Conveniently located for Fairfield County & Westchester patients
Your eyes are one of the most expressive, noticeable features on your body. Unfortunately, the effects of aging can reduce the vibrancy of your eyes, altering not only your appearance, but also the way people perceive you. Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, can rejuvenate your face by elevating drooping eyelids and smoothing out the bags underneath your eyes.
Dr. Elsa Raskin is a leading plastic surgeon who specializes in eyelid surgery. Having completed a residency in ophthalmology at the New York Ear and Eye Infirmary, she has an in-depth understanding of ocular anatomy that other plastic surgeons lack, which allows her to achieve superior eyelid enhancement for her patients in Greenwich.
TYPES OF EYELID SURGERY
Dr. Raskin performs both upper and lower blepharoplasty. Upper eyelid surgery focuses on sagging upper lids. With age, the eyelid muscles become weaker and require more effort to open fully. Drooping fat and loose skin can also weigh down on the upper eyelids, pushing them down further. By tightening these muscles and removing excess fat and skin, Dr. Raskin enables your eyelids to open more easily for wider, younger-looking eyes.
Lower eyelid surgery deals with the sensitive skin below the eye. Aging, genetics, and sun damage can contribute to dark circles and deep hollows (tear troughs) on your skin. This can contribute to you looking tired, even when you are not. With precise surgical skills, Dr. Raskin can remove and reposition fat and smooth this skin for a refreshed appearance.
BENEFITS OF BLEPHAROPLASTY
Benefits of having upper and/or lower eyelid surgery include:
- Rejuvenating the face
- Reducing “hooding” of sagging upper eyelids
- Improving the symmetry of your eyelids
- Increasing your field of vision by helping the eyelids to open more completely
- Smoothing the bags beneath the eyes for a more rested, energized appearance
- Eliminating traits that make your face look “angry” so that you are more approachable
Best of all, the results are more subtle than other forms of plastic surgery. Your friends and colleagues may ask if you are getting more sleep or trying a new skin care routine, but it should not be obvious that you have had a surgical procedure performed.
Candidacy for Blepharoplasty
Eyelid surgery helps people with excess skin, puffiness, or drooping around their eyes achieve a refreshed, youthful appearance.
You may be a good candidate if:
- Your eyelids make you look tired or older than you feel
- Your upper lids hang low enough to affect your line of vision
- You’re in good whole-person health, with any chronic conditions well-managed
- You have a realistic understanding of possible eyelid surgery results
Non-smokers heal faster and have fewer complications, so Dr. Raskin strongly recommends quitting ahead of your procedure.
Of course, it’s also important to talk openly with your surgeon about your goals. Dr. Raskin is an active listener who really takes the time to understand your motivations and goals for eyelid surgery, so don’t hesitate to discuss your wishes. Good communication leads to good results!
How Blepharoplasty Enhances Facial Aesthetics
Eyelid surgery can refresh your whole appearance, making your face look more awake, refreshed, and youthful. Many patients say that their eyes appear bigger, brighter, and more open, often leading to a softening of overall expression. Even small improvements in the eyelids can make a big difference in how you look and feel!
Comparing Eyelid Surgery to Non-Surgical Alternatives
While Botox®, laser treatments, and other nonsurgical options can significantly reduce milder signs of aging, they don’t remove sagging skin or fat deposits like surgery can. Eyelid surgery provides longer-lasting and more noticeable results for people with moderate to severe concerns. So, if you’re not quite ready for surgery, nonsurgical treatments could be a great solution, but if you want a dramatic change and need help with loose skin, eyelid surgery could be your best bet.
EYELID SURGERY PROCEDURE DETAILS
Dr. Raskin uses anesthesia (local or IV Sedation) to keep you comfortable during your surgery. The entire procedure can take one to two hours, depending on how many eyelids are being addressed. Dr. Raskin is careful to place incisions on the natural creases of the lids where scarring is nearly impossible to detect. Through these small incisions, she can tighten muscles, remove loose skin, and remove/reposition fat to achieve your desired outcome.
BLEPHAROPLASTY RECOVERY & RESULTS
You can expect to experience bruising and swelling in the days after your surgery. Stitches are removed about six days after the procedure. You should feel (and look) well enough to return to work about seven to 10 days after surgery. For the first few weeks, you may notice some light sensitivity and eye dryness. You should not wear contact lenses during this same period.
When performed by an expert like Dr. Raskin, upper eyelid surgery results can last for over a decade. However, the effects of aging will eventually cause muscles to weaken and skin and fat to droop again. With lower eyelid surgery, the results are considered permanent, with no need to repeat the surgery in the future.
EYELID SURGERY COSTS
The price of your surgery depends on the extent of aging present around your eyes and your specific cosmetic goals. The price range is usually $4,000-$6,000. Financing options are available.
Eyelid Surgery FAQs
What are the benefits of upper vs. lower eyelid surgery?
Upper eyelid surgery removes extra skin that can droop or block your vision. It creates a more open and alert look. Lower eyelid surgery smooths puffiness and bags under the eyes, helping you look more rested. Many people benefit from having both done together for balanced results.
How long does it take to recover from eyelid surgery?
Most people return to work or normal activities in about 7-10 days. Bruising and swelling are normal during the first week but fade over time—cold compresses and keeping your head elevated help speed healing. Full results usually show within a few weeks.
Does insurance cover blepharoplasty for vision obstruction?
If your upper eyelids block part of your vision, insurance may help with the cost. You’ll need an eye exam with an ophthalmologist to document how much your vision is affected. Coverage depends on your insurance plan and whether the surgery is considered medically necessary.
What are the risks of eyelid surgery?
All surgical procedures carry certain risks, including bleeding and infections. Eyelid surgery may lead to dry eyes, but it’s usually mild and temporary. Choosing an experienced surgeon like Dr. Raskin helps lower your risk. She uses advanced techniques designed to minimize complications and speed healing.
How can I maintain my blepharoplasty results?
To keep your results looking great, protect your skin from the sun, avoid smoking, and follow a good skincare routine. Scheduling regular skin-pampering treatments, like facials, can also help your eyes maintain their newly-refreshed look. Staying healthy and getting enough sleep also supports long-term improvements.
Will anyone be able to tell I had eyelid surgery?
The goal is to look refreshed, not overdone. Most people notice you look more awake or well-rested but can’t tell exactly what changed. Dr. Raskin uses precise techniques to keep your results natural-looking and harmonious with your other facial features.
WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE DR. RASKIN FOR EYELID SURGERY
Thanks to her background in oculoplastic surgery, Dr. Raskin has had more education and experience performing blepharoplasty than most of her colleagues. She has developed signature techniques that allow her to achieve precise results that look natural and attractive. She prioritizes patient safety to avoid any vision complications and performs surgery in such a way that recovery is easier and the scarring fades from visibility over time.
Call (203) 861-6620 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Raskin.
“TRULY HAS AN EYE FOR PERFECTION AND STRIVES FOR IT WITH EACH PATIENT.”
I have known Dr Raskin for several years. I had the pleasure of seeing her about 15 years ago originally and subsequently referred a family member to her for several injectable appointments and a blepharoplasty. She created an amazing outcome and truly has an eye for perfection and strives for it with each patient. I reached out to her for a consultation for myself after many years of contemplation and about 4 surgical consultation with other surgeons in NYC and NJ. I was seen in the office within 1 week of my call and likely could have been seen even soon had my schedule permitted. The office staff was friendly and accommodating. I was greeted by Dr. Raskin with a warm and genuine friendly welcome. She took measurements and offered several options based off of desired results that I provided to her that were photos found online. As a professional in the surgical field, I can confidently say that my experience in the surgical center was extraordinary. I felt tended to as if I were the only patient having surgery that day. The nurses in the pre op and recovery room as well as OR staff and anesthesiologist were amazing. I walked out of the hospital about 2 hours after my surgery feeling great. Now, 2 month out of surgery, I will say that this is one of the best decisions I have made in my adult life and a majority of that statement is owed to the expertise, and artistry of Dr Raskin. I am thrilled with the result, the shape, symmetry and overall care that I have received and would recommend anyone to see her in consultation, she is a true gem.GP, blepharoplasty
