Blepharoplasty Before & Afters
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In Birmingham, Alabama
Brighten Your Eyes
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.
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Look Rested and More Youthful
Also known as a eyelid lift, a blepharoplasty 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]
A Better View
A 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.
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.
Blepharoplasty is not one operation performed the same way on every patient. The upper and lower eyelids age differently, and the surgical plan should reflect that.
Upper blepharoplasty addresses excess skin and puffiness of the upper lids. Patients often notice a hooded appearance, a heavier upper lid crease, or makeup transferring more easily because there is less visible lid space. In some cases, the excess skin can also interfere with the upper field of vision.
Lower blepharoplasty focuses on under-eye bags, lower lid puffiness, loose skin, and the transition between the lower eyelid and the cheek. This part of the procedure is usually less about “extra skin” alone and more about how fat, skin, and lid support interact over time.
Some patients need only upper eyelid surgery. Others benefit more from lower eyelid surgery. Many do best when both are treated together so the eye area looks balanced rather than partially refreshed.
Blepharoplasty can be performed for cosmetic reasons, functional reasons, or both.
A cosmetic blepharoplasty is designed to improve the appearance of the eyelids by reducing heaviness, puffiness, or under-eye bags. The goal is usually a more rested look, not a different eye shape.
A functional blepharoplasty is performed when excess upper eyelid skin begins to interfere with vision or creates daily frustration from lid heaviness. This is most common in the upper lids. During consultation, Dr. Core evaluates whether the issue is primarily cosmetic, primarily functional, or a combination of both.
That distinction matters because not every patient with heavy lids has the same anatomical cause. In some cases, brow descent is part of the problem, and treating the eyelids alone can leave part of the issue unaddressed.
Yes, upper blepharoplasty can improve vision in patients whose excess upper eyelid skin hangs low enough to obstruct the visual field. This is one of the clearest functional benefits of the procedure.
Not every blepharoplasty is performed for vision, and lower blepharoplasty is generally not the operation used for this purpose. During consultation, Dr. Core examines the eyelids, brow position, and degree of skin excess to determine whether the concern is visual obstruction, cosmetic aging, or both.
Blepharoplasty is often part of a larger facial plan rather than a standalone decision.
Common combinations include:
Combining procedures can create a more coherent result and allows patients to recover once instead of staging everything separately.
The ideal candidate for an blepharoplasty in Birmingham 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 blepharoplasties 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:
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
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 blepharoplasties 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.
Before a blepharoplasty Birmingham patients first meet with Dr. Core for an evaluation of their eyes to determine the best way to achieve their 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.
A Tailored Approach
Dr. Core developed the technique for the 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 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
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
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.
Recovery depends on whether surgery is performed on the upper lids, lower lids, or both, and whether it is combined with other facial procedures. Most patients can expect the following general timeline:
First 48 hours:
Swelling and bruising are usually most noticeable during the first two days. Cold compresses, head elevation, and rest are important during this period.
Days 5 to 7:
Many patients return for follow-up and suture removal around this point, depending on the procedure.
Days 7 to 14:
Most of the visible bruising and swelling begins to settle. Many patients feel comfortable returning to social activities, work, or routine errands during this window.
Weeks 3 to 6:
Residual swelling continues to improve. Incisions usually soften and become less apparent.
Longer term:
The eye area continues to refine as tissues settle. Final scar maturation takes longer than the social recovery period, so subtle improvement continues even after patients already look presentable.
Blepharoplasty is a commonly performed facial procedure, but it is still surgery and should be approached that way.
As with any eyelid operation, potential risks can include bleeding, infection, temporary dryness or irritation, asymmetry, prolonged swelling, visible scarring, changes in lid position, or difficulty fully closing the eyes during early healing. These risks are reduced by careful planning, conservative tissue handling, and precise attention to eyelid support.
Scars are usually placed in natural hiding points. In upper blepharoplasty, the incision typically lies within the upper eyelid crease. In lower blepharoplasty, incision placement depends on the technique used and the patient’s anatomy. The goal is always to improve the eyelid contour without creating an operated look.
At Core Plastic Surgery, procedures are performed in an on-site surgical center accredited by AAAASF, which the practice notes required meeting extensive safety criteria and inspection standards.
Blepharoplasty can produce long-lasting improvement, but it does not stop the aging process.
For many patients, upper blepharoplasty results last for years, and often much longer. Lower blepharoplasty is also considered long-lasting, especially when under-eye bags and fat protrusion are corrected thoughtfully. That said, skin continues to age, brows can continue to descend, and surrounding facial tissues will still change over time.
The best way to think about longevity is this: blepharoplasty resets the eyelid area, but it does not freeze it.
Blepharoplasty pricing reflects the complexity of the procedure, whether the surgery involves the upper lids, lower lids, or both, and whether it is combined with other procedures such as a brow lift, facelift, or facial fat grafting.
Because eyelid surgery is highly anatomy-specific, the most accurate quote is given after consultation. Dr. Core evaluates the eyelids directly, reviews whether the concern is cosmetic or functional, and determines whether the best plan involves upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or a combined approach.
Eyelid surgery is a small-area procedure with very little margin for imprecision. That is why experience matters.
Dr. Grady Core is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Birmingham who is described by the practice as a co-developer of endoscopic plastic surgery and a surgeon who has taught minimally invasive techniques to other plastic surgeons since 1992. His training includes plastic surgery at the Mayo Clinic, and the site notes that he later served in academic and leadership roles before returning to Birmingham in 1996.
For patients considering lower eyelid surgery in particular, the site’s lower blepharoplasty page also emphasizes his lateral-incision-only approach and focus on preserving central lid support rather than overworking the area.
Blepharoplasty should make the eyes look more rested, not surgically obvious. That takes restraint as much as technique.
An eyelid lift, also known as a blepharoplasty, 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.
“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.
Yes. Upper blepharoplasty can improve vision when excess upper eyelid skin hangs low enough to obstruct the visual field. During consultation, Dr. Core evaluates whether the issue is truly eyelid skin, brow position, or both.
Lower blepharoplasty can provide long-lasting improvement in under-eye bags by removing or repositioning the fat and smoothing the lower lid contour. The aging process continues, but the correction itself is designed to be durable.
A well-planned blepharoplasty is meant to refresh the eyelids, not change the identity of the eyes. The goal is to reduce heaviness or puffiness while preserving natural eye shape and expression.
Blepharoplasty results are long-lasting, but not technically permanent because skin and facial tissues continue to age. Most patients enjoy improvement for many years.
The cost of blepharoplasty 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.
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
