Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure used to reduce the appearance of sagging or drooping eyelids. At our Marlton, New Jersey office, we perform blepharoplasty (cosmetic eyelid surgery) to help patients eliminate sagging eyelids and achieve a refreshed look.
Why Choose NJ ENT For Your Eyelid Surgery
Dr. Undavia is an award winning, dual board-certified and fellowship-trained Facial Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon with extensive experience in the aging face. Dr. Undavia performs over 50 blepharoplasty procedures annually, bringing consistent results to New Jersey patients. He is known for his cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face and treats patients from Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Moorestown, the South Jersey area, and Philadelphia.
NJ ENT is a trusted leader for providing all of your facial plastic surgery needs. We offer comprehensive consultations with our board-certified facial plastic surgeon so that you can discuss whatever questions or concerns you may have about the process prior to making any decisions about undergoing the procedure.
“The best eyelid surgery doesn’t change how you look — it restores the youth and vibrance that was always there.” – Dr. Undavia
Blepharoplasty Before & Afters
We encourage you to view our before-and-after gallery to see real patient transformations. These examples showcase a range of changes, from subtle adjustments to more significant reshaping, always with a focus on natural results. Every patient’s anatomy and goals are unique, and your outcome will be customized for you.
What is Blepharoplasty and Why Get Eyelid Surgery?
Blepharoplasty—often called eyelid surgery or an eyelid lift—is a precise procedure that removes or repositions excess skin and fat around the eyes to reduce hooding, puffiness, and under-eye bags. Depending on your needs, it can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both in the same visit. It can help to reduce wrinkles and make eyes look more alert and youthful. Individuals who seek blepharoplasty often do so in order to improve their appearance or self-confidence, as well as to improve vision problems caused by heavy, drooping eyelids.
Reasons for Blepharoplasty
There are many reasons why you may be considering eyelid surgery. Your reasons may be cosmetic or functional. The most common reasons we see patients for nose surgery include:
If you identify with the signs above and are in South Jersey (Cherry Hill, Moorestown, Hamilton Township, and nearby), schedule a consultation to confirm candidacy and get a personalized plan.
Who is a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
Blepharoplasty is best for healthy adults who want a fresher, less-tired look or whose upper lids interfere with vision.
You’re likely a good candidate if you have:
- Heavy, hooded upper lids that make eyes look tired or reduce peripheral vision
- Under-eye bags or puffiness
- Excess eyelid skin or crepey skin
- Good general health and stable medical conditions
When we may recommend waiting or alternatives
- Uncontrolled medical issues: hypertension, diabetes, bleeding disorders
- Eye concerns: severe dry eye, active infection, recent LASIK , untreated glaucoma, or thyroid eye disease
- Smoking or nicotine use—must stop pre/post-op
- Medications/supplements that raise bleeding risk) without a safe plan from your prescribing clinician
Upper vs. lower candidacy cues
- Upper eyelids: hooding, makeup imprint on the lid, lash line hidden, documented visual field obstruction
- Lower eyelids: persistent bags, tear-trough hollowing, “tired” look despite sleep
Age and timing
There’s no “right” age. Many patients are in their 40s–60s when aging changes appear, but younger patients with hereditary puffiness can benefit, and older patients with good health clearances do well.
Types of Eyelid Surgery
Upper Blepharoplasty
- Removes excess skin and sometimes fat from the upper lids
- Creates a smoother, more defined eyelid crease
- Can improve both appearance and vision
Lower Blepharoplasty
- Removes or repositions fat to reduce puffiness and under-eye bags
- Tightens loose or wrinkled skin beneath the eyes
- Restores a smooth, youthful contour to the lower lids
Combined Upper & Lower Blepharoplasty
- Comprehensive rejuvenation for patients with concerns in both areas
The Procedure
In upper eyelid surgery, a thin incision is made within the skin crease of the eyelid. A small portion of fat is removed along with the excessive skin being trimmed. In lower eyelid surgery, if your lower eyelid has a significant tear trough, your NJ ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery doctor may suggest repositioning fat that can help to rejuvenate the eyelid complex and add volume to areas that need it.
- Outpatient surgery, usually performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia
- Incisions are carefully hidden within natural creases or inside the eyelid
- Excess skin, muscle, and fat removed or repositioned as needed
- Typically completed in 1–2 hours, depending on the extent
Recovery
There is minimal pain and swelling with a blepharoplasty procedure. Antibiotics and eye drops are prescribed by your NJ ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery doctors postoperatively. There is only minor bruising, and makeup can typically be worn by 5 days post-procedure. You might experience some itching and dryness for a few weeks, but this will come down quickly. You can expect to be back to work within a few days, and be exercising fully within 3-4 weeks.
Blepharoplasty Risks
Blepharoplasty is relatively safe when performed by an experienced surgeon using advanced surgical techniques. The potential risks of the procedure include infection, dry eyes, bleeding, prolonged swelling, and impaired vision. However, if you choose a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon for your blepharoplasty procedure like our doctors at NJ ENT then these risks should be minimal.
Blepharoplasty FAQs
Recovery from eyelid surgery is usually quicker and more comfortable than patients expect. Expect some swelling, bruising, and mild tightness around the eyes in the first several days. Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and normal routines within 7 to 10 days, once visible bruising and swelling have largely faded. Stitches, if used, are typically removed within about a week. Mild residual swelling can take a few more weeks to fully settle, and final results become apparent over the following weeks as the tissue heals. Dr. Undavia will give you specific aftercare instructions and advise when you can resume exercise and other activities.
It depends on the reason for surgery. Cosmetic blepharoplasty which is done purely for your appearance is generally not covered by insurance. However, functional blepharoplasty may be covered when drooping upper-eyelid skin is severe enough to obstruct your vision or interfere with daily activities. In those cases, insurers typically require documentation such as a visual field test and photographs to confirm medical necessity.
The two procedures address different concerns:
- Upper blepharoplasty removes or repositions excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids. It’s chosen to correct hooding or drooping that can make the eyes look tired and in some cases, sagging skin heavy enough to interfere with vision.
- Lower blepharoplasty targets the area beneath the eyes, reducing under-eye bags, puffiness, and excess skin that create a tired or aged appearance.
Some patients have both done in the same visit for a balanced, refreshed result. During your consultation, your surgeon will assess whether upper, lower, or combined surgery best fits your goals.
Blepharoplasty results are long-lasting, and for many patients the effects are essentially permanent. Aging always continues, but patients typically look 7-10 years younger and continue to do so as they age. Factors such as sun exposure, genetics, and overall skin health can influence how long your refreshed look holds. Many patients maintain their youthful results with good skin care and attention to their health. However in some cases, small touch ups can be useful years after to maintain the refreshed look.
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Approximately how many blepharoplasties they perform each year.
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To see before-and-after photos of patients with eyelids similar to yours.
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Their revision rate and how they manage complications.
No. Blepharoplasty targets excess skin and fat of the eyelids, not the muscles that cause crow’s feet or forehead lines. Those are best treated with neuromodulators (e.g., Botox) ; a brow lift can help with deep forehead creases or low brows. These treatments can be safely combined with eyelid surgery for a more complete refresh.
Yes—when upper-eyelid skin is blocking your line of sight.
Excess upper-lid skin can hang over the lashes and narrow the outer portions of your visual field. An upper blepharoplasty removes that skin, which often widens peripheral vision and reduces eyelid heaviness.
There are some alternatives such as fillers and laser treatments that address certain concerns. However, blepharoplasty is recommended for long-lasting treatment.
Scars are minimal and usually concealed in eyelid creases. Scars that do appear tend to significantly fade over time.
Upper eyelid surgery results can last 5 to 7 years, while lower eyelid surgery rarely needs repeating.
Explore Our Plastic Surgery Services
At NJ ENT, our commitment to excellence extends beyond blepharoplasty. We offer a comprehensive array of plastic surgery procedures, each designed to enhance your natural beauty and improve functional issues. Our expert team of board-certified surgeons is equipped with the latest in medical technology and advanced techniques to ensure superior results. Discover more about our full range of services by visiting our Plastic Surgery Services page.
