FACESURGICAL
Eyelid Surgery in Delafield
Rested eyes, not redone ones.
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin, muscle, and sometimes fat from the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. The procedure can improve drooping eyelids that may impair peripheral vision, reduce puffiness and under-eye bags, and restore a more rested, youthful appearance to the eye area.
At a Glance
- ASPS member surgeons performed over 120,000 eyelid surgery procedures in 2024, making it one of the top five cosmetic surgical procedures[2]
- Orbital hemorrhage, the most serious complication of blepharoplasty, has an estimated incidence of 1 in 2,000 to 1 in 25,000 cases[5]
- Upper eyelid blepharoplasty may improve visual field obstruction that affects daily activities such as driving, reading, and computer use[3]
- Bruising and swelling from blepharoplasty typically resolve within 10 to 14 days, and most patients resume normal activities within 24 to 48 hours[3]
Before & after
Real faces, real results.
Before & after
Blepharoplasty
Before & after
Blepharoplasty
Before & after
Blepharoplasty
Individual results vary. Photos shown with patient consent.
Overview
Blepharoplasty is one of the most commonly performed facial cosmetic procedures. ASPS data indicates that eyelid surgery consistently ranks among the top five cosmetic surgical procedures performed in the United States, with over 120,000 procedures performed by ASPS member surgeons in 2024.
The procedure can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both during the same surgical session. Upper blepharoplasty addresses excess skin that can fold over the eyelashes and obstruct peripheral vision, while lower blepharoplasty targets puffiness, fat herniation, and loose skin beneath the eyes.
Eyelid surgery may be performed for cosmetic reasons, functional reasons, or both. Functional blepharoplasty addresses eyelid skin excess (dermatochalasis) that measurably obstructs the visual field, while cosmetic blepharoplasty focuses on aesthetic rejuvenation of the eye area without a documented visual deficit.
What to expect
- Consultation to discuss goals, review medical history, and evaluate eyelid anatomy including margin reflex distance and levator function
- Pre-operative evaluation including visual field testing, eyelid measurements, and photography
- Administration of local anesthesia with sedation; general anesthesia may be used when combined with other procedures
- Precise marking of the eyelid crease and determination of skin and tissue to be removed
- Incision along the natural upper eyelid crease or along the lower lash line
- Careful removal of excess skin, orbicularis muscle, and protruding fat pads
- Repositioning or redistribution of remaining fat to achieve smooth contours
- Closure of incisions with fine sutures, tissue adhesive, or surgical tape
- Application of antibiotic ointment and cold compresses
- Post-operative instructions including head elevation and ice compress use
How a eyelid surgery works
- For upper blepharoplasty, the surgeon marks the natural crease of the eyelid and determines the amount of skin to remove using precise measurements. A total of approximately 20 mm of skin should remain between the lower eyebrow margin and the eyelash margin to preserve normal eyelid function.
- An incision is made along the marked crease using a scalpel, CO2 laser, or radiofrequency instrument. Excess skin, orbicularis muscle, and protruding preaponeurotic and nasal fat are carefully removed.
- For lower blepharoplasty, the incision is typically placed just below the lower lash line or on the inside of the eyelid (transconjunctival approach). Excess fat may be removed, redistributed, or repositioned to smooth the contour of the lower eyelid and cheek junction.
- The incisions are closed with fine sutures, tissue glue, or surgical tape. When performed in the natural eyelid crease, the resulting scars typically become inconspicuous once healed.
When it's recommended
- Excess upper eyelid skin that obstructs peripheral or central vision
- Drooping or sagging upper eyelids creating folds that disturb the eyelid contour
- Fatty deposits appearing as puffiness in the upper or lower eyelids
- Under-eye bags caused by fat herniation
- Excess skin and fine wrinkles on the lower eyelids
- Drooping lower eyelids that reveal scleral show below the iris
- Headaches and brow ache from overworked frontalis muscles compensating for heavy lids
- Chronic dermatitis caused by redundant eyelid skin
Is a eyelid surgery right for you?
Reach out to learn more from Dr. Lucas Boehm.
Concerns it addresses
Concern
Learn moreFacial Aging
Facial aging is a progressive, multifactorial process involving changes to the skin, soft tissue, and underlying bone structure of the…
Concern
Learn moreDermatochalasis
Dermatochalasis is the presence of excess, lax, or redundant skin of the upper and/or lower eyelids that develops most commonly as a result…
Recovery & aftercare
- Cold compresses are applied continuously for the first 2 to 3 days to minimize swelling and bruising
- Head elevation at 45 to 60 degrees is recommended during recovery
- Most patients resume normal daily activities within 24 to 48 hours
- Bruising and swelling typically resolve within 10 to 14 days
- Nonabsorbable sutures are removed in approximately 5 to 7 days
- Contact lens wear may resume after approximately 1 week
- Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for 2 to 4 weeks
- Postoperative eyelid numbness typically resolves within 2 to 4 months
- Final results continue to improve as subtle swelling resolves over several weeks to months
Alternatives
- Non-surgical skin tightening procedures for mild eyelid laxity
- Injectable fillers to address under-eye hollowing
- Botox injections to reduce crow's feet and brow positioning
- Laser skin resurfacing for fine lines around the eyes
- Chemical peels for surface skin texture improvement
- Brow lift for upper eyelid heaviness caused by brow descent
How much does an eyelid surgery cost?
An eyelid surgery at Consona with Dr. Boehm costs around $4,000. This price is for an upper blepharoplasty; a lower blepharoplasty is quoted separately. The exact amount depends on your unique goals and treatment needs. Schedule a consultation today to learn more and receive a personalized quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, is a procedure that removes excess skin, muscle, and sometimes fat from the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. It can improve drooping eyelids that obstruct vision and reduce puffiness and under-eye bags for a more rested, youthful appearance.
- Eyelid surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation, so discomfort during the procedure is minimal. After surgery, patients may experience tightness, mild soreness, and swelling around the eyes. Discomfort is usually well managed with acetaminophen and cold compresses.
- Blepharoplasty is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified surgeon. Complications are infrequent and most are minor and temporary. As with any surgical procedure, there are risks that your surgeon will discuss during consultation.
- Most patients resume normal daily activities within 1 to 2 days. Bruising and swelling typically resolve within 10 to 14 days, and sutures are removed in about 5 to 7 days. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for 2 to 4 weeks. Final results continue to improve over several weeks.
- Upper and lower blepharoplasty can be performed during the same surgical session. Combining both procedures typically adds to the total surgery time but avoids a second period of recovery. Your surgeon can evaluate whether treating both areas simultaneously is appropriate for your goals.
- Eyelid surgery may not be appropriate for individuals with dry eye syndrome, compromised blink function, active smoking habits, uncontrolled bleeding disorders, or thyroid eye conditions such as Graves disease. A thorough pre-operative evaluation helps determine whether blepharoplasty is suitable for each individual.
Eyelid Surgery risks & candidacy
Who should avoid this
- Dry eye syndrome or compromised tear production
- Compromised blink function or pre-existing lagophthalmos
- Active smoking or nicotine use (impairs wound healing)
- Uncontrolled bleeding disorders or unmanaged anticoagulation therapy
- Active infection at the planned surgical site
- Graves disease or thyroid eye disease (requires special evaluation)
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- Unrealistic expectations regarding surgical outcomes
Possible risks
- Temporary bruising, swelling, and discoloration around the eyes
- Dry eyes or increased tearing (epiphora)
- Temporary blurred or double vision
- Infection at the incision site
- Difficulty closing the eyes temporarily (lagophthalmos)
- Asymmetry between the two eyelids
- Visible scarring, scar hypertrophy, or inclusion cysts
- Numbness or altered sensation around the eyelids
- Postoperative ptosis (drooping) of the upper eyelid
- Orbital hemorrhage (rare but serious, estimated at 1 in 2,000 to 1 in 25,000)
- Need for revision surgery
Your surgeon
Care that respects what makes you, you.
Dr. Lucas Boehm is a Wisconsin native, board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon and the founder of Consona Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics. His practice is dedicated exclusively to aesthetic surgery of the face, nose, breast, and body, with particular expertise in deep plane facelifts, rhinoplasty, and aesthetic breast surgery. He completed his undergraduate education at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin, and completed his plastic surgery residency there as well. He then pursued an Aesthetic Society-endorsed fellowship in aesthetic surgery under the mentorship of Dr. Bradley Calobrace in Louisville, Kentucky. Known for meticulous attention to detail, he approaches each case with precision and intention. His philosophy emphasizes harmony and balance – enhancing what is already beautiful while ensuring every change feels natural, thoughtful, and uniquely you.
- Board-certified
- Am. Board of Plastic Surgery
- Fellowship-trained
- Aesthetic surgery
- 12+ years
- In practice
Sources & references
This article draws on 5 sources, including peer-reviewed research, leading medical institutions.
Government & research
Medical institutions
Medically reviewed by Dr. Lucas Boehm, MD · Last reviewed: 2026-06-13