Introduction to Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
The skin around the eyes is sensitive to sun damage, gravity and age-related atrophy of youthful fat. With either upper or lower cosmetic eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, Dr. Zuckerman can help you address signs of aging, stress or fatigue. He can address a hollowed appearance, dark under-eye circles, drooping upper eyelids, puffiness, and other aesthetic issues. Eyelid surgery is a safe, effective and popular procedure. With over 200,000 procedures performed in the United States in 2017, it is the second most popular cosmetic surgery of the face after rhinoplasty. In addition, one of Dr. Zuckerman’s favorite techniques to achieve a subtle, rejuvenated-looking result involves small volume fat grafting to the tear trough, the junction between the lower eyelid and cheek, or lower eyelids. He is highly experienced in eyelid surgery and trained at some of most respected medical institutions in the world, including Brown University and New York University. He strives to achieve a natural-looking, subtle result.
Am I A Candidate For Eyelid Surgery?
Candidates for upper eyelid surgery or lower eyelid surgery are those who are dissatisfied with the appearance of the periorbital area, both above and below the eyes. Both men and women of varying ages choose to undergo blepharoplasty with Dr. Zuckerman. The procedure is a safe, effective way to address one or more of the following:
- Ptosis (sag) of the upper eyelids (In severe cases, this can affect vision.)
- Drooping lower eyelids (In severe cases, this may cause overly dry eyes.)
- Crows’ feet
- Lines and wrinkles of the lower eyelid
- Hollowed, tired appearance
- Dark under-eye circles
- Fat deposits that appear as puffiness around the eyes
For milder conditions, Dr. Zuckerman may be able to perform non-surgical tear trough rejuvenation.
Candidates for blepharoplasty must be able to obtain medical clearance and be in both good overall health and good eye health. Before eyelid surgery, Dr. Zuckerman refers prospective patients to an ophthalmologist for evaluation of dry eye, because blepharoplasty can in some cases make this condition worse. Patients should also have good skin elasticity.
Eyelid Surgery in Detail

Upper eyelid surgery is a distinct surgical procedure from lower eyelid surgery but can be performed in combination as a single operation.
Upper Eyelid Surgery (Upper Blepharoplasty)
Upper eyelid surgery is the less intensive of the two possible operations. Dr. Zuckerman excises a crescent of skin from the upper eyelid and if necessary a thin strip of muscle. In addition, he will excise fat from one of the two fat compartments in the upper eyelid if needed. The incision scar is made to hide in the natural crease of the upper eyelid and is barely perceptible once healed. This procedure can be done under local anesthesisa as a office procedure.
Lower Eyelid Surgery (Lower Blepharoplasty)
Lower eyelid surgery can involve several different surgical techniques depending on the aesthetic issues at hand. Dr. Zuckerman typically makes an incision on the back side of the lower eyelid and if needed removes fat from one of the three fat compartments to address under-eye bags or puffiness. He may also remove a small, conservative strip of skin from the lower eyelid. The procedure can also involve a canthopexy, a stitch in the deep tissues in the lateral corner of the eye to pull the eyelid tighter and to address lower eyelid laxity. Dr. Zuckerman does not perform lower eyelid surgery under straight local anesthesia in an office setting. For the safety and comfort of the patient, he performs this procedure in the operating room under local anesthesia with sedation or under general anesthesia.
Lower Eyelid Fat Grafting
To address under-eye hollows or atrophy of fat, Dr. Zuckerman can perform small volume liposuction to harvest fat from donor sites in the abdomen, flanks (love handles) or thighs. He then grafts this donor fat to fill in the tear trough, smoothing the junction between the cheek and lower eyelid. This procedure can be paired with upper or lower eyelid surgery and creates a subtle, rejuvenated, natural-looking result.
If an operating room setting is required, you may undergo blepharoplasty on an out-patient basis at Dr. Zuckerman’s state-of-the-art, in-office, fully equipped operating room in midtown Manhattan. This operatory facility has been certified by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, Inc. (AAAASF), certifying it as a facility that offers an equally high standard of care as a hospital. The privacy, discretion, and convenience of Dr. Zuckerman’s private in-office operating room facility is an exclusive benefit of Zuckerman Plastic Surgery that many patients appreciate. Should you desire, you may also undergo surgery with Dr. Zuckerman at Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital, a major hospital in Manhattan in the Northwell system where all types of breast, body, and face cosmetic surgery procedures are performed. Dr. Zuckerman is on staff in the department of plastic surgery for Northwell system hospitals in Manhattan among others.
Eyelid Surgery Recovery
Upper and lower eyelid surgery requires little downtime. For upper eyelid surgery, stitches remain in place for four to five days and are removed relatively painlessly in the office by Dr. Zuckerman. Patients should expect mild bruising and swelling, which will resolve by two weeks after surgery. Most patients can return to work within a couple days. Lower eyelid surgery requires a slightly longer recovery and often involves more swelling. Patients should expect to be swollen for up to two weeks. Patients should limit heavy lifting or other intensive activities for a few weeks after surgery. Dr. Zuckerman will prescribe pain medication if needed to manage postoperative discomfort and may recommend a special post-procedure ointment to lubricate the eyes in the days after surgery.
Eyelid Surgery Before and After by Dr. Zuckerman
More Before & Afters
Dr. Zuckerman publishes many of his previous eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) results with patient consent. The before and after image gallery has pairs of high resolution images from three to four angles for each patient. Many prospective patients enjoy finding a similar case to their own that Dr. Zuckerman has performed in the past. Take a look through the gallery by clicking on the button below.
Risks of Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery is overwhelmingly safe when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Zuckerman takes the utmost care to minimize risk, but all surgery has potential complications. These may include:
- Eyelid numbness
- Dry eyes
- Mild blurred vision
- Hematoma
Patients should also be aware of the risks and the signs of serious complications such as infection, hematoma, or vision loss, which although rare are possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eyelid Surgery
Below are the answers to some questions Dr. Zuckerman most frequently receives from prospective patients. If you don’t see your question below, feel free to contact Dr. Zuckerman’s office, and a member of his staff will be glad to reach out to you.
Request Your Eyelid Surgery Consultation
Are you ready for your eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) consultation with Dr. Zuckerman? He will perform a thorough evaluation of your desired outcome and needs based on your anatomy and medical history. Dr. Zuckerman will also address any questions or concerns you may have about the surgery and discuss with you the details of his approach: incision location(s), procedure length and techniques, likely operative outcome, etc. Contact his office by clicking the button below or by calling (212) 231-9897. Dr. Zuckerman also offers consultations via Skype and a process for out-of-town patients to visit New York City to have surgery with him.
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