Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Dr. Adam Schaffner performs upper blepharoplasty (upper eyelid lift) and lower blepharoplasty (lower eyelid surgery) from his Midtown Manhattan plastic surgery practice. Upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin and, where indicated, herniated fat from the upper eyelid, restoring an open, youthful appearance and — in cases of functional ptosis — improving the upper visual field. Lower blepharoplasty addresses under-eye bags, puffiness caused by herniated orbital fat, fine skin creases, and hollowing of the tear trough. Procedures are frequently combined with facelift, brow lift, or other facial rejuvenation treatments in a single operative session.

Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) at Adam Schaffner MD Plastic Surgery NYC encompasses both upper and lower eyelid procedures, performed by a surgeon whose triple board certification includes specialisation in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery — an area where periorbital anatomy and aesthetics are a central focus of training and practice. Upper blepharoplasty addresses the accumulation of redundant upper eyelid skin that occurs with age as the brow descends and the eyelid skin loses elasticity. In moderate to severe cases, the overhanging skin drapes over the eyelid margin and obscures the upper visual field — a functional impairment that may qualify the procedure for partial insurance coverage when documented by formal visual field testing. The surgical technique involves a precisely placed incision within the upper eyelid crease, excision of the calculated skin excess (and orbicularis muscle strip where indicated), and conservative removal or repositioning of prolapsed orbital fat from the medial and central fat compartments. Preservation of adequate upper eyelid skin is critical to avoid lagophthalmos (incomplete eye closure). Lower blepharoplasty targets the three distinct orbital fat compartments of the lower eyelid — medial, central, and lateral — which herniate through the orbital septum with age, creating the bulging appearance commonly described as under-eye bags. The transconjunctival approach, performed entirely through the inner surface of the lower eyelid without external skin incision, is preferred for younger patients with good skin tone who present primarily with fat prolapse; the fat is conservatively reduced or repositioned over the orbital rim to address concurrent tear trough hollowing. Where lower eyelid skin excess, fine surface crinkling, or festooning is also present, a subciliary (external) incision approach allows simultaneous skin resection with or without a skin pinch. Dr. Schaffner frequently combines blepharoplasty with brow lift surgery — performed endoscopically through small scalp incisions — and with facelift procedures when a comprehensive facial rejuvenation is planned, minimising the patient's total anaesthetic exposure and recovery time. Post-operative care instructions for New York City patients include cold compresses, head elevation, and avoidance of contact lens use during the initial healing period.