The first signs of aging can commonly be seen around the eyes. Droopy or sagging skin around the eyelids can cause some men to appear more aged and tired than they really are. Luckily, there is a procedure for men called blepharoplasty which helps to lift the upper and/or lower eyelids.

For more information about eyelid surgery for men and whether this would be a good option for you, contact us online.

• Facial Aesthetic Concepts our board-certified surgeons have performed thousands of blepharoplasty procedures and have testimonials and transformation pictures to demonstrate the results of our happy patients.
• We address your cosmetic concerns and provide a customized treatment plan that encompasses your lifestyle and aesthetic goals.
• At FAC, we’ve created a stress-free environment in which you can be treated by a professional staff that addresses your needs and provides comfort and privacy.

Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is a surgical procedure that can help improve the appearance of upper and/or lower eyelids by reducing the look of folds and creases. It can also help to improve or remove excess fatty deposits that can create puffy eyes, to repair undereye bags, to correct problems with excess skin, and to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Eyelid surgery can also be performed for medical reasons. Blepharoplasty can be an effective solution for addressing ptosis — the medical term for droopy upper eyelids — that causes vision impairment. Ptosis can occur at birth, as part of the aging process, or as a side effect from trauma. 

Sometimes, relaxed or sagging muscles in the forehead or brow area can cause worsening symptoms of ptosis. In these instances, Dr. Gangnes may recommend combining your eyelid surgery with a forehead/brow lift to optimize results. 

The best candidates for eyelid surgery are healthy men who have unsightly or bothersome folds and creases and/or puffiness in the upper or lower eyelids due to aging. If drooping or puffy eyelids have impacted your vision, you may be an ideal candidate for eyelid surgery.

Your surgeon will discuss any issues you may have to determine if blepharoplasty is the best option. He will provide you with a thorough examination of the anatomy of your face so that the underlying causes can be found.

The surgery itself is a simple procedure. After you have been sedated and given a local anesthetic, your surgeon will make small incisions in the natural creases of the eyelid. Through these incisions, muscles can be repaired, excess skin can be dealt with or removed, and other corrective techniques can be performed. Once that is complete, if you and your surgeon discussed adding cosmetic injectables, they would be administered at this time. After injectables are administered, your surgeon will close the incisions, and you will be on your way to recovery and better, more youthful eyelids.

As with most cosmetic surgery for men, recovery time depends on a combination of factors including the extent of your eyelid surgery, your body’s natural healing process, and your commitment to following aftercare instructions.

Although it is not necessary to rest immediately following your eyelid surgery, you should plan on having someone drive you home and help around the house while you relax and use cold compresses on your eyes for the first 24 to 48 hours.

You can expect to feel some swelling and tightness as well as bruising, but most of these symptoms will resolve within 2 weeks as you continue to heal. Your surgeon may recommend that you wear dark sunglasses during your recovery period to protect your eyes from the sun and debris.

Most men feel comfortable enough to resume normal activities within 7 to 10 days after eyelid surgery. However, activities that cause increased blood flow to the head area should be avoided for 3 to 4 weeks. It may take a few months before full results are achieved. The results of your eyelid surgery should be long-lasting as long as you follow your recovery instructions.

How much does eyelid surgery cost?

There is no set price for eyelid surgery, even when working with the same facial plastic surgeon as another patient. The price can change based on how extensive the surgery is, if it targets the upper or lower lids or both, and if the patient wants to alter the overall shape of their eyes or not. On average, eyelid surgery in the US costs $3,282. However, this is a national average and is not inclusive of all costs associated with the surgery. Anesthesia, hospital fees and other costs will increase the total.

Is eyelid surgery considered medically necessary?

Blepharoplasty for men is commonly performed to address aesthetic concerns like sagging lids and under eye bags, which are more focused on creating a refreshed, more alert appearance. However, there are a few instances that eyelid surgery might be deemed medically necessary.

If drooping eyelids are so severe that they limit your field of vision, or if you need reconstructive or functional surgery due to a congenital disorder or trauma, then eyelid surgery may be medically necessary.

Will insurance cover my eyelid surgery?

Eyelid surgery is only covered when proven to be medically necessary. Your insurance provider may have you see an optometrist to complete a visual field exam. If the upper lids are found to be restricting your field of vision, your insurance might cover all or part of the surgery on the upper lids. It is very rare for lower lid surgery to be covered. Whether or not your insurance covers eyelid surgery will depend on your individual plan.

How successful is eyelid surgery?

Blepharoplasty has a high success rate when completed by an experienced and qualified facial plastic surgeon. It is important that you head into their procedure with realistic expectations for what eyelid surgery can do and are ready to do their part during the recovery period.

Does eyelid surgery leave behind visible scars?

Dr. Gangnes takes special care to place the incisions along the natural folds and creases of the skin, helping to disguise them. For most men, no visible scar remains once healing is complete, but this can take up to a year. Proper post-surgery care can also help to minimize scarring.

Can I get eyelid surgery after laser vision correction?

Yes, there is no reason you cannot get both surgeries. While you might want to space them at least a few months apart, laser vision correction should impact the results of your eyelid surgery.

Can you operate on only one eye?

Sometimes, men show significant signs of aging just on one side of their face. This is often due to spending excessive hours driving or working in an office space with sunlight exposure on one side of the body. When this happens, you may notice that one eye is droopier than the other. However, it’s best to address both eyes to achieve a balanced look.

How much pain will I experience after surgery?

After any surgery, you should anticipate at least a degree of discomfort. Luckily, eyelid surgery tends to produce less pain than other, more extensive surgeries. We may prescribe appropriate pain medications to ensure you are comfortable as you heal.

To schedule your eyelid surgery consultation or to learn more about cosmetic surgery for men, please call us at (949) 313-2600 or request a complimentary consultation online.