and swelling include Arnica montana and bromelain. Both of these are available over the counter without a prescription. You should look for these supplements in a tablet form. Bromelain is also found in pineapples.
How long should bruising last after eyelid surgery?
Bruising improves faster than swelling after plastic surgery. On average, most bruising resolves within the first 1 to 2 weeks in the early phase of healing.
How long should swelling last after eyelid surgery?
The immediate swelling after eyelid surgery may last approximately a week or 2, depending on several factors. After this initial healing period, swelling is still present, but usually only noticeable by the patient. The very last tiny bit of swelling takes several months to gradually abate.
It’s possible to have swelling in areas of the face and eyes adjacent to the surgery site, even though plastic surgery was not necessarily performed in those areas. This extension of facial swelling is due to gravity and the natural movement of fluid in the tissues. In addition, keep in mind that the eyelids, face, and nose are very sensitive to swelling from other factors, such as allergies, diet, hormones, gravity, sleep, etc.
What type of anesthesia is used during eyelid surgery?
Non surgical eyelid procedures (e.g., BOTOX® or Restylane®) are performed in the office with local anesthesia. Minor surgery (e.g., upper blepharoplasty) is also normally performed with local anesthesia. Eyelid surgery may be performed with either IV (twilight) sedation or general anesthesia at accredited facilities with a licensed anesthetist.
Patients are safe and comfortable during their procedures. The decision on the type of anesthesia used during plastic surgery depends on the extent of surgery, additional cosmetic surgery procedures along with the eyelid surgery, patient factors and preference, and surgeon factors and preference. After an evaluation, the plastic surgeon and patient decide together the appropriate anesthesia type for plastic surgery.
How safe is eyelid surgery?
A patient’s safety is always our primary concern. Any plastic surgery has inherent risks, but eyelid surgery is considered a safe surgery in healthy patients.
Dr. Chaboki will review your medical history and medications, in addition to an appropriate examination to evaluate not only the aesthetic plan, but also to perform plastic surgery safely. Some patients may also need testing and/or preoperative medical evaluation by their primary care physician before surgery.
Where are the incisions placed for eyelid surgery?
The upper eyelid incision is placed in a natural contour in the skin, hidden from view. The lower eyelid incisions may be placed externally under the eyelashes (subciliary approach) or internally in the pink area of the eyelid (transconjunctival approach).
The incision location and length vary largely based on the age of the patient and how much lift he or she needs. Dr. Chaboki will minimize the incision but maximize the lift, without creating an unnatural appearance. The eyelid surgery incision, regardless of exact location, fades from view over time.
Can I change my eye shape with eyelid surgery?
The shape of the eyes may appear to change in some patients after removal of sagging skin, muscle, or fat. Dr. Chaboki’s general goal in cosmetic surgery is not necessarily to change people, but rather to improve and freshen their existing appearance.
Does eyelid surgery correct dark circles?
Dark circles often require different treatments for improvement. Skin treatments including eye creams, tretinoin, laser therapy, or chemical peels can improve some dark circles. Hollow eyes and volume loss contributing to dark circles are treated with facial fillers (such as Restylane®) or fat transfer. Excess eyelid skin and sagging muscle are usually treated with blepharoplasty.
A Reputation Built on Results
Dr. Houtan Chaboki has done an excellent job for me. My case was “Under-eye blepharoplasty with fat...
I can’t recommend Dr. Chaboki and his team enough! Dr. Chaboki truly listens to your concerns and takes...
Dr. Chaboki and his colleague Amelia were so amazing to work with leading up to my wedding in September...
I could not have asked for a better experience and outcome. Dr. Chaboki was clear and honest about what...
Large, open eyes are a universal sign of youth and beauty; however, the eyelids are one of the first areas to show signs of aging. Droopy upper eyelids, sagging eyebrows, or puffy lower eyelid bags can make you appear tired or older than you actually feel. While wrinkles typically come with age and sun exposure, some people are born with excess skin or fat around the eyes. Eyelid surgery is one of the first cosmetic procedures many patients undergo. As a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Chaboki specializes in all aspects of cosmetic eyelid surgery, technically called blepharoplasty. At his Washington, DC, practice, people from Arlington and Ashburn, Virginia; Bethesda and Chevy Chase, Maryland; and other nearby cities trust him for attractive, natural-looking results.
