Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

Blepharoplasty eyelid surgery at Houston Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery removes excess skin and fat from the upper and lower eyelids to restore a youthful, alert eye appearance. Upper blepharoplasty corrects hooded, drooping lids; lower blepharoplasty addresses under-eye bags and puffiness. Performed by ABPS board-certified surgeons including Dr. Aguilar, whose Otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery training provides specialised periorbital anatomy expertise. Functional upper blepharoplasty may be covered by insurance.

Blepharoplasty at Houston Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery benefits from the dual disciplinary depth of Dr. Eugenio Aguilar III, whose board certifications in both Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery reflect formal specialisation in the periorbital anatomy and surgery of the eyelid region — a zone where the interplay of skin, orbicularis muscle, orbital septum, fat compartments, and the lacrimal system demands precise anatomical knowledge. Upper blepharoplasty is indicated for patients with excess upper eyelid skin (dermatochalasis) that causes hooding — a heavy, tired appearance across the upper lid that may also obstruct the lateral or superior visual field when severe. The procedure excises a precisely planned ellipse of excess skin and, where appropriate, a small strip of orbicularis muscle and herniated medial fat pad through an incision placed in the natural upper lid crease, ensuring the scar remains hidden in the fold. For patients whose functional visual field obstruction is documented by perimetry (visual field) testing, upper blepharoplasty may qualify as a medically necessary procedure eligible for partial or full insurance reimbursement — HPRS can advise on the criteria at consultation. Lower blepharoplasty addresses the under-eye fat prolapse that creates the appearance of bags or puffiness beneath the eyes. Two approaches are offered: the transcutaneous approach via an incision immediately below the lower lash line allows direct access for excision of excess skin and muscle as well as fat redistribution or removal; the transconjunctival approach via an incision inside the lower eyelid conjunctiva is scar-free externally and ideal for younger patients with adequate lower lid skin tone who primarily need fat management. Fat may be redistributed from areas of excess prolapse to areas of tear-trough hollowing rather than simply removed, softening the lid-cheek junction for a more natural result. Upper and lower blepharoplasty are commonly performed together as a combined four-lid blepharoplasty procedure. Additional procedures that complement eyelid surgery include brow lift (to correct descended brow position contributing to upper lid hooding) and mid-face lift or facelift (to address cheek descent affecting the lower lid appearance). Recovery involves bruising and swelling for approximately ten to fourteen days, with most patients comfortable returning to social activities at two weeks. Houston market range: $4,000–$7,500 for upper and/or lower blepharoplasty.