Medically reviewed by Gerard C. Mosiello, MD, board-certified plastic surgeon
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, removes excess skin, fat and loose tissue from the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both to correct hooded lids, under-eye bags and a tired look. At Tampa Palms Plastic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gerard Mosiello performs upper, lower and combined eyelid surgery for men and women at our office in Tampa Palms, near Wesley Chapel.
Eyelid surgery is a great way to quickly restore the youthful appearance to the eyes, adding a fresh new look to your overall face. Each year, thousands of men and women elect to have surgery to “open up” their eyes and rejuvenate their appearance. Eyelid surgery in Tampa and New Tampa should be performed by a skilled surgeon with a personal touch, like Gerard C. Mosiello, MD. Dr. Mosiello performs surgery that patients can be confident in, as he is a highly-skilled board-certified plastic surgeon who takes great pride in providing personal, compassionate care to each of his patients. Specializing in facial aesthetic procedures, Dr. Mosiello offers surgery with outstanding results since 2001.
Blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that has both aesthetic and functional applications. Excess skin and tissue surrounding the eyelids not only creates an aged appearance, but can also interfere with peripheral vision. Through the removal of excess skin or loose tissue, surgery can improve the appearance of both the upper and lower eyelids. Eyelid surgery, or eye lift, is routinely performed in conjunction with other facial rejuvenation procedures such as brow lift or facelift surgery.
Call 813-631-1500 or schedule an eyelid surgery consultation with Dr. Mosiello.
Upper vs. Lower Blepharoplasty
| Upper blepharoplasty | Lower blepharoplasty | |
|---|---|---|
| Treats | Heavy, hooded or drooping upper lids; excess skin that can crowd the lashes or the side vision | Under-eye bags, puffiness and loose or crepey skin below the lashes |
| Incision | Hidden in the natural crease of the upper eyelid | Just below the lower lashes |
| What’s adjusted | Excess skin, and fat where needed, is removed | Fat may be removed or redistributed for a smoother contour, and excess skin is trimmed |
Many patients have both upper and lower blepharoplasty in the same surgery. Dr. Mosiello will examine your eyelids and brow position at your consultation and recommend upper, lower or combined eyelid surgery based on what’s causing your concerns.
When to Consider Eyelid Surgery
Ideal candidates for eyelid surgery are those who are in good physical and mental health with realistic cosmetic expectations. Benefits of the surgery may include:
- Removal of excess skin
- Tightening of skin and tissue
- Decreased puffiness or bags
- Improved peripheral vision
- A more rested, alert look that is less likely to read as tired or sad
- Smoother transition from the lower lid to the cheek
Eyelid surgery is common among men as well as women. For men, the plan is tailored to keep a natural eye shape without an “operated” look.
Non-smoking patients have speedier recovery times. Not all eye concerns may be addressed with eyelid surgery. During the consultation process, your plastic surgeon will be able to determine if eyelid surgery is right for you.
Combining Eyelid Surgery with a Brow Lift or Other Procedures
Sometimes heaviness above the eyes comes from a low brow rather than the eyelid itself. In that case, a brow lift in Tampa alone or with upper eyelid surgery may give a better result. Patients who also want to address the lower face and jawline often pair eyelid surgery with a facelift, and fine lines at the corners of the eyes, such as crow’s feet, can be softened without surgery with Botox Cosmetic. See all of our facial plastic surgery procedures.
Eyelid Surgery FAQs
What happens during eye lift surgery?
General anesthesia will be administered prior to your procedure. Your surgeon will begin by making incisions that are concealed within the natural lines of the eyelids. Incisions are typically made in the creases of the upper eyelids and just below the lashes of the lower lids.
Excess skin, tissue and fat deposits will be removed through these incisions. Fat may also be redistributed to give a more even appearance. Incisions may be closed with fine stitches, skin adhesives or surgical tape for minimal scarring.
What happens after eyelid/eye lift surgery?
Following the surgery, you may experience some swelling and bruising. This should diminish over the course of 7-10 days. You may also experience some light sensitivity for a few weeks. Stitches will be removed within one week of surgery. Dr. Mosiello may ask that you apply ointment to the treatment area to ensure proper healing.
Will there be scarring following eyelid surgery?
Typically, the surgery results in very minimal scarring because incision lines are hidden within the natural folds of the eyelid. The incision lines may be visible immediately following surgery, but will begin to gradually fade over the next six months.
Are the results of eyelid surgery permanent?
While the results of the surgery are considered permanent, eyelid surgery will not prevent your eyes from aging. Over time, your natural aging process may result in decreased skin elasticity, and additional sagging or wrinkling of the treatment area. This may be addressed with revision eyelid surgery.
Are there any possible complications?
Eyelid surgery has a low occurrence of complication and these risks will be discussed in depth during the consultation process. Some risks may include discomfort, impaired eyelid function or irritation that may require revision surgery. As with all surgeries, there is also the risk of bleeding, poor wound healing and infection.
How much does eyelid surgery cost in Tampa?
Cost depends on whether you have upper, lower or combined eyelid surgery, whether it’s paired with another procedure such as a brow lift, and anesthesia and facility fees. You’ll receive a personalized quote after your consultation, and you can ask our team about plastic surgery financing.
How do I choose an eyelid surgeon in Tampa?
Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon who performs eyelid surgery regularly, will examine both your eyelids and brows, and explains the risks and recovery clearly. Dr. Mosiello is a board-certified plastic surgeon and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons who has been in private practice in Tampa Palms since 2002. Learn more about Dr. Mosiello’s training.
Is eyelid surgery right for me?
If hooded lids, puffy bags or loose skin make you look more tired than you feel, you may be a candidate. Our article on why eyelid surgery may be right for you covers the signs to look for, and how an upper eyelid lift can brighten your eyes explains the upper-lid procedure in more detail.
Learn More About Eyelid Surgery in Tampa
For more information about eyelid surgery, or to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Gerard Mosiello, contact 813-631-1500. Our Tampa Palms cosmetic surgery office is conveniently located in the Tampa Palms area of New Tampa near Wesley Chapel. Lutz is also a short drive away. Read what patients say in our patient reviews.
