Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) in NYC & Manhattan
Heavy, drooping eyelids or puffy bags under the eyes can make you look tired, sad, or older than you feel, even on days when you are well rested. Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, with Dr. Monica Tadros is designed to refresh the upper and lower eyelids so your eyes look more open, alert, and youthful while still looking like you.
At our New York City and Englewood offices, eyelid surgery is carefully customized for each patient. Some people are mainly concerned about loose skin hanging over the upper lids, while others are bothered by under-eye bags, dark circles, or a hollowed appearance. Blepharoplasty can address the upper lids, lower lids, or both, depending on your anatomy and goals. The focus is always on natural improvement, not a surprised or overdone look.
New York City Eyelid Surgery Specialist
As an eyelid surgery specialist serving New York City and Bergen County, Dr. Monica Tadros combines a detailed understanding of eyelid anatomy with an eye for subtle, balanced results. During your consultation, she will ask what bothers you most about your eyes, review your medical and eye health history, and perform a focused examination of your upper and lower eyelids.
You will have time to discuss whether upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or a combination makes the most sense for you. Some patients benefit from conservative removal of excess skin and fat, while others need more focus on repositioning or smoothing the tissues around the eyes. Your eyelid surgery is tailored to your face, not based on a generic template.
What Is Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a procedure that improves the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. Blepharoplasty can help with:
- Excess skin that hangs over the natural crease of the upper lid
- Puffiness or fullness in the upper eyelids
- Bags or bulging under the eyes
- Loose, wrinkled skin of the lower eyelids
- A tired or worn-out appearance around the eyes
During eyelid surgery, small incisions are placed in the natural eyelid creases or just below the lash line, depending on the area being treated. Through these incisions, excess skin and fat can be removed or repositioned, and the eyelid contour can be refined for a smoother, more rested look.
Who Is a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
You may be a candidate for eyelid surgery if you:
- Are bothered by droopy, heavy upper lids or puffy under-eye bags
- Feel that your eyes look tired or aged even when you are well rested
- Have good overall health and realistic expectations
- Do not have uncontrolled eye conditions or serious health problems that would make surgery unsafe
During your consultation, Dr. Tadros will evaluate your eyelids, discuss your vision and eye health, and help you decide whether eyelid surgery is appropriate or whether non-surgical treatments might be more suitable.
What to Expect With Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. It is often done under local anesthesia with sedation or under general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the surgery and your preferences. Incisions are carefully placed in natural folds and lines so they are as discreet as possible once healed.
After eyelid surgery, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort around the eyes. Many patients describe tightness or a heavy feeling in the eyelids for several days. Cold compresses, prescribed ointments, eye drops if needed, and head elevation can help reduce swelling. Most patients feel comfortable returning to light activities and non-strenuous work within about a week, while residual bruising and swelling continue to improve over the following weeks.
Why Consider Dr. Monica Tadros for Eyelid Surgery?
Patients choose eyelid surgery with Dr. Monica Tadros because she focuses on natural, refreshed results that fit the rest of the face. She is dual board-certified in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery and served as Director of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at Columbia University Medical Center. She takes time to listen to what you want to change, explains what is realistically possible, and designs a plan that avoids an overcorrected or hollow look.
Eyelid surgery also pairs naturally with other facial work. Where it fits, Dr. Tadros may discuss a brow lift or a facelift for patients whose concerns extend beyond the eyes. You can see examples of her work in the eyelid surgery gallery.
Cosmetic and Functional Eyelid Surgery
Not all eyelid surgery is cosmetic. When drooping upper lids are heavy enough to block part of your field of vision, the procedure becomes functional, and in those cases it may be covered by insurance. Because Dr. Tadros treats both the cosmetic and the medical side of the face, she can evaluate which category you fall into and guide you through the process either way.
Eyelid Surgery in Manhattan and Englewood
Dr. Tadros performs eyelid surgery at her Park Avenue office in Manhattan and her Englewood office in Bergen County, New Jersey, serving patients throughout New York City and northern New Jersey.
Frequently Asked Questions: Eyelid Surgery
What is blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is the medical term for eyelid surgery. It removes or repositions excess skin and fat on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both to create a more rested, refreshed appearance.
What is the recovery time after eyelid surgery?
Most patients return to light daily activities within about a week, although mild bruising and swelling can last a bit longer. Full settling of the eyelids continues over several weeks.
Will eyelid surgery change the shape of my eyes?
Eyelid surgery is designed to refresh the eyelid area, not completely change your eye shape. When planned correctly, your eyes should look like a more rested version of themselves.
Are the scars from eyelid surgery visible?
Incisions are placed in natural eyelid creases or just beneath the lash line. Over time, scars usually fade and become difficult to see during normal conversation.
Is eyelid surgery permanent?
Eyelid surgery cannot stop the aging process, but it can create long-lasting improvement. You will continue to age, but the eyes usually look more youthful than they would have without surgery.
What is the difference between upper and lower eyelid surgery?
Upper eyelid surgery removes excess skin and fat that hood the upper lids. Lower eyelid surgery addresses bags and puffiness beneath the eyes. Many patients treat both, and Dr. Tadros will advise which will give you the result you are after.
Is eyelid surgery covered by insurance?
Cosmetic eyelid surgery is not, but when drooping upper eyelids are heavy enough to interfere with your vision, the functional portion may be covered. An evaluation determines which applies to you.
Will my eyelid surgery look natural?
That is the goal. Dr. Tadros favors a conservative approach that opens and brightens the eyes while keeping them looking like yours, avoiding the pulled or hollow look that comes from removing too much.
Where does Dr. Tadros perform eyelid surgery?
At her Manhattan office on Park Avenue and her Englewood office in Bergen County, New Jersey, serving patients across the NYC and northern New Jersey area.
Schedule Your Eyelid Surgery Consultation
If your eyelids make you look more tired or older than you feel, eyelid surgery may be worth considering. You deserve to look and feel your best, and we will help you along the way. Request an appointment online or call to schedule a consultation with Dr. Monica Tadros at our office in Manhattan (Upper East Side) or Englewood, NJ. We will review your concerns, examine your eyelids, and talk through your options so you can decide if eyelid surgery is right for you.