Eyelid Surgery
The eyes are often the first place to show signs of aging. Because the eyelids contain the thinnest, most delicate skin on the body, changes such as excess skin, puffiness, and heaviness can appear earlier than in other areas of the face.
At Jacobson Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Jacobson performs highly individualized blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) to restore a refreshed, youthful appearance, while preserving your natural eye shape, expression, and eye function. The goal is never to look “done,” but rather well-rested, brighter, and naturally rejuvenated.
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that improves the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both by addressing excess skin, muscle, and fat. After a comprehensive exam and discussion of your goals, Dr. Jacobson may recommend:
- Upper blepharoplasty
- Lower blepharoplasty
- A combination of both
Each surgical plan is customized based on your anatomy, degree of aging, and desired outcome.
What Does Eyelid Surgery Treat?
- Excess or drooping upper eyelid skin
- Hooded or heavy-looking eyes
- Puffiness or “bags” beneath the eyes
- Crepey or lax eyelid skin
- A tired, sad, or aged appearance
Upper & Lower Blepharoplasty:
Dr. Jacobson’s Techniques
Dr. Jacobson performs both upper and lower eyelid surgery, adapting each approach based on your anatomy and goals. The following techniques may be used individually or in combination.
Upper Eyelid
Upper Blepharoplasty
Focuses on removing excess skin (and in select cases, a small amount of muscle or fat) to dramatically improve eyelid openness while maintaining a natural contour.
Upper Eyelid
In-Office Awake Option
For skin removal only, Dr. Jacobson offers standalone upper blepharoplasty in the office under local anesthesia — fully awake, no general anesthesia required.
Upper Eyelid
Operating Room Option
When combined with other facial procedures (brow lift, facelift, or lower blepharoplasty), upper blepharoplasty is performed in the OR under anesthesia for comfort and optimal results.
Lower Eyelid
Fat Sculpting & Lid–Cheek Contour
Lower blepharoplasty involves selective removal, repositioning, or augmentation of fat pads — smoothing the lid–cheek junction without creating a hollowed or flat result.
Lower Eyelid
Transconjunctival Approach
Dr. Jacobson commonly uses a transconjunctival incision (inside the lower eyelid) to access fat pads with no external scar. A conservative skin pinch may be added if needed.
Lower Eyelid
Canthopexy
Supporting and tightening the outer corner of the eyelid is often performed to maintain eyelid position, prevent drooping, and protect both eye comfort and long-term aesthetic results.
In-Office Upper Blepharoplasty
Awake, Under Local Anesthesia
What to Expect
For patients who need upper eyelid skin removal only, Dr. Jacobson offers the option of performing a standalone upper blepharoplasty in the office under local anesthesia, while you are fully awake.
- Precise preoperative marking of the eyelids
- Thorough numbing with local anesthesia
- Careful removal of excess upper eyelid skin
- No general anesthesia required
- You return home the same day
Because the eyelids contain the thinnest skin on the body, they heal quickly — but bruising and swelling are very common.
Recovery for In-Office Upper Blepharoplasty
- Bruising and swelling are expected
- Cold compresses for the first few days
- Sutures removed at 1 week
- Most patients feel comfortable in public within 10–14 days
Lower Blepharoplasty
Lower blepharoplasty addresses aging beneath the eyes, where puffiness, hollowness, and skin laxity can disrupt the smooth transition between the lower eyelid and cheek. This area requires a particularly conservative and anatomy-driven approach, as both aesthetics and eye function must remain intact.
Dr. Jacobson’s lower blepharoplasty philosophy focuses on reshaping and redistributing volume, rather than simply removing it.
Fat Sculpting & Lid–Cheek Contour
The lower eyelid contains distinct fat pads that help support the eye and contribute to a youthful contour. With age, these fat pads may bulge forward or shift, creating under-eye “bags” or shadowing.
Lower blepharoplasty may involve:
- Selective removal or sculpting of protruding fat pads
- Repositioning fat to smooth the lid–cheek junction
- Adding volume where needed using your own fat
Fat Removal, Repositioning & Fat Grafting
In select patients, fat is gently harvested from another area of the body and processed into micro-fat and nano-fat, which is used to:
- Smooth the transition between the eyelid and cheek
- Restore youthful contour
- Avoid a hollowed or sunken appearance
- Improve skin quality through natural growth factors
✦ Canthopexy
Protecting Eye Function: Canthopexy
Maintaining eyelid position and eye function is critical in lower blepharoplasty. For this reason, canthopexy — supporting and tightening the outer corner of the eyelid — is often performed alongside lower blepharoplasty.
- Maintains eyelid stability
- Prevents lower lid drooping
- Protects eye comfort & function
- Supports long-term aesthetic results
Who Is a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
A consultation with Dr. Jacobson will determine whether upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or both are right for you. Blepharoplasty is about refreshing, not changing who you are.
- Are a non-smoker in good general health
- Are generally healthy (often 30–50+ years old)
- Do not have serious eye conditions that impair healing
- Are bothered by eyelid heaviness, hooding, or puffiness
- Have realistic expectations
- Want a refreshed, natural result — not a changed appearance
Blepharoplasty Downtime & Recovery
Because eyelid skin is thin and delicate, swelling and bruising are common — especially in the early healing phase.
✦ Surgical Downtime
3–7 days
✦ Social Downtime
Up to 14 days
First Few Days
Cold Compresses
Reduce swelling & bruising
1 Week
Sutures Out
Lifting restrictions lifted
10-14 Days
Presentable
Most patients feel comfortable in public
Weeks 2-4
Continued Refinement
Swelling and bruising continue to fade
Several Months
Final Results
Full healing and incision maturation
Common During Healing
- Swelling and bruising around the eyes
- Temporary tightness
- Dry eye or irritation, particularly early on
- Mild redness or sensitivity
These symptoms are expected and typically improve as healing progresses.
Scars & Incisions
Incisions are typically hidden within the natural eyelid crease (upper eyelids) or inside the eyelid (lower eyelids) and are often imperceptible once healed.
Because the eyelids contain the thinnest skin on the body, they heal quickly — though bruising and swelling are very common in the first week.
“Natural Results —
Never Overdone.”
Dr. Jacobson is meticulous about preserving eyelid shape, symmetry, and expression. The best blepharoplasty results make patients look well-rested and refreshed, not surgically altered.
Why Choose Dr. Jacobson for Eyelid Surgery?
- Extensive facial surgery experience with anatomy-based, conservative approach
- In-office awake upper blepharoplasty option — no general anesthesia required
- Emphasis on eye safety and function throughout every stage of surgery
- Natural results — preserving your eyelid shape, symmetry, and expression
- Canthopexy routinely performed to protect long-term lid position and comfort
- Concierge-level care from consultation through full recovery
Blepharoplasty FAQs
How much does blepharoplasty cost in Lincoln, Nebraska?
The cost of eyelid surgery varies depending on whether you have upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or both, as well as the complexity of the procedure. During your consultation, Dr. Jacobson will provide a detailed, personalized quote based on your specific anatomy and goals.
Can upper blepharoplasty be done without general anesthesia?
Yes — for patients who need upper eyelid skin removal only, Dr. Jacobson offers the option of performing a standalone upper blepharoplasty in the office under local anesthesia, while you are fully awake. The area is thoroughly numbed beforehand, and most patients are surprised by how comfortable the experience is. You return home the same day. When upper blepharoplasty is combined with other facial procedures — such as a brow lift, facelift, or lower blepharoplasty — it is performed in the operating room under anesthesia to ensure comfort and optimal results.
How long is recovery after eyelid surgery?
Most patients experience 3–7 days of surgical downtime and up to 14 days of social downtime. Cold compresses are recommended during the first few days to manage swelling and bruising, both of which are expected and very common given how thin eyelid skin is. Sutures are typically removed at the one-week mark. Most patients feel comfortable being seen in public within 10–14 days, with continued refinement over the following weeks. Final healing — including full incision maturation — may take a few months.
Will my blepharoplasty scars be visible?
In most cases, blepharoplasty scars are well-concealed and become imperceptible over time. For upper eyelid surgery, incisions are placed within the natural eyelid crease, so they are hidden when the eye is open. For lower eyelid surgery, Dr. Jacobson commonly uses a transconjunctival incision — made inside the lower eyelid — which leaves no external scar at all. If a small skin pinch is needed to address excess skin, that incision is placed just beneath the lash line and heals with minimal visibility. Because eyelid skin is thin and heals well, scars typically fade significantly within a few months.
Can blepharoplasty be combined with other procedures?
Yes, and it is very common. Upper and lower blepharoplasty can be performed together, and eyelid surgery is frequently combined with a brow lift, facelift, or facial fat grafting for a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Because the eyes, brows, and overall facial structure work together to create a person’s appearance, addressing multiple areas in a single procedure often produces the most balanced, natural result. When combining procedures, surgery is performed in the operating room under anesthesia.
What is canthopexy, and do I need it?
Canthopexy is a technique that supports and tightens the outer corner of the eyelid (the lateral canthus). It is often performed alongside lower blepharoplasty to maintain eyelid position, prevent the lower lid from drooping or pulling down after surgery, and protect both eye comfort and long-term aesthetic results. Not every patient requires canthopexy — Dr. Jacobson will assess your eyelid anatomy during consultation and discuss whether it is recommended as part of your plan. When indicated, it is an important step in ensuring both a safe outcome and lasting results.
Serving Lincoln and Surrounding Nebraska Communities
Jacobson Cosmetic Surgery proudly provides eyelid surgery for patients throughout Lincoln, Omaha, and surrounding Nebraska communities. If aging eyelids are making you look tired or older than you feel, a personalized consultation with Dr. Jacobson can help determine whether upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or both are right for you.
Related Procedures
Patients considering a facelift may also be interested in these complementary procedures:
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