Blepharoplasty Overview

What Is Eyelid Surgery?

Blepharoplasty in Raleigh is a delicate procedure that removes or repositions excess skin, muscle, and fat around the upper or lower eyelids to smooth puffiness, lift sagging lids, and restore a youthful almond shape. Sometimes, it also improves peripheral vision when lax upper-lid skin obstructs sight.

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Blepharoplasty Before & After Photos

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Learn More About Blepharoplasty With Dr. Zenn

Modern Blepharoplasty: Not Just Skin Removal

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What Are the Benefits?

  • Opens the eye area for a brighter, less tired appearance
  • Softens under-eye “bags” and smooths fine wrinkles
  • May improve visual fields blocked by overhanging skin
  • Produces subtle, well-hidden scars—often inside the lid for lower procedures
  • Offers long-lasting results; most patients enjoy improvement for many years
  • Pairs nicely with fat grafting, brow lift, or laser resurfacing for full-face rejuvenation

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Who Is a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?

You’re likely a candidate for eyelid surgery in Raleigh if you:

  • Are in good overall health and are a non-smoker
  • Have realistic expectations and healthy eyes
  • Notice heavy or hooded upper lids, crepey lower lids, puffiness, or hollows
  • Experience vision obstruction from excess eyelid skin
  • Are bothered by a perpetually tired or stern expression

A detailed evaluation with Dr. Zenn—including an ocular history and, if needed, visual-field testing—confirms candidacy.

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Your Blepharoplasty Consultation

Your consultation is an unrushed conversation. You’ll share aesthetic concerns, review medical history, and have photographs taken. Dr. Zenn then examines skin, muscle tone, fat pads, eyebrow position, and tear-film health to devise a truly individualized plan. He will show before-and-after cases that mirror your goals so you can visualize realistic outcomes.

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How Should I Prepare for Eyelid Surgery?

  • Medical clearance: Vision exam and lab work as indicated.
  • Medication review: Pause blood-thinners, NSAIDs, and some herbal supplements 1–2 weeks pre-op (per your prescribing doctors).
  • Lifestyle: Stop smoking at least six weeks before surgery and limit alcohol the week prior.
  • Logistics: Arrange a driver and at-home assistance for 24 hours, fill prescriptions in advance, and prep cold compresses & eye drops.

What Does Eyelid Surgery Entail?

In The Plastic Surgery Center (TPSC)’s accredited surgical suite, a board-certified anesthesiologist administers IV sedation or light general anesthesia. Dr. Zenn:

  • Marks natural creases to hide tiny incisions
  • Removes just enough redundant skin and protruding fat for a rested—but never hollow look
  • Performs fat grafting when volume loss produces hollows
  • Adds a preventive canthopexy to reinforce lower-lid support and preserve eye shape
    Closes incisions with fine absorbable sutures and applies cold gel pads for comfort
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Patient Testimonial

“I have received so many compliments about how “radiant” I look!! If I could give 6 stars, I would! Sincere thanks to Dr. Zenn and his team.” 

- Blepharoplasty Patient

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Upper Blepharoplasty Vs. Lower Blepharoplasty

Feature Upper Lids Lower Lids
Primary concerns Hooding, vision obstruction, puffiness Bags, wrinkles, and tear-trough hollows
Typical approach Skin/fat excision via eyelid crease Transconjunctival (inside the lid) or subciliary incision; fat re-positioning, skin pinch
Gravity effect Less More—requires lid-tightening support
Scarring Hidden in crease Hidden under lashes or inside lid

Both procedures can be performed together in a single session when appropriate.

What Can I Expect from My Recovery?

  • Most patients return home one hour post-op
  • Expect mild soreness, tightness, and tearing on the first day
  • Diligent icing reduces bruising and swelling, which peak at 48 hours and typically resolve enough for public outings in 10–14 days
  • Makeup is usually permissible after one week
  • Final refinement emerges over several months
  • Follow-ups occur the next day, at one week (for suture removal), and again around two months for “after” photos

Dr. Zenn's Blepharoplasty Patient Reviews

L.N.

My mother had her eye lids lifted, a blepharoplasty, later in life when holding her eyes open while reading had become tiring. I knew I had her same eyes and the tired look I saw in the mirror made me look older than I felt.

H.R.

Dr. Zenn and Nurse JoAnn are fantastic. They thoroughly answered my questions prior to surgery and made everything super easy. He also gave excellent instructions for recovery and I was able to go back to work quickly.

E.C.

Dr. Michael Zenn is absolutely amazing Plastic Surgeon. He is extremely knowledgeable and dedicated. I was completely blown away by how helpful and kind he was at getting back and checking on me after surgery to make sure I am ok.

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Why Choose Dr. Zenn for Your Eyelid Surgery in Raleigh, NC?

Dr. Zenn is known for his calm demeanor and ability to put patients at ease. With extensive experience in eyelid surgery, he and his team provide a personalized approach, ensuring each patient feels comfortable, heard, and well cared for.

  • Named one of America’s Best Plastic Surgeons for Eyelid Surgery by Newsweek (2022 & 2023)
  • Educated at Cornell and UPenn (Alpha Omega Alpha & Phi Beta Kappa Honor Societies)
  • Completed surgical residencies at Harvard/Mass General and Cornell/NY Presbyterian
  • Advanced breast and facial surgery fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering
  • Former Vice Chief & Professor at Duke Plastic Surgery, leading its residency program for 10 years
  • 25+ years of experience in complex facial procedures, recognized internationally as a leader in the field
  • Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery

Schedule a personalized consultation with Dr. Zenn to learn how eyelid surgery in Raleigh can restore a refreshed, youthful appearance while maintaining your natural expression. He’ll walk you through every step, answer your questions, and design a treatment plan tailored to your goals.

    Blepharoplasty FAQ

    How much does eyelid surgery cost?

    What procedures can be combined with eyelid surgery?

    Will a blepharoplasty change the shape of my eyes?

    Will my results be permanent?

    Can upper and lower eyelid surgery be performed at the same time?

    How long does the procedure take?

    Will I have noticeable scars?

    What kind of anesthesia will be used?

    Are there any risks associated with eyelid surgery?

    Will insurance cover my blepharoplasty?

    How much does eyelid surgery cost?

    ASPS reports average U.S. surgeon fees of $3,359 for upper lids and $3,876 for lower lids; facility, anesthesia, and Raleigh-specific factors may influence your personalized quote.

    What procedures can be combined with eyelid surgery?

    Common pairings include brow lift, facelift, fractional laser resurfacing, and facial fat grafting for a harmonious outcome.

    Will a blepharoplasty change the shape of my eyes?

    Dr. Zenn’s canthopexy technique maintains your natural almond contour, avoiding the rounded 'pulled-down' look sometimes seen after lower-lid surgery.

    Will my results be permanent?

    Aging continues, but most patients enjoy decades of improvement; occasional touch-ups are uncommon.

    Can upper and lower eyelid surgery be performed at the same time?

    Yes—combined surgery offers balanced rejuvenation and a single recovery period in suitable candidates.

    How long does the procedure take?

    Upper or lower lids alone average 45–60 minutes; both typically last 90–120 minutes.

    Will I have noticeable scars?

    Upper-lid scars blend into the crease; lower-lid scars hide under lashes or inside the lid, rendering them virtually invisible.

    What kind of anesthesia will be used?

    A board-certified anesthesiologist administers IV sedation or light general anesthesia tailored to your health profile.

    Are there any risks associated with eyelid surgery?

    All surgeries carry risks; potential complications include dry eye, infection, temporary blurred vision, asymmetry, or lid malposition. Choosing an experienced surgeon reduces these risks.

    Will insurance cover my blepharoplasty?

    Only functional blepharoplasty—when vision is measurably obstructed—may be covered. Cosmetic enhancements of either lid are self-pay; Dr. Zenn will advise after evaluation.

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