Cosmetic eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, stands out as one of the most transformative procedures in facial plastic surgery. In 2023 alone, over 120,000 blepharoplasties were performed in the U.S., making it the most popular facial cosmetic surgery performed that year. (American Society of Plastic Surgeons Procedural Statistics Release) At Edina Plastic Surgery, we consistently see how rejuvenating the eye area alone can dramatically uplift the appearance of the entire face and how impactful this procedure can be on the overall confidence of our patients.
“The delicate skin around the eyes is often the first to show signs of aging,” explains Dr. Brian Kobienia, a board-certified plastic surgeon and partner at Edina Plastic Surgery. “Sagging lids, puffiness, and crepey loose skin can all combine to create a tired or heavy expression in the eyes that doesn’t reflect how you feel inside,” he continues. “A well-executed blepharoplasty removes excess skin, tightens tissue, and removes or repositions excess fat for a naturally refreshed, youthful look, often with virtually invisible scars. Although it is a small surgery, its impact can dramatically affect your appearance while still looking completely natural.”
Why Timing Matters with Blepharoplasty
Appearance vs. Function
Blepharoplasty is not just about aesthetics and looking younger. It often serves a functional purpose, improving vision when excess upper eyelid skin ‘hoods’ over the eyes. If you find yourself regularly brushing hair or transferred makeup from your lids, squinting, tilting your head back to read, or are told your visual field is restricted, it’s time to consider eyelid surgery.
*Edina Plastic Surgery focuses on cosmetic blepharoplasty surgery to improve the overall aesthetic of the eye area. If you are seeking a purely functional blepharoplasty to improve your visual field, which can often be billed through insurance, please schedule a consultation with a board-certified ophthalmologist.
Genetics & Early-Onset Aging
“Let’s face it – not everyone ages the same,” says Dr. Kobienia. “Some individuals, even those as young as their 20s or 30s, carry genetic characteristics, like heavy upper lids or undereye bags, that can make them look older or more fatigued than they actually are. As you can imagine, this can seriously affect your self-esteem. For these patients, early blepharoplasty can improve both comfort in the eye area and seriously boost self-confidence!”
Common Signs You May Be a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery
Here are several telltale signs that you might be ready for blepharoplasty:
- Constant eyelid heaviness or drooping (upper or lower)
- Visible bags or puffiness under your eyes that never really goes away
- Sagging skin covering your natural eyelid crease
- Dark circles, deep hollows, or shadows under the eyes that don’t go away, even with rest or advanced skincare products
- Occasional glare or obstruction in peripheral vision due to lid hooding
- Frustration with always looking tired or aged, even when well-rested
- Desire to refresh the appearance of your eyes without looking “done”
Why Blepharoplasty Works and When It’s Most Effective
A Procedure That Fits Your Lifestyle
“It’s important to have a clear vision of your goals when you visit Edina Plastic Surgery for your initial consultation for blepharoplasty surgery,” advises Dr. Kobienia. “During this consult, your plastic surgeon will listen closely as you describe your concerns and expectations for your eye area. This allows us to recommend the best procedure or procedures to meet your unique needs. Your concerns or questions are also best brought up during this time, so come prepared with a list. After speaking with you, reviewing your medical history, and performing a physical examination of your eyes and face, your surgeon will work with you to create a customized treatment plan that will work best to achieve your aesthetic goals and match your lifestyle.”
At Edina Plastic Surgery, we offer four approaches to blepharoplasty, each tailored to address specific concerns:
Upper Eyelid Lift: The delicate skin of the upper eyelids is prone to sagging and wrinkling with age. An upper eyelid lift resolves these frustrating aesthetic flaws while also having the added benefit of restoring peripheral vision in severe cases. If you have reduced peripheral vision or want to give your eyes a more open and awake appearance, an upper eyelid lift may be a good option for you.
Lower Eyelid Lift: Many men and women develop pockets of fat underneath their eyes that settle and fall as they age. A lower eyelid lift removes or redistributes the fat to rejuvenate the region under the eyes. If no amount of sleep alleviates your puffy undereye bags, a lower blepharoplasty may be right for you.
Combined Upper/Lower Eyelid Lift: If both of your upper and lower eyelids are affected, a combined or full eyelid lift addresses both the upper and lower eyelids for complete restoration of the eye area. This is a great way to improve multiple concerns simultaneously and maintain balance throughout your face.
Eyelid Lift + Additional Facial Procedures: An eyelid lift is often coupled with other procedures focused on improving signs of facial aging, such as a facelift or brow lift. A more holistic, natural result is thus created by addressing the whole face. Combining procedures is beneficial for several reasons. First, it reduces the cost of your procedure since you do not have to pay twice for surgical, anesthesia, or facility fees. Second, it lessens the total recovery time you have to invest into achieving the desired results.
The Eyelid Lift Procedure at Edina Plastic Surgery
“At Edina Plastic Surgery, blepharoplasty is performed on an outpatient basis in our fully accredited onsite surgery center,” says Dr. Kobienia. “The procedure begins with the administration of anesthesia. You can opt for either local anesthesia with sedation or a light general anesthesia, in which you are completely asleep during the procedure.”
“Once you are sedated, your plastic surgeon will begin by making incisions within the natural folds of the eye area so that the scars can be easily concealed,” explains Dr. Kobienia. “For an upper lid blepharoplasty, your surgeon will make an incision along the natural skin crease of the upper eyelid. Excess skin is removed, and some fatty tissue may be excised. For the lower lids, an incision is made just beneath the lash line, extending to the crow’s feet region of the eye. Excess skin and fat can then be removed. The lower lid can also be improved using a “transconjunctival blepharoplasty.” In this technique, an incision is made along the inner lining of the lower lid, where it will not be visible. The procedure allows treatment of the fat pads, though no skin can be removed, and works best for people with younger, elastic skin.”
What to Expect During Recovery From Eyelid Surgery
At Edina Plastic Surgery, comfort and clear guidance throughout the healing process after surgery are core priorities.
- Downtime: Most patients return to work within 7 to 10 days, with bruising and swelling significantly subsiding during that timeframe.
- Healing timeline: Swelling and redness may continue to fade for several weeks. Final results typically appear within 6-8 weeks, with continued improvements up to six months after surgery.
- Post‑care protocols: Patients are instructed to avoid touching or rubbing the eyes for at least two weeks. No contacts, makeup, or mascara should be worn to minimize infection risk and support healing.
- Subtle but meaningful results: Our goal isn’t dramatic change. It’s a refreshed, naturally vibrant look to the eye area. Most friends and family will notice how well-rested you appear, not that you had any surgery performed.
Why Edina Plastic Surgery Is a Top Choice in the Twin Cities for Eyelid Surgery
At our Edina, MN location, our board-certified plastic surgeons bring years of specialized experience with eyelid surgery in the Twin Cities area. Here’s why local patients choose Edina Plastic Surgery for blepharoplasty:
- Precision and personalization: Our surgeons tailor each procedure to your unique eye anatomy and aesthetic goals.
- Comprehensive care: Your surgery is performed in our fully accredited, in‑house facility—no outside ambulatory center required.
- Balanced approach: Options like fat repositioning for tear‑trough correction and tissue sculpting preserve natural contours and prevent hollowing in the eye area.
- Combined procedures: Many patients pair eyelid surgery with brow lift or facelift for harmonious facial rejuvenation if needed. This delivers more comprehensive and longer-lasting results.
Is Now the Right Time for Blepharoplasty? Five Questions to Ask Yourself
- Am I bothered by heaviness, puffiness, or excess skin in my eyelid area, even when rested?
- Do I experience intermittent or chronic visual obstruction due to drooping upper lids?
- Have genetics or early aging affected my eyes more than expected for my age?
- Am I generally healthy, a non-smoker, with realistic expectations and the ability to take time for recovery?
- Do I want refreshed, natural-looking eyes that complement my overall facial appearance?
If you answered “yes” to one or more of these, it’s worth considering a consultation at Edina Plastic Surgery to explore whether eyelid surgery is right for you.
Ready to Refresh Your Eyes? Confidence Starts With a Conversation!
“Blepharoplasty can make a remarkable difference in your appearance by lifting your eyelid posture, smoothing out puffiness, opening your gaze, and helping you look like a more rested, confident version of yourself,” says Dr. Kobienia. “And when timed right, whether in your late 20s, 40s, or later, the results can be absolutely empowering and transformative to your appearance and confidence.”
At Edina Plastic Surgery, we’re proud to serve patients throughout the Twin Cities area and beyond, offering skilled surgical care tailored to your features, goals, and lifestyle.
Ready to learn if eyelid surgery is right for you? Schedule a complimentary consultation at Edina Plastic Surgery today to meet with one of our board-certified providers, like Dr. Brian Kobienia, to discuss your goals.
You deserve eyes that match how youthful and vibrant you feel. A consult is your first step toward seeing clearly, looking refreshed, and making a change you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Call (952) 592-6044, text (952) 925-1765, or BOOK ONLINE to get started!
