251-929-7850
Eyelid Surgery
(Blepharoplasty)
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, and yet the eye area is typically the first to show the earliest signs of aging. If you’re bothered by the presence of droopy lids, puffy bags below the eye or a prematurely aged appearance to the eyes in general, eyelid surgery could be the answer you’ve been looking for. Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty and sometimes referred to as an eyelid lift, restores a refreshed, alert look throughout the eye area.
Recognized as some of the top cosmetic surgeons in the Mobile-Pensacola metro area, Dr. James Koehler and Dr. Vincent Gardner at Eastern Shore Cosmetic Surgery offer a wide range of facial plastic surgery procedures for both men and women. We are known for our caring commitment to a patient-first approach while achieving absolutely excellent results.
Are You a Candidate?
Men or women with droopy upper lids, saggy lower lids or obstructed vision due to loose skin around the eye area can make excellent candidates for eyelid surgery. Although most patients who are interested in blepharoplasty are over the age of 35, younger men and women can sometimes also be good candidates for eyelid surgery to address congenital concerns or vision impairment due to drooping eyelids. In either case, those considering eyelid surgery should be in good general physical and mental health and have realistic expectations about their results.
Some patients schedule a blepharoplasty consultation in the hopes that eyelid surgery can help eliminate the appearance of crow’s feet, or the tiny lines and wrinkles at the outer corners of the eye that crinkle and deepen when you smile. However, eyelid surgery doesn’t typically impact the skin and muscles responsible for the development of crow’s feet. If these fine lines are a concern for you, we may recommend BOTOX® in addition to or instead of eyelid surgery.
Dr. Koehler
Educated at the University of Alabama and in practice for over 20 years, Dr. Koehler is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon who is devoted to providing exceptional results.
Dr. Gardner
A triple-board-certified surgeon specializing in both cosmetic and venous procedures, Dr. Gardner brings a depth of expertise, compassion, and innovation to our practice.
Benefits of Eyelid Surgery
The skin around the eyes is very thin and delicate compared to the skin on the rest of the face, which makes the eye area particularly susceptible to the effects of aging. This means that even if you look relatively young in other respects, your eyes can take on a tired, saggy appearance that can age the rest of your appearance prematurely. Eyelid surgery can be performed on the upper lid, the lower lid or both at the same time to address these concerns.
Eyelid surgery can come with numerous benefits, both cosmetic and functional:
- A brighter, more youthful appearance. Blepharoplasty refreshes your overall appearance by carefully removing sagging skin and smoothing puffiness.
- Smoother under-eye area. Lower eyelid surgery can effectively remove puffiness, bags or deep creases from the under-eye area.
- Improved vision. By removing drooping skin in the upper eyelid area, your surgeon can help to improve impaired vision through eyelid surgery.
- Better makeup application. Many women find that their makeup application is smoother and looks more flawless and natural after eyelid surgery.
- Long-lasting, natural-looking results. In the hands of a skilled cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Koehler or Dr. Gardner, blepharoplasty can achieve very natural-looking and lasting results that still look like you, only refreshed and revitalized.
We are excited to offer Pro-Nox pain relief that can be added to any of the in-office procedures we perform. Pro-Nox is an inhaled analgesic that gives our patients 100% control through self-administration. Get short-term pain, anxiety, and stress relief without having to “go under.”
Blepharoplasty with Other Procedures
Because eyelid surgery is such a localized procedure, it’s not uncommon for Dr. Koehler and Dr. Gardner to combine an eyelid lift with additional facial cosmetic surgeries such as a brow lift or a full face lift. Combining these procedures with an eyelid lift can address sagging skin, wrinkles and creases in other areas of the face as well without requiring a second surgery or downtime.
Nonsurgical med spa treatments, such as BOTOX® and fillers, can also help to minimize lines and wrinkles throughout the forehead, brow and eye area for a fully rejuvenated upper face. During your blepharoplasty consultation, your surgeon will help you determine if combining eyelid surgery with other surgical or nonsurgical treatments could help you achieve the results you want.
Your Blepharoplasty Consultation
Your consultation is your time to discuss in detail your goals for eyelid surgery and to ask any questions you might have about the procedure in general or the specifics of what your surgeon recommends for you. During this time, Dr. Koehler or Dr. Gardner will also perform a physical examination of your eyes and natural anatomy to determine if eyelid surgery is the best solution for you.
Finally, your surgeon will discuss all potential risks and side effects as well as explain what to expect as far as your final outcome goes to ensure you are well-informed and have realistic expectations.
Eyelid Surgery Techniques
There are many different concerns that can lead men and women to consider eyelid surgery, and each one requires a slightly different technical approach as far as surgical procedure is concerned. We offers both upper and eyelid surgery at our Fairhope practice.
- Upper eyelid surgery addresses drooping upper eyelids that may interfere with vision or create a tired or aged appearance. For this technique, your surgeon hides the incision in the natural folds of the upper eyelid creases.
- Lower eyelid surgery addresses puffiness, bags and sagging skin under the eyes. The incision runs along the lower lash line, or occasionally inside the lower lid.
- A combined approach addresses both the upper and lower eyelids at the same time. Our surgeons often recommend this approach for patients looking to address multiple eye-area concerns.
What to Expect During the Procedure
During blepharoplasty, your surgeon uses the incision techniques described above to tighten and repair the intricate muscles around the eyes while also removing any excess fatty tissue deposits or loose skin that contribute to an aged look.
Blepharoplasty typically takes 1 to 2 hours to complete, depending on whether or not you choose both upper and lower eyelid surgery or just one or the other. This procedure can be performed under either sedation or general anesthesia, depending on your specific needs and preferences, and oral medication is typically all that’s required to help you feel comfortable in the days immediately following your surgery.
After your procedure, you may notice some bruising around the eyes or a feeling of dry eyes, but both of these should dissipate in about a week. After sutures are removed, residual bruising can be easily covered by makeup.
Risks and Complications
The complications associated with blepharoplasty are typically minor, and include concerns like a poor reaction to anesthesia or the possibility of infection. More serious concerns such as ongoing sensitivity to bright lights, problems closing your eyes or vision changes are possible, but these are rare. We will discuss all the risks and benefits with you during your consultation so you’re fully informed about what to expect before you schedule your surgery.
Recovery after Eyelid Surgery
Most people feel comfortable returning to work and social activities within 1 to 2 weeks after getting eyelid surgery. In the first few days, it’s normal to notice swelling, bruising, soreness or a tight sensation around your eyes. Some patients also experience temporary dry eyes, light sensitivity or mild blurred vision. These symptoms are usually manageable with oral medication, however, and should dissipate over the next several days.
You’ll need to keep your head elevated, even while sleeping, to minimize swelling and promote healing. You will also need to avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting and bending forward for at least 2 weeks to prevent unnecessary pressure around the eyes.
Wearing contact lenses and eye makeup should be avoided for at least 2 weeks after your eyelid lift to avoid irritation and protect your incisions. We recommend wearing sunglasses when outdoors to shield your eyes from sun exposure during recovery.
We will provide you with detailed, personalized recovery guidelines, including how to care for your incision sites and when to return for follow-up visits. Follow these guidelines as closely as possible to help ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results.
Your New Look
Following eyelid surgery, you should begin to notice initial results as soon as swelling and bruising subside, which is usually within 1 to 2 weeks. However, it can take 2 to 3 months for your final outcome to fully develop, with results developing gradually during this time.
Your entire eye area should look noticeably younger, and your entire appearance should look more relaxed and refreshed. The upper eyelid crease will be higher and better defined, while the lower lids should look smoother and less baggy. The results of eyelid surgery are often equated with looking as if you just returned from a long-anticipated, restful and much-deserved pleasant vacation.
Eyelid Surgery FAQs
How much does blepharoplasty cost in Alabama?
The exact cost of blepharoplasty in Alabama and elsewhere will depend on the details of your personalized procedure. For this reason, we will be able to give you an accurate eyelid surgery cost estimate at the time of your consultation. We are also pleased to offer several cosmetic surgery financing options, so please ask us about these if you are interested in learning more.
Does insurance cover eyelid surgery?
Some insurance plans may cover all or part of the cost of eyelid surgery if it is deemed medically necessary, such as to restore proper vision. For more information about your specific health plan coverage, call the number listed on the back of your insurance card.
Is eyelid surgery the best option for me?
Eyelid surgery could be an appropriate solution for you if you wish to address drooping upper and/or lower eyelids, whether for cosmetic or medical reasons or both. However, if you are also looking to treat lines and wrinkles around your eyes and eyebrows, an eyelid lift alone may not be the best solution. Some people choose to pair eyelid surgery with other surgical procedures like a brow lift or facelift, or nonsurgical treatments like BOTOX.
During your consultation, your surgeon can help you decide if you could be a good candidate for eyelid surgery and whether or not a combination treatment could help you achieve your goals.
Is eyelid surgery painful?
Many people consider eyelid surgery to be one of the least painful cosmetic procedures, often with only minimal discomfort and soreness that tends to quickly dissipate. However, because swelling and bruising can persist for several days or weeks after an eyelid lift, most people choose to take 1 to 2 weeks off work to recover from their procedure.
Are you put to sleep for eyelid surgery?
Eyelid surgery can either be performed under sedation or general anesthesia, depending on your personal preferences and the details of your specific surgery. Eyelid surgery is usually a relatively quick outpatient procedure, which means that you can return home the same day as your surgery. You will need someone else to drive you home, however.
How can I reduce bruising after an eyelid lift?
You can reduce bruising after an eyelid lift by using cold compresses during the first 48 hours, keeping your head elevated while resting and avoiding blood-thinning medications or supplements unless approved by your surgeon.
Will I have scars after eyelid surgery?
Yes, eyelid surgery leaves small scars, but Dr. Koehler and Dr. Gardner take great care to place them as inconspicuously as possible. Over time, these scars will fade and often become virtually invisible.
How long does an eyelid lift last?
Eyelid lift results are generally long-lasting. On average, a revision eyelid procedure may be necessary around 5 to 7 years after the initial procedure. To help prolong your eyelid surgery results, avoid direct exposure to the sun, wear sunglasses when outdoors, practice stress management techniques and adopt other healthy lifestyle habits to slow the natural process.
Contact us online using the “Message us” feature at the bottom of our website or you can call us at 251-929-7850 to learn more about our practice or to schedule your consultation.
Trending Topics in Eyelid Surgery
- Taking Out Mountains and Filling in Valleys: Eyelid Surgery with Fat Transfer: In this podcast episode, Dr. Koehler walks you through how removing or repositioning eyelid fat and adding volume where needed can smooth under-eye hollowing for a naturally refreshed look.
- You Look Tired: How Eyelid Surgery Can Help: In this podcast episode, Dr. Koehler explains why eyelid surgery isn’t about changing the way you look, but making you look less chronically tired and more refreshed.
- How to Make the Most of Your Eyelid Surgery Consultation: Learn how to prepare, what questions to ask and how to ensure your eyelid surgery consultation sets you up for success.
- 4 Tips to Help You Rest Easier after Eyelid Surgery: Prepare for a smooth blepharoplasty recovery with these must-know tips.
- 3 Medical Reasons to Consider Eyelid Surgery: Learn how eyelid surgery can address medical concerns like obstructed vision, chronic watery eyes and dry eye syndrome, potentially improving both your eye health and appearance.
Written By: Dr. James Koehler
A board-certified cosmetic surgeon in Fairhope, AL, Dr. James Koehler earned his MD from the University of Alabama and completed several post-doctoral residencies, internships and fellowships. He returned to Alabama to be closer to family and serve patients in the local community with a full range of cosmetic surgery procedures for the face, breast and body.
More about Dr. James Koehler | Last Reviewed: October 14th, 2025
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