Eyelid surgery for droopy or heavy lids
Our oculoplastic surgeons repair lids that block your vision, turn inward or outward, or simply make you look tired.
In short: heavy or drooping eyelids can block your side vision. Our oculoplastic surgeons repair them as an outpatient procedure under local or IV anesthesia, and insurance often covers it when your lids limit your vision.
What to expect
- Consultation: an exam with an oculoplastic surgeon. Bring photos of yourself from 10 to 15 years ago.
- Before surgery: we coordinate with your primary doctor about medicines. Never stop a blood thinner on your own; we will tell you if and when.
- Surgery day: local or IV anesthesia, and most people go home the same day.
- Recovery: swelling peaks around 48 hours, then fades. Bruising usually clears within two weeks. Stitches come out in about 6 to 14 days. Makeup after 10 days, strenuous exercise after 14.
Will insurance cover it?
When drooping lids limit your vision, eyelid surgery is often considered medically necessary. We confirm your coverage before scheduling. For cosmetic eyelid and skin care, see Lumen Aesthetics.
What is happening inside your eye
Your eyelids protect the eye and spread tears. With age, the skin stretches and the muscle that lifts the lid can weaken, so the lid sags into your line of sight. Lids can also turn inward and scratch the cornea, or outward and leave the eye dry.
Explore the eyeHow we treat it
Upper blepharoplasty
Removes loose skin that weighs on the lid and blocks side vision. The incision sits in the natural crease. Performed with a CO2 laser to reduce bruising and swelling.
Lower blepharoplasty
Reduces puffiness and bags, usually through an incision inside the lid.
Ptosis repair
Tightens the muscle that lifts the lid when the lid itself sits too low.
Brow pexy
A subtle lift of the brow, often done with upper lid surgery.
Entropion and ectropion repair
Corrects a lid that turns inward and scratches the eye, or outward and causes dryness.
Common questions
Is eyelid surgery covered by insurance?
Often, when your lids limit your vision. We check your plan and confirm coverage before scheduling.
Will there be a visible scar?
Upper lid incisions sit in the natural crease, where they are very hard to see once healed.
How long is recovery?
Most swelling and bruising settle within about two weeks. Stitches come out in 6 to 14 days.
Should I stop my blood thinner?
Only if we tell you to. We plan medicines with your primary doctor before surgery.
Talk to a Lumen doctor
Book online or call, and we will match you with the right doctor and office.