Are tired, drooping eyelids affecting how you see yourself — or how well you actually see? Eyelid rejuvenation through blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) can restore both your appearance and your vision. As one of the most delicate areas of the face, the eyelid skin is often the first to show the effects of aging, sun damage, and other factors — leading to sagging or drooping that can impact peripheral vision and everyday activities like driving. At Cornerstone Eye Associates, our specialists offer personalized blepharoplasty solutions to help you look refreshed and see clearly.
Cornerstone Eye Associates has served the Rochester and Victor, NY communities for decades, combining deep ophthalmologic expertise with a commitment to individualized patient care. Our board-certified surgeons specialize in both functional and cosmetic eyelid procedures, staying current with the latest techniques to deliver safe, natural-looking results. When you choose our practice, you’re trusting a team with a proven track record of helping patients reclaim confidence and visual clarity.
Reasons For Eyelid Surgery
Blepharoplasty tightens the eyelid muscles and tissue, and removes excess fat and skin. Blepharoplasty eliminates the drooping of skin into the visual field, greatly improving peripheral vision. It is also performed for strictly cosmetic reasons. It is important for a patient to have realistic expectations before undergoing cosmetic blepharoplasty. Although the procedure can enhance appearance and improve self-confidence, it does not radically alter the face.
Types of Blepharoplasty
Functional Blepharoplasty
If the eyelids begin sagging into the field of vision, a functional blepharoplasty may be required. The procedure may be covered by medical insurance if it is deemed medically necessary. A determination of how much vision is affected is done by checking the peripheral visual field with an instrument called the Humphrey Visual Field (HVF) Analyzer.
Cosmetic Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty can be performed on either the upper or lower eyelid, or on both, for cosmetic purposes. For a lower eyelid that needs fat rather than skin removed, a transconjunctival blepharoplasty is performed. During transconjunctival blepharoplasty, an incision is made inside the lower eyelid, so there are no visible scars, and the fat is removed. This procedure has no effect on vision, but results in a person looking younger and more refreshed.
What to Expect
How is Blepharoplasty Performed?
Blepharoplasty is typically performed as an outpatient procedure requiring local anesthesia and sedation. General anesthesia may be used for anxious patients. Patients can choose to have this procedure on their upper or lower eyelids, or both. The procedure can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on whether both the upper and lower eyelids are operated on.
If the upper eyelid is being operated on, an incision is typically made along its natural crease. Once the incision is made, fat deposits are repositioned or removed, muscles and tissue are tightened, and excess skin is removed. For the lower eyelid, an incision is usually made just below the lash line so that excess skin can be removed.
After the procedure, the incisions are closed with sutures, tissue glue or surgical tape, and usually loosely covered with gauze so the area can heal.
Aftercare & Recovery
Eyelid Surgery Aftercare & Recovery
After blepharoplasty, patients may be advised to apply lubricating drops/ointment and cold compresses to aid in healing and minimize side effects. Most patients return to work within a few days to a week, but should avoid exercise and strenuous activities for at least 2 weeks. Stitches are usually removed after 3 or 4 days. Most swelling and other side effects typically subside within 2 weeks. Contact lenses and eye makeup may not be worn for 2 weeks after surgery. Patients are typically advised to wear dark sunglasses outside or in bright light for 2 weeks to protect their eyes from sun and wind.
Blepharoplasty Risks
Most often there is swelling and bruising around the surgical site, which will subside on its own. The eyelids will improve in appearance for up to a year. Uncommon side effects include infection, reaction to anesthesia, and double or blurred vision. Eyes may be irritated and dry due to a temporary change in tear distribution. Side effects such as uneven healing and permanent scarring are rare but, if they occur, may require surgical correction. The scars from blepharoplasty are well-concealed, and usually fade with time until they are virtually undetectable. Although the eyelids are still subject to aging, blepharoplasty produces long-lasting results.
Eye Ptosis
Ptosis is the drooping of the upper eyelid caused by weakening of the muscles. While ptosis is usually the result of aging, some people develop ptosis after eye surgery or an injury, and the condition can be congenital. While ptosis may be present due to serious causes, treatment may not always be necessary. Patients should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Ptosis Causes
Damage to the nerves
Diabetes
Migraine headache
Stroke
Growth in the eyelid, such as a stye
Myasthenia gravis
Horner syndrome
Bell’s palsy
Benign or malignant tumor
In rare instances, ptosis can occur due to a brain tumor or other malignancy that affects the reactions of muscles or nerves.
Ptosis Symptoms
Ptosis presents as the drooping of one or both eyelids and perhaps one or more of the following symptoms:
Increased tear production
Difficulty blinking or closing the eye
Reduced vision (with severe drooping)
Since ptosis caused by aging is usually gradual, a sudden onset of symptoms is a greater cause for concern.
Ptosis Diagnosis
Ptosis is typically diagnosed by an ophthalmologist, who can also frequently determine the cause of the problem. In order to perform a comprehensive eye examination, the doctor may test visual acuity, perform visual field testing, a slit-lamp examination, and, possibly, a tension test for myasthenia gravis. If there is a suspicion of an underlying systemic disease, the patient will be referred to an internist or other physician for further investigation.
Ptosis Treatment
Patients may seek treatment for droopy eyelids for cosmetic or medical purposes. Severe drooping may obstruct vision as the eyelid gradually droops lower and lower, eventually covering the eye. If ptosis interferes with a patient’s vision, a blepharoplasty will be performed to eliminate the drooping. Many young patients with mild to moderate ptosis should be examined regularly to check for other vision problems including amblyopia, refractive errors, and muscular diseases.
Why Choose Cornerstone Eye Associates for Eyelid Rejuvenation?
When it comes to something as delicate as your eyes, experience and expertise matter. Here’s why patients throughout Rochester and Victor, NY trust Cornerstone Eye Associates for their eyelid care:
Specialized Ophthalmologic Expertise: Our surgeons are fellowship-trained specialists with extensive experience in both functional and cosmetic eyelid procedures.
Comprehensive Care: From your initial consultation through recovery, we provide personalized attention at every step of your journey.
Proven Results: We’ve helped countless patients in the Rochester community restore clearer vision and a more youthful, refreshed appearance.
Advanced Technology: We utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical tools — including the Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer — to ensure precise, effective outcomes.
Patient-Centered Approach: We take the time to understand your goals and set realistic expectations, so you feel confident and informed before, during, and after your procedure.
Ready to take the next step toward brighter, more youthful eyes? Contact Cornerstone Eye Associates today to schedule your consultation. Call us at (585) 328-0153 — we look forward to helping you see and feel your best.
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