Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty surgery, is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures performed in the United States, and for good reason. By carefully removing excess eyelid skin, lifting drooping eyelid skin, and rejuvenating the delicate tissue around the eyes, an eyelid lift can dramatically brighten your face, restore a youthful appearance, and give you a renewed sense of confidence. Whether you are bothered by heavy upper eyelids, bags under the eyes, or wrinkled lower eyelid skin, knowing what to expect before, during, and after your procedure can help ease any anxiety and set you up for the best possible outcome.

At FacesFirst Cosmetic Surgery in Denver and Lone Tree, CO, our board-certified facial plastic surgeons, Dr. Picerno and Dr. Cote, specialize exclusively in procedures of the face, head, and neck, bringing unmatched precision and expertise to every eyelid lift surgery they perform.

Understanding Blepharoplasty Surgery

Blepharoplasty surgery is a cosmetic eyelid surgery designed to enhance the appearance and, in some cases, the function of the eyes. The specific approach taken during your eyelid lift surgery will depend on your individual concerns, anatomy, and aesthetic goals. Some patients are primarily concerned with the upper eyelids, while others focus on the lower eyelids, and many choose to address both in a single surgical session for a more balanced, comprehensive result.

The eyes are one of the most defining features of the face. When excess eyelid skin accumulates or drooping eyelid skin begins to weigh down the upper lids, it can make you appear significantly older or perpetually tired, even if you feel energetic and well-rested. Cosmetic eyelid surgery corrects these changes at their source, delivering results that look refreshed and natural rather than overdone.

Blepharoplasty is consistently ranked among the top five cosmetic surgical procedures in the country, valued both for its effectiveness and for the relatively straightforward recovery it involves compared to more extensive facial rejuvenation procedures.

Upper Eyelid Surgery: Correcting Drooping and Excess Skin

Upper eyelid surgery is the most commonly performed form of blepharoplasty. It is designed to address excess eyelid skin and drooping eyelid skin on the upper lids, which are changes that develop naturally as part of the aging process, as the eyelid skin loses its elasticity and begins to descend.

During upper eyelid surgery, your surgeon at FacesFirst will make a carefully placed incision along the natural creases of the upper eyelid. Working within these natural creases ensures that any resulting scar is virtually undetectable once fully healed, as it blends seamlessly into the existing contours of the eyelid. Through this incision, the surgeon removes excess eyelid skin and, where appropriate, addresses underlying fat or muscle contributing to the heavy, hooded appearance.

For some patients, drooping eyelid skin becomes severe enough to obstruct their field of vision, particularly peripheral vision and downward gaze. In these cases, upper eyelid surgery is not simply a cosmetic procedure but a functionally necessary one that can meaningfully improve quality of life. If your excess eyelid skin is affecting your ability to see clearly, your surgery may be eligible for insurance coverage.

Lower Eyelid Surgery: Addressing Bags and Wrinkles

Lower eyelid surgery targets the delicate skin and underlying structures beneath the eyes. This area of the face is particularly prone to developing bags under the eyes, puffiness, and wrinkled or loose lower eyelid skin, all of which can contribute to an aged, fatigued appearance that is difficult to address with skincare products alone.

During lower eyelid surgery, your surgeon carefully addresses the fat compartments and eyelid skin responsible for that puffy, baggy look. Depending on your specific anatomy and concerns, incisions may be placed just below the lower lash line or inside the lower eyelid using a transconjunctival approach, which leaves no visible external scar at all. Excess skin, fat, and tissue are then removed or repositioned to produce a smoother, firmer, more youthful-looking under-eye area.

Lower eyelid surgery can be performed as a standalone cosmetic procedure or in combination with upper eyelid surgery for patients who experience concerns with both upper and lower eyelids. Addressing the full eye area in a single surgical session is a popular and efficient approach that delivers the most harmonious, balanced results.

Combining Eyelid Surgery with Other Facial Rejuvenation Procedures

One of the most important things to understand about blepharoplasty surgery is that it can be powerfully enhanced by combining eyelid surgery with other facial rejuvenation procedures. Many patients who seek an eyelid lift also have concerns about a heavy or descended brow, forehead wrinkles, or overall facial laxity, which are issues that eyelid surgery alone cannot fully resolve.

A brow lift (sometimes called a forehead lift) is one of the most common procedures paired with cosmetic eyelid surgery. Because a descending brow can push skin down over the upper eyelids, contributing to the appearance of excess eyelid skin and drooping eyelid skin, addressing the brow position at the same time as the eyelids produces a significantly more comprehensive facial rejuvenation result. In some cases, what appears to be an upper eyelid problem is actually a brow position problem, and your FacesFirst surgeon will carefully evaluate this during your consultation to ensure the most effective treatment plan.

A forehead lift addresses horizontal forehead lines and the furrowed appearance between the brows, complementing the eye-opening effects of an eyelid lift beautifully. Combining eyelid surgery with a forehead lift or brow lift allows for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation in a single surgical session, reducing overall recovery time and delivering a more cohesive, naturally youthful outcome.

Other facial rejuvenation procedures that are commonly combined with blepharoplasty include facelifts, neck lifts, and skin resurfacing treatments. Your surgeon will help you determine which combination of surgical procedures best aligns with your goals and delivers the most natural, balanced result.

Anesthesia: What to Expect

Eyelid lift surgery is most commonly performed under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation, allowing you to remain comfortable and relaxed throughout the procedure without the need for full general anesthesia. This approach minimizes recovery time and reduces the risks associated with deeper anesthesia while ensuring that you feel absolutely no pain or discomfort during the surgical procedure.

In some cases,  particularly when combining eyelid surgery with other facial rejuvenation procedures such as a brow lift or forehead lift, general anesthesia may be recommended. Your FacesFirst surgeon will discuss the most appropriate anesthesia plan for your specific procedure during your consultation, taking into account your medical history, the extent of the surgery, and your personal preferences.

Blepharoplasty Surgery Side Effects

As with all surgical procedures, blepharoplasty surgery carries a degree of risk, and it is important to have a clear and realistic understanding of potential side effects before proceeding. The most common side effects following eyelid lift surgery include bruising, swelling, and temporary changes in skin sensation around the eyelid area. These effects are a normal and expected part of the healing process and typically resolve within one to two weeks.

Some patients experience temporary eye irritation, dryness, itching, or sensitivity to light in the days following cosmetic eyelid surgery. Lubricating eye drops and UV-protective sunglasses can help manage these symptoms effectively during recovery. In rare instances, patients may notice temporary double vision or blurring of vision immediately following surgery; this is almost always short-lived and resolves on its own within 24 to 48 hours.

Less common risks associated with blepharoplasty include asymmetry, scarring, infection, or difficulty fully closing the eyes. Because the eyelid skin is among the most delicate skin on the entire face, the importance of selecting a highly experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon cannot be overstated. The surgeons at FacesFirst have extensive, specialized experience in cosmetic eyelid surgery and will walk you through every potential risk and what to watch for during your recovery.

Getting Ready for Recovery

Recovery from eyelid lift surgery is generally manageable and well-tolerated, especially when patients follow their post-operative care instructions carefully. FacesFirst will provide you with comprehensive, personalized recovery guidelines following your procedure to ensure the smoothest, most comfortable healing process possible.

During the first week of recovery, it is advisable to avoid activities that strain the eyes, including reading for extended periods, watching television, using a computer or phone, and wearing contact lenses. Rest and elevation of the head, particularly during sleep, are important in minimizing swelling and encouraging proper healing of the delicate eyelid skin.

Most patients feel comfortable enough to resume light, everyday activities around day ten of recovery. However, any activity that significantly increases blood flow to the eyes and face,  such as heavy lifting, vigorous exercise, or prolonged bending, should be avoided for the first three to four weeks following your blepharoplasty surgery.

It is completely normal for the recovery process to feel daunting at first. Swelling and bruising can make it difficult to fully appreciate your results in the early weeks. Around the four to six week mark, as swelling subsides and the eyelid skin settles, patients begin to experience the full effect of their eyelid lift, a refreshed, naturally youthful appearance that reflects how vibrant they truly feel.

Schedule a Consultation at FacesFirst Today

If you are in the Denver or Lone Tree, CO area and are ready to explore cosmetic eyelid surgery, the team at FacesFirst Cosmetic Surgery is here to help. Whether you are interested in upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, combining eyelid surgery with a brow lift or forehead lift, or a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation plan, our surgeons will work closely with you to design a personalized treatment approach that achieves your goals beautifully and naturally.

Contact FacesFirst Cosmetic Surgery today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a more confident, refreshed, and youthful appearance.

FacesFirst Cosmetic Surgery proudly serves patients throughout Denver, Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, Centennial, and the surrounding communities.

Nicolette Picerno, M.D.

Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon at FacesFirst | Website

Dr. Nicolette Picerno is a double-board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology. She received her medical degree from Hahnemann University, School of Medicine in Philadelphia, and completed her fellowship for the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Beeson Aesthetic Surgery Institute in Carmel, IN. She also completed the Cenegenics Physician Training and Certification in Age Management Medicine program in 2012 and became a certified BioTE provider in 2014. When not in the office, Dr. Picerno enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, skiing, playing tennis, and running her doggie daycare with her husband.