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What Is the Procedure For a Natural Looking Eyelid Lift?

NaturaLook® Eyelid Surgery Overview

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that targets the eyelids
to improve their appearance. It involves the removal of excess skin, fat, and muscle from the
upper and/or lower eyelids to address issues such as drooping eyelids, puffiness, and bags
under the eyes. The surgery can help create a more youthful, refreshed, and rejuvenated
appearance by eliminating the signs of aging. 

  • Average Cost: Starts at $5,000
  • Discomfort Level: Mild to Moderate
  • Anesthesia Options: Local Anesthesia with Sedation or General Anesthesia
  • Recovery Period: One to Two Weeks
  • Results Length: Long-lasting, although aging effects may continue over time
  • Potential Benefits: Reduction of sagging or drooping eyelids, removal of excess skin and fat
    deposits, improvement in vision obstruction, rejuvenation of the eye area, a more refreshed and
    youthful appearance vs a trade-off with scars.

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What is eyelid surgery?

Eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, addresses loose and droopy excess skin on the upper lids that makes eyes look hooded, fatigued, or even sad. Dr. Alizadeh's eyelid surgery in New York City can also address the lower eyelid, diminishing bags, dark circles or puffy skin that can cause you to look tired or older than you really are. Blepharoplasty rejuvenates the eye area and creates a younger, happier, and more refreshed aesthetic.

Dr. Kaveh Alizadeh, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Long Island, has developed a trademarked blepharoplasty technique, called NaturaLook® Eyelid Surgery, which represents a significant departure from common blepharoplasty techniques, giving a more youthful result than typical blepharoplasties.

As current Associate Professor of Surgery at New York Medical College and the former Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at WMC Health, Dr. Kaveh Alizadeh is the only New York City-area plastic surgeon who performs this state-of-the-art eyelid surgery procedure.

Woman posing with her face on her arm.

RESULTS THAT STAND OUT

Dr. Alizadeh's unique technique takes advantage of the latest advances, such as lasers and adipocyte-derived stem cells to minimize excessive surgical removal of soft tissues. His technique enhances the soft contours of the eyelids, providing a smooth recovery and long-lasting results.

The results of NaturaLook® include the following:

  • Better eye symmetry and harmony.
  • Enhanced eye shape. Eyes appear more open and naturally refreshed.
  • Tighter skin and muscles around the eyelids. 
  • Long-lasting, natural and youthful-looking results. 

Before & After - Eyelid Surgery in NYC

The eyelid lift before and after images shown below are actual patients of Dr. Alizadeh who underwent a blepharoplasty procedure. Have a look through our gallery to help you understand the outcomes and results he can deliver.

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Why choose Dr. Alizadeh for my eyelid surgery in New York City?

Dr. Alizadeh is a board-certified plastic surgeon in NYC and Long Island, who has trademarked a new blepharoplasty technique called NaturaLook® Eyelid Surgery. This technique provides a more youthful result compared to typical blepharoplasty methods. He is the only New York City-area plastic surgeon who performs this state-of-the-art eyelid surgery procedure.

His experience and dedication to his patients and his unparalleled level of compassion and care have made him one of the most sought after doctors in the world.

With over 23 years of experience, Dr. Alizadeh is able to customize every eyelid surgery procedure he does according to the aesthetic needs of each individual patient, making him uniquely qualified to help you realize your goals for eyelid surgery.

His training began at Columbia University and then Cornell, where he earned his medical degree, followed by surgical training and residency at University of Chicago, and culminating at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center with subspecialty training in microsurgery, cosmetic surgery and breast reconstruction.

Dr Alizadeh is a Professor of plastic surgery at NY Medical College, having trained over 100 surgeons in the art of plastic surgery and has performed over 10,000 procedures personally. He has taught his techniques to hundreds of surgeons in dozens of countries worldwide, given over 100 lectures, and published countless peer-reviewed articles. In addition to that, he has held the position of oral examiner for the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the primary clinical trial investigator for the FDA, focusing on devices used in surgical and non-surgical procedures. His nonprofit, Mission: Restore, provides those in need with free healthcare, an achievement Dr. Alizadeh takes great pride in. 

Dr. Alizadeh has the education, training, and technical skill to effect solid results, but it’s his intuitive appreciation of aesthetic beauty that gives him the ability to achieve exceptional, tasteful outcomes. He understands that the best eyelid surgery results reveal subtle rejuvenation that never looks overdone and never gives away that a person had “work done.

Blepharoplasty Patient Reviews

Benefits of eyelid surgery

Eyelid surgery has many benefits for those who are suffering from drooping lids, heavy bags or dark circles under the eyes.

  • Improved line of sight and field of vision
  • Reduced eye bags
  • Reduced skin irritation from excess folds rubbing together
  • A more youthful and rested appearance
  • Removal of dark circles under the eyes
  • A fuller appearance under the lower eyelids
  • Reduced forehead discomfort (from muscle straining)
  • Lifted, younger-looking skin
  • Fewer fine lines around the eyes

Am I a candidate for eyelid surgery in NYC?

If you would like to get rid of droopy eyelids or bags under your eyes, you may be a candidate for Dr. Alizadeh's eyelid surgery in New York City. Candidates generally include individuals who meet the following criteria:

  • Are generally healthy
  • Are nonsmokers
  • Have no serious eye conditions
  • Have realistic expectations about what this surgery can do for them
  • Have droopy or sagging lower or upper eyelids
  • Have bags or dark circles under their eyes
  • Are experiencing obscured vision from drooping eyelids
there is a close up of a woman's face with long eyelashes

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Eyelid surgery explained

This procedure is usually done under local or monitored anesthesia, which is administered in a boutique operating room certified by either the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) or the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). A blepharoplasty can also be performed under general anesthesia if the patient requests it or if the surgery is combined with other procedures. 

Once the anesthesia is administered, the surgical procedure begins.

NaturaLook eyelid surgery with Dr. Alizadeh

Dr. Alizadeh exclusively uses the NaturaLook® surgical procedure. After years of experience with traditional eyelid surgeries, Dr. Alizadeh developed and refined this signature procedure, which preserves or redistributes fat instead of removing it, helping retain youthful fullness in the eye area. This eyelid surgery technique also employs safety protocols that accelerate recovery from anesthesia and guarantee a pain-free procedure.

Dr. Kaveh Alizadeh

Eyelid surgery incisions and surgery details

Depending on the type of eyelid surgery you’re having, Dr. Alizadeh will make a single laser-focused incision in the natural crease of the upper or lower eyelid. Eventually, this will turn into a well-concealed scar. For upper eyelid surgery, he removes extra skin but preserves the muscle to maintain the youthful fullness in the upper eyelid.

If the surgery is being done on the lower eyelid, Dr. Alizadeh will tighten the ligaments of the lower lid while making sure to reposition the fat. He will redrape the lower lid skin as necessary, ensuring a youthful and lasting result. In some cases, he reduces or repositions fat to create a fresh fold along the uppermost portion of the eye (known as double eyelid surgery) then closes each incision with absorbable sutures or biological glues. Depending on the complexity of the procedure, eyelid surgery lasts one to two hours.

Risks of eyelid surgery

There are risks associated with any surgery, such as infection, bleeding, reaction to anesthesia, and blood clots. Eyelid surgery risks also include:

  • Dry, irritated eyes
  • Difficulty closing your eyes or other eyelid problems
  • Noticeable scarring
  • Injury to eye muscles
  • Skin discoloration
  • The need for a follow-up surgery
  • Temporarily blurred vision or rarely, loss of eyesight

Types of Eyelid Surgery

Lower Eyelid Surgery

Lower eyelid surgery is performed under local anesthesia. It improves the appearance of the eyes by reducing puffiness, dark circles, and bags under the eyes to create a more youthful and refreshed appearance.

There are two main approaches to making incisions for lower eyelid surgery: the transconjunctival and subciliary approaches.

The transconjunctival approach involves making an incision on the inside of the lower eyelid, which means there is no visible scar on the outside. This approach is typically used when the primary goal of the surgery is to remove excess fat from the lower eyelids.

The subciliary approach involves making an incision just below the lower eyelashes, which allows Dr. Alizadeh to remove excess skin, muscle, and fat from the lower eyelid. This approach may also reposition or tighten the lower eyelid if it sags or droops.

In both approaches, the incision is carefully made to minimize visible scarring and preserve the eyelid's natural contour. Once the incision is made, Dr. Alizadeh will carefully remove any excess tissue and may also tighten the underlying muscle and tissue to create a more youthful and refreshed appearance.

The incision is then closed with sutures, which will be removed during a follow-up appointment. The procedure usually takes one to two hours, and patients can typically return home the same day. 

Upper Eyelid Surgery

Upper eyelid surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia. During upper eyelid surgery, Dr. Alizadeh will make incisions in the upper eyelid's natural crease, creating a natural-looking result that enhances the appearance of the eyes while minimizing any visible scarring. As such, the length and placement of the incision will depend on the patient's anatomy and the amount of excess skin and fat that needs to be removed. In general, the incision will be made along the upper eyelid's natural crease, extending outwards towards the outer corner of the eye.

Once the incision is made, Dr. Alizaden will carefully remove any excess skin and fat and may also tighten the underlying muscle and tissue to create a more youthful and refreshed appearance. This method also preserves the eyelid’s natural contour.

The incision is then closed with sutures, which will be removed during a follow-up appointment with Dr. Alizadeh. Upper eyelid surgery usually takes one to two hours, and patients can typically return home the same day.

Double Eyelid Surgery

Double eyelid surgery is a simultaneous approach to eyelid surgery. Both procedures are done at the same time for the most optimal and complete effect.

Complementary procedures

Depending on your needs, Dr. Alizadeh may recommend combining procedures and treatments to complement your blepharoplasty results.

  • Laser skin resurfacing to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and refresh your skin.
  • Dermal fillers to firm, sculpt and rejuvenate other areas of your face and neck.
  • NaturaGlow® Fat Grafting to fill hollows or deep grooves.
  • Botox to minimize dynamic wrinkles in the eye area, leaving the skin younger and smoother.
  • Another facial plastic surgery option, the NaturaBrow® Brow Lift, can elevate a heavy forehead above the eyelids and greatly reduce forehead lines and wrinkles around the eyes.

Woman with grey hair in business attire looking at the camera.

Recovery

Following eyelid surgery, most patients find that they need to take approximately one week off from work to allow any bruising or swelling in the eye area to subside. You will need to sleep on your back for one to two weeks and avoid exercise and sun exposure for three to four weeks following your procedure. Dr. Alizadeh and his staff will give you very specific pre-and post-operative instructions. They will be available throughout the recovery period to ensure you are healing well and answer questions should any concerns arise.

Your consultation with Dr. Alizadeh

During your consultation with Dr. Alizadeh, you will discuss your unique concerns and goals for your eyes. Dr. Alizadeh will examine you, explain the procedure and all of your options, and ask questions about your medical history.

What is blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is eyelid surgery done to address loose and droopy excess skin on the upper lids, or bags or puffy skin under the eyes.

Will blepharoplasty affect my eyesight?

Yes. Blepharoplasty reduces the excess skin on and around the eyelids, often giving the benefit of better vision.

Is eyelid surgery covered by insurance?

If it is deemed medically necessary, yes. Functional eyelid surgery can be covered by medical insurance because it removes heavy skin that hangs over the eyelash line, interfering with the line of sight.

Are there any non-surgical alternatives to eyelid surgery?

Yes. The Non-Surgical Eyelift uses laser or radio frequency to tighten skin. Some types of fillers may be helpful under the eyes. Eyelid tape is also used to crease a crease in the upper eyelid. However, none of these are long-lasting solutions.

Will my results be permanent?

The results of upper eyelid surgery will last about 5-7 years. Lower eyelid surgery results are essentially permanent.

Is there an ideal age to get eyelid surgery?

There is no age requirement, but many patients are in their 30s or older. We recommend waiting until at least age 18.

How long will the procedure take?

The procedure is short, taking only 1-2 hours.

How long is the recovery time after eyelid surgery?

You will need to take about one week off of work for the swelling and bruising to fade.

Will eyelid surgery leave a scar?

Dr. Alizadeh is very precise in his incisions, ensuring the scar is well hidden in the natural crease of your eyelid.

Can I get upper and lower eyelid surgery at the same time?

Yes, these procedures can be done during the same surgery to give you the most positive gain.

Can eyelid surgery be combined with other procedures?

Eyelid surgery can be done in conjunction with a brow lift, injectables or laser treatment to help sculpt, firm and smooth other areas of your face, giving you a complete uplift to your facial aesthetic.

What is the cost of eyelid surgery in NYC?

The cost of eyelid surgery with Dr. Alizadeh depends on the complexity of the procedure required to meet your needs and whether you are having the surgery on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. Pricing starts at $5,000. Some patients choose to combine other procedures with eyelid surgery, and this will also affect the price. After your consultation with Dr. Alizadeh, he will design a procedure to achieve your aesthetic goals. This surgical plan will include the price of your surgery.

For Long Island patients interested in the NaturaLook® Eyelid Surgery

Cosmoplastic surgery has three convenient locations in the New York Metropolitan areas, covering both Suffolk and Nassau Counties. Learn more about our Long Island Eyelid Surgery.

Long Island Eyelid Surgery »
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