- How Aging Affects the Eye Area
- What Is Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)?
- Types of Eyelid Surgery We Offer
- Combining Blepharoplasty with Other Procedures
- Am I a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
- How Is Eyelid Surgery Performed?
- What Is Recovery Like After Eyelid Surgery?
- How Long Do Eyelid Surgery Results Last?
- Why Choose Dr. Kiran Gill for Eyelid Surgery in Naples?
- What Patients Are Saying
- Frequently Asked Questions About Eyelid Surgery
Your eyes are often the first thing people notice, and they are also one of the first areas to show the effects of aging. Drooping upper lids, puffy under-eye bags, and excess skin that hoods the eyes can make you look tired or older, even when you feel your best. Eyelid surgery, clinically known as blepharoplasty, is one of the most effective and consistently requested facial procedures available today.
According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), blepharoplasty was the single most performed cosmetic surgical procedure worldwide in 2024, with more than 2.1 million procedures performed globally.1
In the United States, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) has consistently ranked it among the top five most performed cosmetic surgeries year after year.2
At Naples Aesthetic Institute, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kiran Gill, MD, FACS performs eyelid surgery with a precise, artistically informed approach. Every procedure is customized to your anatomy, your goals, and the natural contours of your face. The result is a refreshed, rested appearance that looks like you, only more awake.
How Aging Affects the Eye Area
The skin around the eyes is among the thinnest on the entire face, making it especially vulnerable to the effects of time. As collagen production slows and the underlying support structures weaken, several changes occur:
- The upper eyelid skin stretches and descends, creating a hooded or heavy appearance
- Fat pockets beneath the lower lids herniate forward, producing persistent puffiness or bags
- The lower lid skin loosens, forming fine wrinkles and a crepey texture
- In more advanced cases, excess upper eyelid skin can droop low enough to impair peripheral vision, a condition known as dermatochalasis or ptosis
These changes are not simply cosmetic. For some patients, functional blepharoplasty performed to restore a clear field of vision may be partially covered by insurance when vision obstruction is documented. Our team can help you understand your options and navigate the documentation process during your consultation.
What Is Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)?
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes or repositions excess skin, fat, and muscle tissue from the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. The goal is to restore a smoother, more open, and more youthful appearance to the eye area without altering your natural expression or making results look overdone.
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, typically under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia depending on the extent of correction needed. Incisions are carefully placed within the natural creases of the eyelids, making them virtually invisible once healed.
Pricing varies based on the extent of correction needed and whether one or both sets of eyelids are treated. Financing options are available through our practice. Contact us for a personalized quote during your consultation.
Types of Eyelid Surgery We Offer
Upper Blepharoplasty
Upper eyelid surgery addresses excess skin and tissue that causes hooding, heaviness, or a tired appearance in the upper lid. An incision is made within the natural crease of the upper eyelid, allowing Dr. Gill to remove or reposition skin, fat, and muscle as needed. The result is a more open, alert eye with a clean, defined lid crease.
Upper blepharoplasty is also the procedure used to address functional ptosis, where drooping skin obstructs the upper visual field. When medically necessary, this procedure may qualify for insurance coverage.
Lower Blepharoplasty
Lower eyelid surgery targets under-eye bags, puffiness, and loose skin beneath the eyes. Depending on your anatomy, the incision may be placed just below the lower lash line or inside the eyelid (transconjunctival approach), leaving no visible external scar. Excess fat is removed or redistributed, and loose skin is tightened to create a smoother, more rested contour.
Combined Blepharoplasty
Many patients benefit from addressing both the upper and lower eyelids in a single procedure. Combined blepharoplasty delivers comprehensive eye rejuvenation with one recovery period, and is often paired with complementary procedures such as a facelift, deep plane facelift, brow lift, neck lift, or facial fat grafting for a more complete facial refresh.
Combining Blepharoplasty with Other Procedures
Blepharoplasty delivers meaningful results on its own, but many patients choose to combine it with one or more complementary procedures to achieve a more complete facial rejuvenation in a single surgery and a single recovery.
The eye area does not exist in isolation. Heavy brows, sagging midface skin, or volume loss in the cheeks can all contribute to a tired appearance that eyelid surgery alone may not fully address. When Dr. Gill evaluates your anatomy during your consultation, she will discuss whether any additional procedures might enhance your overall outcome.
Facelift or Deep Plane Facelift
Patients who are also noticing jowling, loose neck skin, or significant midface descent often combine blepharoplasty with a facelift or deep plane facelift. Addressing the eyes and the lower face together creates a cohesive, naturally refreshed result rather than improving one area while leaving adjacent signs of aging untouched.
Neck Lift
For patients undergoing a facelift and blepharoplasty, a neck lift is a natural addition that refines the jawline and eliminates loose skin beneath the chin, completing the rejuvenation from the eyes down.
Facial Fat Grafting
Volume loss around the eyes, temples, and cheeks can make surgical results appear hollow if not addressed. Facial fat grafting restores lost fullness using your own tissue, and pairs well with blepharoplasty to create a result that looks rested and youthful rather than simply tighter.
Injectables and Non-Surgical Treatments
Not every complement to blepharoplasty is surgical. BOTOX® can soften crow’s feet and forehead lines that fall outside the scope of eyelid surgery. Dermal fillers can address under-eye hollowing in the tear trough area. For patients who are not yet candidates for surgery, Upneeq — a prescription eye drop that temporarily lifts a low-lying upper lid — may be an option worth discussing.
Combining procedures is always Dr. Gill’s recommendation only when it genuinely serves your goals and your anatomy supports it. During your consultation, she will take the time to understand what bothers you most and help you build a plan that is realistic, safe, and tailored to you.
Am I a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
Blepharoplasty is appropriate for both men and women who want to address visible signs of aging around the eyes. You may be a strong candidate if you:
- Have excess skin on the upper eyelids that creates a hooded or heavy appearance
- Experience difficulty applying eye makeup due to drooping upper lids
- Have persistent puffiness or bags under the eyes that do not improve with rest
- Notice loose, crepey skin beneath the lower lids
- Have upper eyelid skin that droops into your field of vision
- Are in good overall health and do not smoke
- Have realistic expectations for natural-looking improvement
- Cannot achieve your desired results through non-surgical treatments alone3
There is no single ideal age for blepharoplasty. Many patients pursue the procedure in their 40s, 50s, or 60s, though younger patients with hereditary under-eye bags or hooding may also be excellent candidates.
The best way to determine candidacy is through a personalized consultation with Dr. Gill, who will evaluate your anatomy, review your medical history, discuss your goals, and recommend the most appropriate approach.
How Is Eyelid Surgery Performed?
Blepharoplasty is performed as an outpatient procedure at our fully accredited on-site surgical suite, typically taking between one and three hours depending on whether one or both sets of eyelids are being treated.
Upper Eyelid Surgery
An incision is made within the natural crease of the upper lid. Excess skin, and in some cases a small amount of fat or muscle, is carefully removed. The incision is then closed with fine sutures that follow the natural fold of the lid, making the resulting scar nearly imperceptible.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
For patients with prominent fat pads and minimal skin laxity, a transconjunctival incision placed inside the lower lid allows fat to be removed or repositioned without any external scarring. When skin tightening is also needed, a subciliary incision just below the lash line is used instead. In some cases, a canthopexy may be performed to support the outer corner of the eye and maintain proper lid position.
Anesthesia
Dr. Gill performs eyelid surgery under local anesthesia with IV sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure and any additional surgeries being performed at the same time. She will discuss the most appropriate option for you during your consultation.
What Is Recovery Like After Eyelid Surgery?
Recovery from blepharoplasty is generally well-tolerated. Most patients experience some degree of swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort in the first several days following surgery.
-
Days 1 to 3
Swelling and bruising typically peak during this window. Cold compresses and keeping your head elevated are recommended to minimize discomfort and speed healing. -
Days 4 to 7
Bruising begins to fade. Sutures are typically removed within five to seven days. -
Week 2
Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and social activities by the end of the second week. -
Weeks 3 to 4
Residual swelling continues to resolve. Strenuous activity may be gradually resumed as directed by Dr. Gill. -
Months 2 to 3
Final results become fully visible as all swelling subsides. Your refreshed, rested appearance will be clearly evident by this stage.
Sun protection is essential throughout the recovery process. Patients are advised to wear UV-protective sunglasses and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen to the treated area once healing permits.
How Long Do Eyelid Surgery Results Last?
Blepharoplasty produces long-lasting results. While the procedure does not stop the natural aging process, the improvements achieved are durable. Upper eyelid surgery results typically remain stable for five to seven years or longer, and many patients do not require revision. Lower eyelid results tend to be similarly long-lasting, particularly when fat is repositioned rather than simply removed.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, protecting the skin from sun exposure, and following a consistent skincare routine can help extend and preserve your results. Dr. Gill and our aesthetics team can recommend medical-grade skincare products to support your outcome.
Why Choose Dr. Kiran Gill for Eyelid Surgery in Naples?
Eyelid surgery at Naples Aesthetic Institute is performed by Dr. Kiran Gill, MD, FACS, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with specialty fellowship training in aesthetic surgery of the face, breast, and body. Dr. Gill earned her medical degree from Rush Medical College at Rush University and completed advanced fellowship training focused exclusively on aesthetic surgery.
Dr. Gill is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the gold standard credential in the field, and is a proud member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons (FSPS). She is affiliated with NCH Baker Hospital and has been recognized as a Top Doctor by Naples Illustrated.
Her approach to blepharoplasty is rooted in preserving the natural character of each patient’s eyes while eliminating the signs of fatigue and aging. She has presented at professional conferences and remains actively engaged in continuing education in facial aesthetic surgery.
Naples Aesthetic Institute serves patients from throughout Southwest Florida, including Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero, Marco Island, and Cape Coral. Patients travel from across the region for Dr. Gill’s personalized, detail-oriented approach and her commitment to natural, elegant outcomes.
Recognized By and Affiliated With:
- American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), Board Certified
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), Member
- Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons (FSPS), Member
- NCH Baker Hospital, Affiliated Surgeon
- Naples Illustrated, Top Doctor
As Featured In & Affiliated With
What Patients Are Saying
In some cases, upper blepharoplasty may be covered by insurance when excess eyelid skin is documented to obstruct peripheral vision. Insurance carriers typically require visual field testing that demonstrates a measurable reduction in the superior visual field, along with physician documentation of functional impairment. This is known as functional blepharoplasty. Our team can help you navigate the documentation and pre-authorization process during your consultation.
Most patients report minimal discomfort during recovery. The procedure is performed under anesthesia, and any post-operative soreness is typically well-managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain relief. Swelling and tightness are more commonly reported than pain.
There is no single ideal age for blepharoplasty. The procedure is appropriate whenever the signs of eyelid aging are present and affecting your appearance or vision. Many patients pursue eyelid surgery in their 40s, 50s, or 60s, though younger patients with hereditary under-eye bags or hooding may also be strong candidates.
Incisions are placed within the natural creases of the eyelids, making scars virtually imperceptible once fully healed. For lower blepharoplasty performed via the transconjunctival approach, there is no external incision at all.
Yes. Eyelid surgery is frequently performed alongside a facelift, deep plane facelift, neck lift, brow lift, or facial fat grafting for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Combining procedures allows for a single recovery period. Dermal fillers and injectables such as BOTOX can also complement surgical results.
Upper eyelid surgery results typically remain stable for five to seven years or longer. Lower eyelid results tend to be similarly durable, particularly when fat is repositioned rather than removed. While blepharoplasty does not stop the aging process, most patients do not require revision surgery.
Schedule
An Appointment
Ready to refresh your appearance and restore confidence in your eyes? Naples Aesthetic Institute serves patients throughout Naples, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero, Marco Island, and Cape Coral. Schedule your personalized consultation with Dr. Kiran Gill today and take the first step toward a more rested, youthful you.
1 ISAPS. New Global Aesthetics Report: A Shift Towards Facial Surgery Globally as Eyelid Ranks Top Procedure. Available: https://www.isaps.org/discover/about-isaps/global-statistics/global-survey-2024-full-report-and-press-releases/. Accessed April 30, 2026.
2 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 2024 Plastic Surgery Statistics. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/plastic-surgery-statistics. Accessed April 30, 2026.
3 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Who is a good candidate for eyelid surgery? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/eyelid-surgery/candidates. Accessed April 30, 2026.
The Doctors at Naples Aesthetic Institute have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.