(205) 397-2100 Appointment

Blepharoplasty

Brighten Your Eyes

Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty) Offered at our Convenient Location in Birmingham, Alabama

At Core Plastic Surgery, Grady Core, M.D., F.A.C.S., understands the importance of personalized care and tailoring the Blepharoplasty to suit each patient's individual needs and aesthetic goals. An eyelid lift is a surgical procedure designed to alter and reshape the eyelids through the removal of excess skin and redistribute fat, creating a more lively, awake, youthful appearance that restores a more pleasant expression.

Look Rested and More Youthful

What is Blepharoplasty?

Also known as a blepharoplasty, an eyelid lift addresses loose, saggy, puffy eyes that usually result from hormones, sun damage, and aging. As we get older, our skin starts to droop, and sometimes our eyelids succumb to the forces of gravity, creating a tired, older-looking appearance in patients’ eyes. A successful Birmingham blepharoplasty procedure requires a complete understanding of the eyelids’ anatomy, a meticulous preop evaluation, and precise attention to detail.[1] More than any other facial feature, your eyes reveal the most about how you feel. When your eyes are bright and alert, you appear energized, well-rested, and in control.

However, if you have lower eyelid puffiness, dark circles, or drooping upper lids, others may assume that you are tired, angry, or unhappy. Studies have shown that patients who underwent an eyelid lift experienced a measurable improvement in function and symptoms when operated on and are generally very satisfied with the result of their operation.[2]

Birmingham Blepharoplasty Model wearing blue dress

A Better View

What are the benefits of Blepharoplasty?

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that brings numerous benefits and transformative outcomes for individuals seeking to enhance their appearance and address specific concerns around their eyes. This procedure offers a range of aesthetic advantages and brings about functional improvements.

Eyelid Surgery Offers
the Following Benefits:

Improved Vision

One of the significant advantages of eyelid surgery is its ability to enhance vision. Over time, excess skin, muscle, and fat deposits can accumulate around the eyelids, obstructing the visual field and causing vision impairment. Eyelid surgery effectively improves vision by removing these obstructions, allowing individuals to see more clearly and comfortably.

Enhanced Facial Features

The eyes play a crucial role in defining facial aesthetics. By addressing droopy or sagging eyelids, eyelid surgery enhances the overall appearance of the face. This procedure helps restore a youthful and rejuvenated look by tightening the skin, removing puffiness, and creating a more defined eyelid crease. As a result, the eyes become more prominent, making other facial features appear more harmonious.

Increased Self-Esteem

The impact of eyelid surgery extends beyond physical improvements; it also positively affects an individual's self-esteem and confidence. Many people feel self-conscious or unhappy with the appearance of their eyelids, particularly when they have excessive skin or prominent under-eye "bags." By addressing these concerns and achieving a more refreshed and youthful eye appearance, eyelid surgery can significantly boost self-esteem, allowing individuals to feel more confident and satisfied with their overall appearance.

Reduction of Under-Eye "Bags"

Eyelid surgery effectively targets and reduces the appearance of under-eye "bags" or puffiness. These bags can make individuals appear tired, older, or constantly fatigued, regardless of how well-rested they may be. By repositioning excess fat deposits and tightening the skin, eyelid surgery creates a smoother and more rejuvenated under-eye area, helping individuals achieve a more rested and refreshed appearance.

Look Younger

As we age, the skin loses its elasticity and begins to sag. This natural aging process affects the delicate skin around the eyes, leading to droopy or hooded eyelids. Eyelid surgery can reverse these signs of aging by eliminating excess skin, fat, and tightening the muscles, making individuals look significantly younger and more vibrant. The procedure can provide a rejuvenated and alert appearance, contributing to a more youthful overall look.

Candidates

The ideal candidate for an eyelid lift procedure is a healthy, non-smoking individual who wants to treat the sagging skin or fatty deposits on their upper or lower eyelids. Dr. Core performs eyelid surgery in Alabama on both men and women of all ages who want to enhance their self-image. Most people choose eyelid surgery to minimize the effects of aging. However, people in their 20s or 30s may also benefit from this procedure as well. You may be a good candidate for eyelid surgery if you have any of the following conditions:

  • Puffy “bags” and, in some cases, dark circles
  • Excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelids
  • Puffiness in the upper eyelids, creating a tired look
  • Loose skin that hangs down from your upper eyelids
  • Excess skin that hides the natural folds of the upper eyelids

An eyelid lift will not address dark circles, crow’s feet, or sagging eyebrows. Candidates will not be considered if they are prone to eye infections.

Defining Your Aesthetic

Your Blepharoplasty Consultation

The eyes are the window to the soul, so make sure those windows give the best view for you and those closest to you. Being that the area surrounding the eyes is fragile and sensitive, it is very important that you find a capable and competent surgeon like Grady Core, M.D., F.A.C.S. Dr. Core provides eyelid lifts to the people of Birmingham, Mountain Brook, and the surrounding areas in Alabama who want a more rested and bright appearance.

During your initial consultation, Dr. Core will walk you through the eyelid lift procedure to provide you with the information you need to make a more-informed decision. Dr. Core’s goal is to enhance the eyelid region to complement the patient’s unique facial features. Click here to schedule your consultation online, or call now at (205) 397-2100, and one of Dr. Core’s friendly staff members will be happy to guide you through the process.

Blepharoplasty Preparation

Before you have eyelid surgery, the first step is to meet with Dr. Core for an evaluation of your eyes to determine the best way to achieve your desired look. Following the recommendation on the surgery, Dr. Core discusses the details of the surgery and gives you a detailed list of instructions to prepare you for your surgery. Schedule time off work to properly heal. You will need someone nearby or on-call to care for you within the first 24-36 hours post-surgery. You may need someone to drive you to your first post-operative appointment with Dr. Core for three to four days if swelling affects your vision, so make sure to have someone you trust to assist you.

Birmingham Blepharoplasty Model with blonde hair

A Tailored Approach

Your Blepharoplasty Procedure

Birmingham Blepharoplasty Model with browne eyes

Lateral Access Lower Eyelid Recontouring

Dr. Core developed a technique lateral access lower eyelid recontouring procedure, which applies to patients who have skin relaxation without a significant amount of excess fat of the lower eyelid. This procedure lifts and tightens the lower eyelid. It also raises and tightens the cheek area just underneath the lid, which helps shorten the distance between the edge of the eyelid and the beginning of the cheek, a characteristic of beautiful faces.

This procedure prevents intrusion of the lower eyelid, which is the primary cause of retraction of the lower eyelid after surgery (ectopia). Ectropion reduces the risk with the lower eyelid muscle lifting, and the aesthetic benefits are significant. During this procedure, the incision only extends approximately 1/3 of the way across the lower eyelid, beginning at the outer portion of the lower eyelid underneath the eyelashes and extending out to about 1/4 of an inch past the corner of the eye. The excess skin in this area is excised, and the muscle underneath is identified. This muscle called the orbicularis oculi, extends across the lower eyelid in a hammock-type fashion and attaches both on the outer portion of the eye as well as the inner portion of the eye near the base of the nose. This hammock can become relaxed and floppy over time. Click here to read Dr. Core’s paper on this exact technique.

Dr. Core’s procedure for a lower eyelid muscle lift involves cutting a flap of muscle tissue that is elevated and tightened. This pulls all the tissues tighter/closer against the lower surface of the eye, thus completely reshaping and reforming the lower eyelid area, the upper cheek, and the fold underneath the eye. The excess skin is then removed, and the incision is closed. It’s been proven that the lateral incision–only lower lid blepharoplasty is a safe and effective procedure that allows all necessary structures to be addressed for rejuvenation.[3] If you have advanced age-related changes in your lower eyelid, Dr. Core will discuss other techniques that may be applicable to your situation.

Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Lower eyelid blepharoplasty involves an incision underneath the eyelashes, which then extends underneath the lower eyelid muscle to expose droopy and excess fat of the lower eyelid. Some of this fat is removed, and some of it is repositioned. The eyelid is then resuspended, and the excess muscle and skin are removed. This procedure is appropriate for eye patients who have a significant amount of excess fat on the lower eyelid with skin laxity.

A Revitalized Appearance

Blepharoplasty Results

Our Blepharoplasty Birmingham patients have experienced visible results within a few weeks. Patience is key as your body heals and adjusts. Approximately four to six weeks after your surgery, you should begin to see the final results of your cosmetic eyelid surgery. The swelling would have subsided at this point, allowing you to fully appreciate the remarkable changes to your eyelids. Your eyes should exhibit a refreshed appearance with a youthful vibrancy that enhances your overall facial aesthetics.

Rest and Refresh

Blepharoplasty Recovery and Aftercare

Immediate changes to your eyelids will be noticeable right after the surgery. However, it is important to note that initial post-surgical swelling and discoloration may temporarily mask the final outcome. This is a normal part of the healing process. While many patients are able to return to work within one to two weeks following blepharoplasty, it may take several weeks for the swelling to completely dissipate. The remaining sutures will be removed based on your treatment plan and varies per patient. Most of the swelling and bruising will fade within a week following your procedure. Dr. Core will prescribe an ointment to prevent dryness. Blurred vision may happen during the first week until the swelling settles.

Eyelid Lift Frequently Asked Questions

An eyelid lift is a surgical procedure designed to alter and reshape the eyelids through the removal of excess skin and fat, creating a more lively, awake, youthful appearance that restores a more pleasant expression. It is also known as a blepharoplasty.

“Bags” are the result of the fat that supports our eyes eroding with age, which causes the lower lids to sag or push forward, creating the trademark swollen and puffy look. Unfortunately, excess fluids can also gather below the eyes, adding more puffiness. The causes of retaining under-eye fluid can include smoking, allergies, genetics, and insomnia.

  • Excess upper or lower lid skin and excess fatty tissue
  • Overhanging skin in the eyelids
  • Saggy eyelids
  • Puffiness
  • “Bags” to the lower eyelid

The cost of eyelid surgery is based on the extent of the procedure, the methods used, and whether other procedures are performed in conjunction. During your consultation, we will review the costs of your procedure, as well as your payment options. 

For a comprehensive listing of our payment options, please consult our financing page for a full breakdown.

To get a glimpse of how satisfied you will be with your visit to Core Plastic Surgery, please visit our reviews page. We are humbled by our patients’ kind words and are committed to providing 5-star service to Birmingham and beyond.


If you enjoyed learning all about the benefits of an eyelid lift, we strongly recommend checking out Dr. Core’s Blog. Discover lifestyle advice, FAQs, beauty tips, media appearances, and much more. We look forward to your transformation.

View Photos right arrow

References

  1. Biesman, Brian S. “Blepharoplasty.” Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, vol. 18, no. 2, 31 May 1999, pp. 129–138., doi:10.1016/s1085-5629(99)80037-6. https://europepmc.org/article/med/10385281
  2. Jacobsen, A. G., Brost, B., Vorum, H., & Hargitai, J. (2017). Functional benefits and patient satisfaction with upper blepharoplasty – evaluated by objective and subjective outcome measures. Acta Ophthalmologica, 95(8), 820-825. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/aos.13385
  3. Core, Grady B. M.D. Lateral Access Recontouring Blepharoplasty for Rejuvenation of the Lower Lids, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: October 2013 – Volume 132 – Issue 4 – p 835-842 doi: 10.1097/PRS.0b013e3182a05516

We are happy to answer any questions you may have and get you on your way to beautiful, natural-looking results. Contact us.

3595 Grandview Parkway, #150, Birmingham, AL 35243

By submitting this you agree to be contacted by Core Plastic Surgery via text, call or email. Standard rates may apply. For more details, read our Privacy Policy.