Thousands of eyelid surgery procedures performed.

Blepharoplasty is generally considered medically necessary when the eyelids cause functional problems. Usually this occurs when the upper eyelid droops so far that it obstructs the field of vision. To qualify for insurance coverage, most companies require documentation of at least a 25% obstruction.

 A skin pinch blepharoplasty is a somewhat less-invasive version of full lower-eyelid surgery. It removes a small amount of skin but does not touch the muscle. It’s useful for patients with less extra skin and for those who may be more prone to dry eyes. Dr. Clevens or Dr. Khelemsky can determine its viability in your specific case after a professional evaluation.

Yes, absolutely. In order to allow the incisions to heal properly, though, you should wait for 2-3 weeks. Not only is the makeup itself irritating to fresh incisions, but the bacteria present on the brushes and the cleanser used to remove it can be very damaging as well. To minimize risks of infection, hold off on the makeup until everything is healed.

Eyelid tape can create a natural-looking crease on mono-lidded eyes, but it only lasts for as long as you have the tape on. It’s a good temporary option to make sure that you like how you look with the added crease, but for long-lasting results, surgery is necessary.

In most cases, the scars will be invisible or nearly so. Scars on the eyelids tend to heal very well and become narrow, flat, and close to your natural skin color so they're very inconspicuous. Since the locations are well-protected in the crease or near the lash-line, they will not be very apparent. However, they may be quite red and raised for the first month or two, so it’s important to be patient while they heal.

Blepharoplasty, often referred to as eyelid surgery, or simply "having your eyes done," is a popular procedure that can dramatically improve sagging upper eyelids and bulging bags in the under eye region. The delicate eye area is one of the first to be visibly effected by the aging process, causing a tired or fatigued appearance. As early as your thirties, these signs may become visible and those around you might comment that you look tired or sad. Dr. Clevens and Dr. Khelemsky perform blepharoplasty in order to restore a refreshed and youthful look to your eyes. The lower eyelids achieve a smoother appearance. The droopiness in the upper eyelids is corrected. In addition to its cosmetic effects, those who are experiencing a decrease in their field of vision because of sagging upper eyelids may benefit from this procedure.

More than 250 men and women each year place their trust in Dr. Clevens and Dr. Khelemsky and elect to have blepharoplasty performed, making it one of the most popular facial plastic surgery procedures. Patients who choose to have a blepharoplasty procedure performed by our Facial Plastic Surgery Specialists can expect to achieve more rested, vibrant eyes. Dr. Clevens has performed thousands of cosmetic eyelid procedures and offers extensive experience in many techniques of blepharoplasty, including a method that does not use external scars (Transconjunctival blepharoplasty) laser blepharoplasty, fat preservation, and revision blepharoplasty.

The best candidate for blepharoplasty is a physically healthy person who is realistic in their expectations regarding improvement of droopy upper eyelids and bulging lower eyelid bags. Blepharoplasty will not correct sagging of the brows, forehead furrows, or deep lines and wrinkles. These patients may benefit from other procedures, such as brow lift or skin resurfacing. Your doctor will help you decide which procedures are right for you during your initial consultation.

To ensure your safety and comfort, Dr. Clevens and Dr. Khelemsky perform eyelid surgery in a state-licensed, fully accredited ambulatory surgical facility or Outpatient Surgicenter in Brevard County, Florida, located just an hour east of Orlando & the Central Florida area.

Blepharoplasty may be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. Regardless, a board certified physician MD anesthesiologist will be responsible for administering your anesthesia or sedation. Your surgeon and your anesthesiologist will help determine what best suits your particular needs.

During upper eyelid blepharoplasty, the excess skin, muscle and fatty tissue that have created a sad or tired appearance are simply removed through a tiny incision hidden in the crease of the upper eyelid. Dr. Clevens and Dr. Khelemsky both perform ‘invisible’ lower eyelid surgery where the incision is hidden inside the lower eyelid so there is no visible external incision.

Blepharoplasty typically takes our Facial Plastic Surgery Specialists about 45 minutes to one hour to perform, depending on the case. 

A number of other cosmetic procedures may be safely performed at the same time as blepharoplasty. These include skin resurfacing, facelift, neck lift, brow or forehead lift, neck and cheek liposuction.

When performing blepharoplasty of the upper eyelid, our Specialists make an imperceptible incision in the upper eyelid crease. These incisions are made in such a way that they will heal into tiny, virtually hidden scars. During blepharoplasty of the lower eyelids, Dr. Clevens or Dr. Khelemsky makes a small incision on the inside of the eyelid, which results in no external scar whatsoever – the incision is ‘invisible’.

Patients may expect to have some swelling and bruising for as little as one to two weeks. Patients sometimes experience dryness, itching or burning of the eyes, excessive production of tears, a sensitivity to bright light, or blurred or double vision. Dr. Clevens and Dr. Khelemsky use dissolving stitches that vanish a few days after your procedure. Our surgeons and their team are devoted to delivering the best aftercare to aid you in the speediest and most comfortable recovery possible.

Patients are advised to take off five to seven  days of work after their blepharoplasty procedure. Dr. Clevens and Dr. Khelemsky have an experienced team of medical aestheticians on their team who can guide you on how to conceal any bruising and swelling that may remain when you are ready to return to your normal routine. Post-surgical care with our aestheticians is offered as a complimentary service to our patients.

Even though you may feel ready to resume your normal physical activities and grow restless within a few days, to achieve the best results of your blepharoplasty, it is very important that you give your body its very best chance to recuperate and take it easy. The healing process is a delicate time, and you should cease your exercise regimen and avoid other strenuous activities for several weeks after your procedure. It is also wise to stop consuming alcohol prior to and during your recovery period.

Dr. Clevens and Dr. Khelemsky use dissolving stitches that vanish a few days after your procedure.

Patients should be informed that every surgical procedure carries certain risks and the potential for complications. Potential complications associated with blepharoplasty are rare and may include the following: bleeding, difficulty in completely closing the eyes, dry eyes, infection, pulling down of the lower lids, slight asymmetry in healing or scarring, swelling at the corners of the eyelids, temporary blurred or double vision, and whiteheads. To help ensure a good outcome, it is important to select an experienced facial plastic surgeon such as Dr. Clevens or Dr. Khelemsky. Our surgeons perform more than 250 sets of eyelid procedures each year.

If your blepharoplasty is performed solely to achieve a cosmetic benefit, insurance will not provide coverage. In such instances where your vision is being affected by drooping of the upper eyelids, insurance may cover part of all of the cost of the procedure. Dr. Clevens and Dr. Khelemsky have insurance specialists on staff who can help guide you through this process.