Aging around the eyes involves changes to the skin, laxity (looseness) of the fibrous tissues around the eyes, and descent (drooping) of the soft tissue of the cheeks. The result is excess skin and tissue of the upper eyelids, excess skin of the lower eyelids, the development of bags/fullness around the lower eyelids, and hollowing with dark circles where the eyelids meet the cheek (the so-called “tear trough” depressions). Descent of the eyebrows can also contribute to a heavy appearance of the upper eyelids. These changes often occur with age, but can also be hereditary and occur in younger patients.

Dr. Cynthia M. Gregg is a board certified facial plastic surgeon highly experienced in eyelid surgery. She routinely provides upper and lower blepharoplasty surgery for men and women in Cary, Raleigh, the surrounding areas of North Carolina, and across the nation.

Upper Blepharoplasty (Upper Eyelid Lift)

Excess skin and soft tissues of the upper eyelid can result in a sensation of heavy eyelids, may make application of eye makeup difficult, and in some cases may limit peripheral vision.  When the issue is related to excessive skin, muscle or fat, an upper blepharoplasty may be performed to remove the excess tissue and rejuvenate the upper eyelid.  Often, the eyebrows are also ptotic (droopy) and further weigh down the upper eyelids.  When this is the case, a brow lift is often performed either alone or in combination with upper eyelid blepharoplasty.

Lower Blepharoplasty (Lower Eyelid Lift)

As one ages, the fine, thin skin of the lower eyelid often begins to have a crepe-like appearance. The soft tissues of the cheek descend downward, which results in exposure of the underlying inferior orbital rim (the bone of the eye socket). This causes a hollowed appearance where the lower eyelid meets the cheek, resulting in a tear trough formation. Often the fat pads that naturally surround the eyeball begin to bulge forward and form lower eyelid bags resulting in the lower eyelids appearing “tired” and aged.  Dr. Cynthia M. Gregg performs lower blepharoplasty to remove and reposition excess skin, muscle, and fat to sculpt the lower eyelid and restore a more youthful contour.

Surgery is performed in our fully accredited facility allowing us to offer the highest level of care in a safe, comfortable, and private setting. Dr. Cynthia M. Gregg uses the most advanced techniques to minimize or hide the eyelid incisions.

Patients can expect swelling and bruising around the sites of the surgery, which usually resolve after the first one to two weeks. Makeup and skin care regimens can be resumed approximately seven to ten days after surgery.