Nellie Movtchan, MDPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Nellie Movtchan, MD

Face / Eyelid surgery

Eyelid surgery.Explore the changes you notice.

Heavy upper lids and bags beneath your eyes can have different causes. Dr. Movtchan helps you understand whether upper or lower eyelid surgery may address your concerns, and what surgery could leave unchanged.

Request a consultation
Illustrative concept photograph of a sunlit still life; not a patient result

Understanding the procedure

Upper and lower eyelid surgery.

The area around the eyes is frequently the first to show structural signs of facial aging. Over time this appears as excess skin of the upper eyelids, bags under the eyes and a deepening tear trough. These changes create persistent shadowing beneath the eyes and an impression of chronic fatigue. Severe excess skin, called dermatochalasis, can also hang past the lash line and block part of your vision.

Blepharoplasty, surgical rejuvenation of the upper and lower eyelids, corrects these structural concerns while carefully preserving the natural character of your eyes.

Other face procedures

The technique

Advanced eyelid rejuvenation methods.

Dr. Movtchan approaches eyelid surgery with an advanced understanding of how the structures around the eyes function and how they look. Because eyelid surgery leaves a narrow margin for structural variation, her approach prioritizes preserving and repositioning volume over aggressive tissue removal, which helps prevent a hollowed or skeletonized look after surgery.

Each operation is customized to your anatomy, using techniques that address specific tissue layers.

  • Upper blepharoplasty: removes excess upper-lid skin and, when indicated, adjusts the underlying muscle or fat through an incision concealed in the natural eyelid crease. For hollowing above the eye from age or prior surgery, an upper eyelid fat transposition rebuilds a youthful contour.
  • Lower blepharoplasty: smooths contour irregularities under the eye and addresses lower-lid laxity. It may be performed through a transconjunctival approach, with the incision entirely on the inner surface of the eyelid, avoiding an external scar.
  • Lower blepharoplasty with fat transposition: releases the fat pads responsible for under-eye puffiness and repositions them into the tear trough, smoothing the lid-cheek junction into the midface.
  • Canthoplasty, canthopexy or tarsal strip: tightens, shortens or repositions the tendon at the outer corner of the eye when age-related laxity, an outward-turning lower lid (ectropion) or facial nerve paralysis affects the position of the lower eyelid.

Is it right for you?

Could eyelid surgery be right for you?

A consultation considers your medical history, anatomy, healing risks, and expectations. Bring your questions and discuss whether surgery fits your health and plans.

  • Discuss conditions or medications that may affect healing.
  • Be open about smoking or nicotine use.
  • Describe your own goals, rather than another person’s expectations.
  • Mention dry eye, glaucoma, thyroid conditions, or recent eye surgery.

Talk through your options

Your consultation with Dr. Movtchan.

Meet with Dr. Movtchan to discuss your options. Bring your medical history, prior procedures, medications, and the questions you most want answered.

Illustrative consultation scene; not Dr. Movtchan or her patients

  1. Your goals

    Describe what you notice about your eyes and what you hope to preserve.

  2. Your options

    Discuss upper versus lower lids, whether the brow is contributing, incision placement, and practical support during recovery.

  3. Your preparation

    Ask about anesthesia, the care setting, and what you would need to arrange beforehand.

  4. Your decision

    Talk through the potential outcome, risks, recovery, and costs before deciding.

Benefits & limitations

Risks and limitations.

Understand the alternatives and limitations as well as the potential benefits. Results vary, and surgery cannot guarantee a particular appearance.

Your health and eye history affect the risk assessment. Possible risks include:

  • Bleeding or infection
  • Dry or irritated eyes
  • Difficulty closing the eyes
  • Changes in eyelid position
  • Temporary blurred vision
  • Asymmetry or unfavorable scars
  • Revision surgery
  • Anesthesia complications or, rarely, vision loss

Recovery planning

Planning for your recovery.

Plan for help at home and time away from your usual activities. Your instructions will address work, driving and exercise according to your operation and how you are healing.

  1. Before surgery

    Plan practical support

    Ask about transport, help at home, and time away from screens and responsibilities.

  2. Early recovery

    Follow your care instructions

    Understand cold compresses, eye drops or ointment, medication instructions, follow-up, and symptoms that need a call to the surgical team.

  3. Returning to routines

    Check before increasing activity

    Discuss separate milestones for work, driving, contact lenses, makeup, and exercise.

Recovery varies with the operation and the individual. Follow the instructions given by your surgical team.

Questions

Questions about eyelid surgery.

Will eyelid surgery fix dark circles?

Usually not. Dark circles often relate to pigmentation or skin thickness, which surgery may not change.

Is a heavy upper lid always an eyelid problem?

No. A low brow can push skin onto the upper lid. Ask whether the brow is contributing before deciding.

Where will the scars be?

Upper-lid incisions usually sit in the natural crease. Lower-lid approaches may be just below the lashes or inside the lid. Ask which applies to you.

How much recovery time should I plan for?

Bruising and swelling vary, and your work and screen use may affect your plans. Discuss when you can return to work, driving and your usual activities as you heal.

What should I ask about the cost?

You’ll receive a written estimate after your consultation. Review the surgeon’s fee, facility, anesthesia, follow-up and any additional care before deciding.