Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) in New Jersey
Sagging upper eyelids and puffy under-eye bags can create a look of fatigue and conceal an individual’s internal vibrancy and youthfulness. Dr. Nicole Schrader is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon and otolaryngologist (head and neck surgeon) in Princeton, NJ, with more than a decade of experience. Dr. Schrader performs eyelid surgery, which is technically called blepharoplasty, to give men and women a lasting, noticeably refreshed appearance.
What is a Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin, fat, and muscle from the eyelids in order to improve the appearance of droopy upper eyelids or puffy under-eye bags. The procedure can be performed on both the upper and lower eyelids, depending on the patient’s individual needs. Board-certified plastic surgeons perform blepharoplasty using advanced surgical techniques to ensure safety and optimal results.
During a blepharoplasty procedure, your plastic surgeon will make incisions along or within the natural creases of your upper and/or lower eyelids in order to access the excess skin. After removing any extra skin, fat, or muscle tissue, your surgeon will close the incisions with sutures. The entire procedure typically takes between one and two hours to complete.
Types of eyelid surgery
Upper Eyelid Surgery
Dr. Schrader removes excess skin, and fat through strategically placed incisions in the natural creases of the upper lids. Dr. Schrader then meticulously closes the incisions, using a series of tiny sutures, which leave nearly invisible scars that are hidden in the creases of the eyelids.
Lower Blepharoplasty
Dr. Schrader places the incisions along the lower eyelash line or in the lower eyelid, which is called the transconjunctival blepharoplasty approach. Dr. Schrader carefully removes the excess fat and loose skin through these incisions to transform the under-eye area.
Blepharoplasty Consultation
Dr. Schrader offers the highest quality of cosmetic procedures, and she customizes each treatment to match the specific needs and desires of the patient. During each consultation, Dr. Schrader carefully reviews the patient’s health history and examines their eyes, face, and skin. She thoroughly explains the best treatment options available and provides each patient with her recommendations and a customized treatment plan.
Blepharoplasty Recovery
Blepharoplasty patients typically do not experience significant discomfort. Some eyelid tightness and soreness may be experienced, and this discomfort can be controlled with over-the-counter or prescription pain medication. Dr. Schrader provides thorough post-care instructions for your eyelids. Patients must keep their head elevated as much as possible for the first few days, even while sleeping, and cold compresses must also be applied during the first 24 hours to reduce swelling and bruising. Bruising is the primary concern after blepharoplasty surgery, and applying cool compresses during the first 24 hours will significantly reduce potential bruising and swelling.
Dryness, itching, tearing and blurry vision may be experienced during the first week. Contact lenses must be avoided for at least one week to allow the incisions time to heal. Bruising usually fades completely within ten days. Patients can resume reading in two to three days, and the stitches are removed at day five. Most patients return to work and normal activities within seven days. Strenuous activities should be avoided for approximately three weeks.
Blepharoplasty Results
Blepharoplasty (eyelid lift surgery) significantly lifts and rejuvenates the upper lids and reduces the appearance of under-eye bags. Men and women achieve a more energetic and youthful appearance with blepharoplasty. Patients can also anticipate a clearer vision after eyelid surgery if their lids are obstructing the field of vision.
Adding additional treatments can provide complementary results, including the following:
- Facelift: Facelift to reduce wrinkles and signs of aging in the lower two-thirds of the face.
- Brow lift: Brow lift that raises sagging or heavy brows that may be weighing down the upper eyelids.
- BOTOX®: BOTOX® treatment to raise the eyebrows and reduce the appearance of forehead lines and crow’s feet.
- Laser resurfacing: Laser resurfacing to smooth wrinkles and fade dark, under-eye circles.
- Fat transfer: Fat transfer that adds volume to the area under the eyes or brows.
Schedule Your Consultation in Princeton, NJ
If you are interested in learning more about eyelid surgery, call 609-279-0009 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Nicole Schrader in Princeton, NJ, or contact Schrader Facial Plastic Surgery HERE. We have three convenient locations in Princeton, Robbinsville, and Voorhees, NJ. We look forward to meeting you!
Blepharoplasty Cost
The cost for eyelid surgery varies depending on the patient’s customized treatment plan, which may include upper lids, lower eyelids, or both. The blepharoplasty may also be combined with other facial plastic surgery procedures to achieve the patient’s goals. After thoroughly evaluating each patient and determining the best treatment plan, Dr. Schrader has her team provide a written quote that includes the procedures and techniques that the patient and surgeon have discussed.
Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic treatment that is not typically covered by insurance. However, a surgical repair of severely drooping lids may be covered by some insurance. A field of vision study with an optometrist is usually needed to prove that eyelid surgery is medically necessary.
Eyelid Surgery Before & After Photos
* All patients are unique and individual results may vary.
The Ideal Blepharoplasty Candidate
Men and women who want to improve the appearance of puffy under-eye bags or drooping upper eyelids are ideal candidates for blepharoplasty.
Blepharoplasty Review
Why Choose Dr. Nicole Schrader
Dr. Schrader is board-certified in both facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology (head and neck surgery), making her uniquely qualified to perform cosmetic eyelid surgery with excellent results. She specializes in both reconstructive and aesthetic surgeries for patients looking to restore their youthful appearance or correct any issues they may have with their eyes or face area as a result of aging or trauma. With her experience and expertise, Dr. Schrader is able to help her patients achieve lasting results with minimal downtime.
- She is a double board-certified surgeon in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology & Head/Neck Surgery.
- Dr. Schrader is a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- She has over 20 years of experience, 15+ years in private practice and has performed hundreds of facelift surgeries.
- Dr. Schrader Recognized as Best Plastic Surgeon by Town Topics Readers’ Choice Awards.
Blepharoplasty Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgery that is performed to treat drooping or sagging upper eyelids or puffy under-eye bags by removing excess skin, loose muscle and sometimes fat.
Am I a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
Dr. Schrader must meet with you in a private consultation to determine if you are a good candidate for Blepharoplasty. She may determine that you are a good eyelid surgical candidate if you want to improve the appearance of puffy under-eye bags or heavy, sagging upper/lower eyelids.
Can I Combine Blepharoplasty with Other Procedures?
Yes, Blepharoplasty can be combined with other procedures to achieve specific goals. Dr. Schrader specializes in facial rejuvenation and often combines eyelid surgery with other facial rejuvenation procedures, such as a facelift, forehead lift, Botox® injections, laser skin treatments for dark under-eye circles and fat transfer to add volume under the eyes or brows.
What Can I Expect at My Consultation?
Dr. Schrader will meet with you to review your health history and your cosmetic goals. She will examine you to determine if an eyelid lift is the best procedure for you. Dr. Schrader will show you before and after photos that can help you visualize the results that you can anticipate.
How Long Does Blepharoplasty Take?
The eyelid lift typically is completed in as little as 1-2 hours.
How Long Does it Take to Recuperate After Blepharoplasty?
The recuperation varies but bruising is the main concern after blepharoplasty. Apply cool compresses as directed for the first 24 hours to minimize potential bruising and swelling. Also, keep your head elevated at all times for the first several days, even when sleeping. Avoid wearing contact lenses for at least 2 weeks to provide the incisions time to heal. Most patients are ready to return to non-strenuous work in about one week. Strenuous activity and work must be avoided for up to three weeks. Bruising usually fades completely in about seven days.
When can I return to work following an eye lift?
Most patients return to work within seven to ten days.
How Soon can I Resume My Exercise Routine?
You may be able to resume your exercise program one to two weeks post-surgery.
Is Blepharoplasty Painful?
Eyelid lift surgery is mildly uncomfortable, but this discomfort is greatly reduced with the use of prescription pain medication or even Tylenol.
Does Insurance Cover Blepharoplasty?
Medical insurance will not cover the cost of blepharoplasty unless it is being performed to restore a droopy eyelid that significantly obstructs your vision. A visual field test is usually needed from an optometrist to qualify for coverage.
What Blepharoplasty office is near me?
f you live in the state of New Jersey, Schrader Plastic Surgery offers Blepharoplasty among its services. For a full list of services, please visit our Locations page.