Eyelid Surgery Overview
Eyelid surgery—also known as blepharoplasty—is a leading cosmetic procedure that corrects signs of aging around the eyes. This treatment is designed to remove excess skin, smooth fine lines, and eliminate under-eye bags. Whether you’re experiencing puffiness, sagging, or tired-looking eyes, blepharoplasty revitalizes your appearance by tightening and lifting the eyelid area. This outpatient procedure can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both for a complete transformation. Our board-certified plastic surgeons personalize each surgery to suit your anatomy and desired outcome, ensuring results that look natural and enhance your facial harmony. Beyond aesthetic benefits, eyelid surgery can also restore obstructed vision caused by droopy upper lids. With advanced techniques and a patient-centered approach, our team provides treatments that are safe, precise, and effective.
How Eyelid Surgery Works
Cosmetic eyelid surgery is a precise outpatient procedure typically lasting one to two hours. To ensure comfort, your board-certified plastic surgeon administers either local anesthesia or general anesthesia. Incisions are carefully placed along the natural creases of the upper eyelids or inside the lower eyelids to minimize visible scarring. During surgery, fat deposits are removed or repositioned, excess skin is trimmed, and muscle tissue is gently tightened to enhance the eye contour. If both upper and lower lids are treated, the approach is tailored for balance and harmony. Delicate sutures close the incisions, preserving your natural expression. Recovery is usually smooth, with visible rejuvenation in days and lasting improvements over several weeks.
Benefits of an Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, offers a range of cosmetic and functional benefits. For patients in Neenah and Plover, this procedure is ideal for reducing under-eye bags, lifting sagging upper eyelids, and minimizing fine wrinkles that contribute to a tired or aged appearance. Improved eyelid definition can dramatically enhance facial symmetry and make your eyes appear more alert and youthful. Functionally, eyelid surgery can restore vision impaired by drooping skin, making it more than just a cosmetic enhancement. Many patients also report increased self-confidence, as their refreshed appearance better reflects their energy and vitality. At The Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery, our board-certified surgeons specialize in natural, long-lasting results through personalized surgical plans and advanced techniques.
Before, During, and After
What to Expect Before an Eyelid Surgery
Before your blepharoplasty, you’ll meet with your board-certified surgeon for a detailed consultation. During this visit, we will assess your eyelid anatomy, discuss your goals, review medical history, and determine the best surgical plan. You’ll receive pre-operative instructions, which may include avoiding blood thinners, smoking, and alcohol to promote optimal healing. Photographs may be taken for comparison.
What to Expect During an Eyelid Surgery
On the day of your procedure, you’ll be prepped in our state-of-the-art surgical suite in Neenah or Plover. Blepharoplasty is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation. Incisions are made in the natural folds of the eyelids to minimize scarring. The surgeon then removes or repositions tissue as needed. The surgery usually takes one to two hours.
What to Expect After an Eyelid Surgery
Following your eyelid surgery, you may experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort, which are manageable with prescribed medications and cold compresses. You’ll be advised to keep your head elevated and avoid strenuous activity. Most patients return to light activities within a few days. Stitches are usually removed in 5–7 days, and results become more visible as swelling subsides.
EYELID SURGERY (Blepharoplasty)
BEFORE & AFTERS
Eyelid Surgery
Age: 69 | Height: 5’5″
This patient was referred to The Center by her ophthalmologist for blepharoplasty. She had significant visual field obstruction from her upper eyelids. After surgery, her eyes have a much more youthful, open, and very natural appearance.
Age: 44 | Height: 5’3″
Age: 34 | Height: 5’2″
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a good candidate for eyelid surgery?
Yes, if you’re in good health, don’t smoke, and have realistic goals for improving eyelid appearance.
How long is the recovery after eyelid surgery?
Most patients return to normal activities in 7–10 days, with full healing occurring over several weeks.
Will eyelid surgery leave visible scars?
Incisions are carefully placed within natural folds, making any scars nearly invisible after healing.
Can eyelid surgery improve vision as well as appearance?
Yes, removing excess upper eyelid skin can enhance your field of vision in addition to aesthetics.
What’s the difference between upper and lower eyelid surgery?
Upper eyelid surgery removes sagging skin, while lower surgery reduces under-eye bags and puffiness.
Plastic Surgery Procedures for Appleton Patients
Every procedure below has its own page with candidacy, recovery, risks, and before and after photos. Use them to prepare questions for your consultation.
Face
- Face lift: tightens loose skin and underlying tissue of the lower face and neck.
- Eyelid surgery: removes excess upper or lower eyelid skin and puffiness for a more rested look.
- Brow and forehead lift: raises a low or heavy brow and softens forehead lines.
- Rhinoplasty: reshapes the nose to improve balance with the rest of the face.
Breast
- Breast augmentation: adds volume and improves symmetry with saline or silicone implants, or with fat transfer.
- Breast lift: raises and reshapes breasts that have lost firmness after pregnancy, weight change, or time.
- Breast reduction: reduces breast size and weight to relieve discomfort and improve proportion.
- Breast reconstruction: rebuilds the breast after mastectomy or injury.
Body
- Tummy tuck: removes loose abdominal skin and tightens separated muscles, often after pregnancy or weight loss.
- Liposuction: removes stubborn fat from areas such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs, and arms.
- Arm lift: removes loose skin of the upper arms.
- Thigh lift: tightens loose skin of the inner or outer thighs.