Blepharoplasty
Upper & Lower
Rediscover youthful, refreshed eyes with blepharoplasty at Integrated Facial Aesthetics in Tullahoma, Tennessee. Dr. Licata combines surgical precision with an artistic eye to rejuvenate tired, aged eyelids while maintaining your natural appearance. Whether addressing drooping upper lids, under-eye bags, or both, this transformative procedure restores brightness and vitality to your most expressive feature.
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is eyelid surgery that rejuvenates the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both by carefully removing excess skin, muscle, and fat. Upper blepharoplasty addresses sagging or hooded lids that can create a tired appearance and may even interfere with peripheral vision. Lower blepharoplasty targets under-eye bags and puffiness that make you look older or more fatigued than you feel.
Many patients choose to address both the upper and lower eyelids in a single procedure for a comprehensive rejuvenation. Dr. Licata evaluates each patient's unique anatomy, skin quality, and aesthetic goals to develop a surgical plan that delivers natural, harmonious results.
How Does It Work?
Upper Blepharoplasty
Incisions are placed within the natural crease of the upper eyelid, making them virtually invisible once healed. Excess skin is carefully removed, and underlying fat is repositioned or reduced to eliminate hooding. The result is a brighter, more open eye with restored definition in the upper lid. Dr. Licata's technique emphasizes preserving the natural contour and avoiding an overdone appearance.
Lower Blepharoplasty
An incision is made just below the lash line or inside the lower eyelid using a transconjunctival approach, which leaves no visible scar. Excess fat causing under-eye bags is removed or repositioned, and loose skin is gently tightened. This technique smooths the under-eye area while maintaining the natural shape and fullness of the lower eyelid. Dr. Licata carefully balances volume to avoid a hollow or overdone look.
Many patients benefit from combining upper and lower blepharoplasty in a single procedure. Addressing both areas simultaneously creates a more balanced, harmonious rejuvenation and requires only one recovery period. Dr. Licata will help you determine the best approach based on your anatomy and goals.
Benefits
Rejuvenated, refreshed appearance
Improved upper field of vision
Reduced under-eye bags
Smoother, tighter eyelid skin
More youthful, alert expression
Long-lasting, natural results
Enhanced confidence
Restored facial balance
Treatment Process
Consultation
Your journey begins with a thorough evaluation of your eyelid anatomy, skin quality, and aesthetic goals. Dr. Licata assesses laxity, fat distribution, brow position, and tear trough depth to create a fully customized surgical plan tailored to your unique facial structure.
Surgery
Blepharoplasty is performed in our on-site surgical suite. Local anesthesia with sedation is preferred for patient comfort and safety. The procedure takes 1 to 3 hours depending on whether upper, lower, or both eyelids are addressed.
Recovery
Swelling and bruising are most noticeable during the first week and resolve steadily. Cold compresses and head elevation help manage discomfort. Most patients return to work within 7 to 10 days and resume full activities within 3 to 4 weeks.
Results
Final results emerge over 3 to 6 months as residual swelling completely resolves. The outcome is a naturally refreshed, youthful appearance that lasts 10 to 15 years. Post-operative EMF therapy and red light therapy are available to accelerate healing and optimize tissue recovery.
Common Questions
Am I a good candidate for blepharoplasty?
Ideal candidates are adults with excess upper eyelid skin that may impair vision or create a tired appearance, puffy bags beneath the eyes, or drooping lower eyelids. Good overall health, realistic expectations, and non-smoker status are important factors. During your consultation, Dr. Licata will evaluate your eyelid anatomy, skin elasticity, and facial structure to determine the best approach for your goals.
Will blepharoplasty remove crow's feet or dark circles?
Blepharoplasty specifically addresses excess skin, muscle, and fat of the eyelids. While it dramatically improves puffiness and sagging, crow's feet are better treated with BOTOX or laser resurfacing, and dark circles may require fillers or other complementary treatments. Dr. Licata can recommend a comprehensive plan during your consultation.
How long do blepharoplasty results last?
Results are long-lasting, typically 10 to 15 years or more. While the aging process continues naturally, the improvements from blepharoplasty are considered among the most enduring of all facial procedures. Most patients never require a repeat procedure.
Can blepharoplasty be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Blepharoplasty is frequently combined with a brow lift, facelift, skin resurfacing, or non-surgical treatments like BOTOX and fillers for a comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Combining procedures can reduce overall recovery time and enhance your results.
What is recovery like after blepharoplasty?
Most patients experience swelling and bruising during the first week, which resolves quickly with cold compresses and head elevation. You can typically return to work and light activities within 7 to 10 days. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for 3 to 4 weeks. Sutures are usually removed within 5 to 7 days. Dr. Licata provides detailed post-operative care instructions and offers EMF therapy and red light therapy to accelerate healing.
Your Eyes Tell Your Story
Let Dr. Licata help you look as vibrant and rested as you feel. Schedule a private consultation at Integrated Facial Aesthetics to discover how blepharoplasty can restore brightness and confidence to your most expressive feature.
Schedule Consultation