Bright, Energized, Rejuvenated Eyes
The eyes are the "windows to the soul," and one of the first places that we see aging. Some patients develop bags and loose skin on their eyelids as they age. These changes often lead to a tired, or even grumpy appearance, no matter how much you work to be well-rested and rejuvenated. Dr. White’s approach to eyelid surgery is to remove excess skin and fat where it is puffy but also to add fat to certain areas below the lower eyelids and tear trough where patients have lost volume when needed. These techniques allow him to achieve a natural, balanced, and refreshed look. You can look younger and more refreshed with a blepharoplasty in Miami.
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Achieving What Other Cosmetic Eye Treatments Can’t
Blepharoplasty is a customizable surgical procedure that can be applied to the upper and lower eyelids. Your procedure may involve removing excess skin and repositioning underlying tissues to produce smoother contours and a more taut and youthful appearance.
With blepharoplasty Miami patients can experience a versatile procedure with different approaches tailored to meet their specific needs and goals. Depending on whether you're looking to address the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, there are several options available. Bilateral eyelid surgery rejuvenates both the upper and lower eyelids for a comprehensive refresh. Upper blepharoplasty focuses on removing excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids, reducing drooping for a more youthful, alert appearance. Lower blepharoplasty targets puffiness and sagging under the eyes, addressing under-eye bags and loose skin for a smoother, rejuvenated look. Each procedure is designed to deliver natural, long-lasting results that enhance your overall facial appearance.
Bilateral eyelid surgery addresses both the upper and lower eyelids in a single procedure, offering comprehensive rejuvenation for patients seeking a refreshed, youthful appearance. For the upper eyelids, an external incision is made along the natural crease to remove excess skin and fat, reducing drooping and creating a more alert look. The lower eyelids are treated through either an external incision hidden beneath the eyelashes or a transconjunctival approach, which leaves no visible scar. This dual approach allows for the correction of sagging, puffiness, and bags under the eyes, ensuring a balanced and harmonious appearance. Dr. White customizes each procedure to the patient's unique needs, ensuring natural, long-lasting results with minimal scarring.
Upper blepharoplasty is performed via an external incision that removes excess skin. This scar heals very well and tends to blend as if it were a thin lid crease. A small amount of fat is often removed simultaneously in areas that are bulging while leaving enough fat behind to prevent a hollowed-out appearance. If the eyelid lifting muscle is elongated to the point of blocking vision, Dr. White can shorten the muscle and restore functionality to the eyelid.
Lower blepharoplasty can be performed via an external incision to remove a small amount of excess skin or fat. The scar will be well hidden beneath the eyelashes. If the patient does not have much excess skin and the problem involves primarily fat deposits around the eyes, surgery can be performed to hide the surgery site behind the eyelid. This minimally invasive method results in a scar-free surgery in what is called the transconjunctival approach.
Cosmetic blepharoplasty changes eyelid appearance, while functional eyelid surgery addresses excess skin or eyelid position that interferes with vision or everyday activities. The operation can sometimes serve both purposes when the same anatomical concern affects how the eyes look and work.
A patient may come to ARC because her upper eyelids look heavier in photos, only to realize she has also started lifting her brows to see more clearly. Another patient may have significant under-eye bags but no problem with vision at all. Both may benefit from eyelid surgery, but they are coming to the procedure for different reasons.
Cosmetic blepharoplasty focuses on visible changes around the eyes. Upper blepharoplasty can remove redundant skin and carefully address bulging fat when the upper lids appear heavy or obscured. Lower blepharoplasty can address persistent bags, puffiness, loose skin, and changes in the transition between the lower eyelid and cheek.
Functional eyelid surgery becomes relevant when upper eyelid skin or eyelid position begins affecting sight. Patients may notice difficulty seeing in the upper portion of their visual field, reading comfortably, or keeping their eyes open without unconsciously raising their eyebrows. If true eyelid ptosis is contributing to the problem, Dr. Jeremy White can also evaluate whether the eyelid-lifting mechanism itself needs to be addressed rather than simply removing skin.
The distinction matters because Dr. White isn't trying to remove as much tissue as possible. The eye area has very little room for excess correction. He looks at skin, fat, muscle, brow position, eyelid support, and the relationship between the upper and lower lids before deciding what actually needs to change.
Bright & Rejuvenated
Blepharoplasty is a customizable and minor surgical procedure that delivers significant results. Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper or lower eyelids or both for optimal rejuvenation. While it is excellent as a standalone treatment, it is also often combined with other rejuvenating procedures for a younger appearance throughout the face. Benefits of eyelid surgery include:
If you’re concerned about the appearance of your eyes and are looking for a long-lasting solution, blepharoplasty may be right for you. Ideal candidates for cosmetic eyelid surgery include individuals who are in good health and are non-smokers. You may be a good candidate for blepharoplasty if you experience any of the following:
During your Miami blepharoplasty consultation with Dr. White, he will assess your specific concerns and overall health to determine if blepharoplasty is the best option for you. Those with underlying medical conditions that could impair healing may need to explore alternative treatments.
For patients seeking a comprehensive facial rejuvenation,
blepharoplasty can be combined with other cosmetic procedures to enhance and maximize overall results. Combining treatments allows you to address multiple concerns simultaneously, creating a more balanced and youthful appearance while potentially reducing overall recovery time. At ARC Plastic Surgery, Dr. Jeremy White often recommends combining blepharoplasty with complementary procedures to achieve the most significant and natural-looking transformations.
A facelift restores the youthful appearance of the skin by tightening underlying structures and reducing wrinkles and sagging. It provides long-lasting and substantial rejuvenation, especially when paired with blepharoplasty to enhance the eye area.
A brow lift focuses on the forehead and eyebrows, smoothing lines and wrinkles and lifting sagging brows. This procedure complements blepharoplasty by rejuvenating the upper face, creating a smooth and taut appearance.
The mini-facelift targets the mid and lower facial regions, addressing lines, folds, and sagging skin while sculpting the jawline. This less invasive option works well for Miami blepharoplasty patients looking to refresh both their eyes and lower face.
Rhinoplasty reshapes and refines the nose for both cosmetic and functional improvements. When combined with blepharoplasty, it enhances overall facial harmony by balancing the nose and eyes, two key features of the face.
The eyelids are measured in millimeters. Small decisions matter here.
Dr. Jeremy White is double board-certified in plastic surgery and otolaryngology–head and neck surgery, with training that includes facial plastic surgery, facial reconstruction, and facial rejuvenation. Before completing additional plastic and reconstructive surgery training at Cleveland Clinic Florida, he trained in otolaryngology–head, neck, and facial plastic surgery at George Washington University.
That breadth is particularly relevant around the eyes because a good blepharoplasty requires more than knowing how to remove excess skin. Dr. White evaluates how the eyelids relate to the brow, cheek, underlying fat, muscle, and surrounding facial anatomy. He also distinguishes between an eyelid that looks heavy and one whose position may be creating a functional problem.
Restraint is equally important.
Removing too much upper eyelid fat can leave the eye looking hollow. Taking too much lower eyelid skin can create tension where it does not belong. Dr. White plans surgery around what each patient actually needs, preserving enough tissue to maintain a natural contour rather than creating the same sharply operated appearance from one patient to the next.
His approach may include removing tissue in one area while preserving or repositioning volume somewhere else. For patients with lower eyelid hollowing or a pronounced tear trough, he may also discuss fat grafting when adding support will create a smoother transition than simply taking tissue away.
ARC's standard is straightforward: the eyes should look better without looking operated on.
How is eyelid surgery performed?
Depending on your specific needs, the surgery will likely involve the removal of excess skin, fat, and/or muscle. Blepharoplasty is typically an outpatient procedure, and you will be administered either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia for your comfort during the surgery.
Dr. Jeremy White is one of the best blepharoplasty surgeons in Miami. Depending on the patient’s preferences, he can often perform upper blepharoplasty in the office under local anesthesia. Incisions will be made either along the crease of the upper eyelid or just below the lash line on the lower lid. In some cases in which no skin removal is necessary in the lower eyelid, the doctor may also remove fat via a transconjunctival incision or an incision made on the inside of the lower eyelid that is not visible externally (scarless blepharoplasty).
After the necessary corrections to the affected lid(s), the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures. Note that a certain amount of bruising and swelling is common for a few days or weeks after the surgery, but as these fade, you will begin to enjoy the results of your blepharoplasty. Your doctor may recommend an aesthetic treatment to improve any discoloration, such as arnica, to reduce swelling and bruising.
your treatment plan
The cost of a blepharoplasty in Miami will depend on if you are getting upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or both. The cost of both upper and lower eyelid surgery together can average between $5,000 and $7,000. During your consultation, Dr. Jeremy White will discuss every aspect of your treatment plan to optimally design all of your needs.
Insurance generally does not cover blepharoplasty performed solely for cosmetic reasons. Upper eyelid surgery may qualify for coverage when excess skin or eyelid position causes documented functional impairment, although requirements and benefits vary by insurance company and individual plan.
Wanting less upper eyelid hooding or fewer under-eye bags is usually considered cosmetic. Those procedures are typically self-pay.
Coverage becomes a different conversation when the upper eyelids interfere with vision or normal function. An insurer may require documentation showing that the problem is medically necessary rather than aesthetic. Depending on the policy, this can include a physical examination, clinical photographs, documentation of symptoms, and visual field testing.
This is another reason the consultation matters. What looks like excess upper eyelid skin may actually involve a low brow, true eyelid ptosis, redundant skin, or a combination of those concerns. Dr. White can determine which anatomy is responsible and what type of surgery would address it.
Meeting the medical criteria for functional eyelid surgery does not automatically guarantee insurance coverage. Every carrier and plan has its own requirements, authorization process, deductibles, and exclusions. Patients considering insurance coverage should verify their individual benefits and any required documentation before scheduling surgery.
Cosmetic changes can sometimes be discussed at the same time as medically necessary eyelid surgery, but the cosmetic portion remains separate from covered care. Dr. White will distinguish between the functional correction and any additional aesthetic goals so patients understand exactly what their surgical plan is intended to accomplish.
Experienced Cosmetic Surgeon in Florida
If you are interested in eyelid surgery in Miami, call ARC Plastic Surgery to schedule an evaluation and speak with our double board-certified plastic surgeon to determine whether the procedure is right for you. We serve patients across the planet, but if you live in the Miami area, including the communities of Hollywood, FL, and Aventura, our office is in your area, and you have direct access to a highly-respected double-board certified surgeon with Dr. Jeremy White. In your consultation with Dr. White, he will complete a personalized evaluation of your eyelid and brow area and discuss the surgical options to help you decide on what is the optimal approach for you. Contact our office to discuss blepharoplasty in Miami.
After Your Eyelid Surgery
Immediately after the surgery, your eyes may be loosely covered with gauze to protect the incision sites. In the days following the procedure, you will be given ointment to apply to the incisions and may also use cold compresses to reduce discomfort.
Your surgeon will give you specific instructions regarding taking care of the area treated following surgery and how to watch for the warning signs of infection or other complications. He will also likely prescribe some type of oral medication to reduce discomfort and/or minimize the risk of infection. Swelling, bruising, and irritation at the incision sites are all common in the days following surgery, but reach out to your doctor if you have specific concerns – we are always available to discuss your questions and concerns.
You need to be vigilant regarding sun protection and wear dark-tinted sunglasses to protect your eyes and eyelids until the healing process is complete. As blepharoplasty is usually performed on an outpatient basis, you will likely be able to return home the same day as your procedure, but you must be driven by a family member or friend. Before you leave our clinic, Dr. White will discuss the aftercare instructions and recovery information to make sure your healing process moves forward as smoothly as possible. He will also schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your progress.
Dr. White will prescribe eye drops and an ointment to lubricate your eyes and facilitate healing. You may also receive a prescription for pain medication to make your recovery more comfortable. You will need some time to rest at home and properly heal. Most patients take up to ten days off work.
You are advised to keep your head elevated while you sleep, which you can achieve by purchasing either extra pillows or a wedge to keep your head above your heart. Extra pillows will help you sleep comfortably and aid in alleviating swelling. A special sleeping mask may be needed to help protect your eyes while you sleep.
Cleaning your eye area is vital to recovery. Eye drops should be used four times daily or more if your eyes feel dry, and the ointment will prevent the treated area of the eyelids from drying out. You may find that dark sunglasses will help you avoid eyestrain and protect the treated area from sun exposure. If you expect to be in the sun for an extended amount of time, apply sunblock around your eyes and near any incisions, with products recommended by Dr. White starting two weeks after surgery. The incisions are placed carefully to help avoid visible scarring, and properly caring for your incisions helps to ensure the result is attractive and appealing.
Although you will be permitted to return to work a few days after your procedure, you should still avoid strenuous activities for two weeks. You should refrain from putting in contact lenses or wearing makeup near your eyes for two weeks. Dr. White will clear you for sports or other physical activities when the treated area has sufficiently healed. Every person is different in the length of time it requires to fully heal, so follow our plastic surgeon’s directions carefully and correctly during this period.
Instant Gratification. Sustained Longevity.
Blepharoplasty can create a clearer upper eyelid, reduce persistent under-eye bags, and make the eyes look more open without changing the expression that makes your face recognizable. Results appear gradually as swelling settles and incision lines continue to soften.
The first thing patients see after eyelid surgery is usually swelling, not the finished result. Bruising and puffiness are expected early on, and the two eyes may not heal at precisely the same pace.
Over the next several weeks, the shape becomes easier to appreciate. Upper eyelid surgery can reveal more of the natural lid crease and reduce the skin that previously folded over it. You may notice that eye makeup sits differently because there is actually more visible eyelid to work with. Lower blepharoplasty can soften a persistent bag or bulge that remains even after a full night's sleep.
Results continue to refine as the tissues settle. Incisions placed within the upper eyelid crease or close to the lower lash line are designed to become inconspicuous as they mature. A transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty places the incision inside the lower eyelid when skin removal is not necessary.
Blepharoplasty can produce a long-lasting change because the skin or fat Dr. White removes does not simply return. It does not stop normal aging. Skin quality, brow position, genetics, sun exposure, and changes elsewhere in the face will continue to evolve over the years.
That is an important part of ARC's natural-result philosophy. Dr. White does not want to strip away so much tissue that the eyes become hollow, tight, or unfamiliar. The better result is quieter: your eyes are easier to see, the persistent bag is gone, and you still look like yourself.
What our clients have to say…
The extent of blepharoplasty will determine how long your results will last. For minor procedures, patients may see results for up to five years, while surgeries with a larger scope may be permanent. Lower blepharoplasty very rarely requires maintenance or follow-up surgery.
While there is no perfect age for blepharoplasty, prime candidates usually have moderate to severe eyelid drooping while still possessing enough skin elasticity. Most of our Miami blepharoplasty patients are between the late 30s and 70s or even 80s.
Many blepharoplasty patients find that their pain is rated very low, typically only one to three out of ten. This is a very tolerable and relatively minor, minimally invasive surgery.
Blepharoplasty performed exclusively for cosmetic reasons is not covered by insurance. If you are undergoing the procedure for functional reasons such as vision obstruction, the blepharoplasty surgery should be covered by health insurance. It’s always best to contact your provider to see what is covered under your plan.
As aging continues, depending on your skin and lifestyle, under-eye bags could return. With a skilled surgeon, most patients see results for ten years or more.
Your new life starts here
If you’re considering plastic surgery in Miami, Aventura or Fort Lauderdale, choosing the right plastic surgeon could not be more important. Dr. Jeremy White is the recipient of many honors and awards, including the 2021 Doctor’s Choice Award Miami, the 2016 RealSelf Top 500, and the prestigious Castle Connolly Top Doctors Award Winner since 2017. We invite you to have a consultation about the procedure you need. Schedule your consultation today.
