Eyelid Surgery

What is Eyelid Surgery? 

Drooping eyelids can cause you to look tired or even cause functional problems. Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, can help to treat loose and sagging skin on the upper eyelids for a more youthful appearance.

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Trusted & Experienced

all female staff

“I am three months post-op from my abdominoplasty and I couldn’t be happier with my results. Best decision I ever made! I got my confidence back after having two kids back to back. Everything about the process from consultation through post-operation was very well thought out and organized. Dr. Rocheford is approachable, kind, answered all my questions, and made me comfortable right away during my consultation. Day of my surgery her and her team again made me feel calm and it almost felt like a spa day! Everyone is so friendly, warm, and welcoming. I can’t emphasize enough how highly I recommend Dr. Rocheford and her team. I know I will definitely be going back for anything I may want/need in the future!”

“I had searched and consulted with a few other plastic surgeons before I met with Dr. Rocheford. I had researched her and kept her name in my contacts until I was ready for this next step in my life. After losing 100 pounds this was the final step in my weight loss journey. Dr. Rocheford and staff made me feel very comfortable and not rushed with my decision. I was really surprised that she met with me in-person for my consultation, seeing the others were on zoom. She’s skilled and very precise with her work. There was no hesitation to have her perform my tummy tuck once I met her. I was very nervous the day of the procedure but Dr. Rochford and her staff made me feel very comfortable and at ease. The care I received after was outstanding, even making a call to her in the evening with a concern and she took the call late evening.”

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Heather Rocheford, MD

BOARD CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON

There are so many fads and false promises out there. It’s almost impossible to make a confident decision without trusted advice, and that’s what I’m here for. My goal is to help you understand what is right for you – based on your unique situation.

Meet Dr. Rocheford

Details Of Eyelid Surgery: 

• Surgery:  Surgery is done under a general anesthetic at a surgery center. The surgery takes 1 – 2 hours and is an outpatient surgery. 
• Discomfort:  Mild. Anticipate 0 – 3 days of pain medication. 
• Bruising and Swelling:  Improves within 1 – 2 weeks. Can last up to 4 weeks. Minimize with constant head elevation and frequent ice application. 
• Stitches:  Sutures will be removed in one week. 
• Contact Lenses:  May be worn in one week. Glasses may be worn immediately. 
• Bandages:  None 
• Make-up:  May be worn in 1 week. 
• Presentation in Public:  3 days to 2 weeks with the help of make-up. 
• Work:  You may feel capable of returning within 1 – 3 days, but your appearance will be the limiting factor. 
• Exercise:  May be resumed in 2 weeks. 
• Sun Protection:  Six months with SPF 15 or higher. 
• Final Result:  Seen in 2 – 6 weeks. The results are usually permanent. 

Patient Gallery

before and after photos

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Who is a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery? 

Individuals who have excess skin covering the natural fold of the eyelids have loose eyelid skin that impairs their vision or have puffy eyelids that cause a look of sadness can often benefit from eyelid surgery. Good eyelid surgery candidates are healthy, non-smokers who do not have a serious eye condition. It is important to remember that drooping lids may also be caused by relaxed skin on the forehead and eyebrows. A consultation with Dr. Rocheford can help to determine whether eyelid surgery can help to remedy your drooping eyelids. 

The Procedure 

Eyelid surgery incisions are created so that any scars will be hidden within the natural eye creases. Upper eyelid surgery involves an incision along the eyelid crease for the removal and repositioning of fat, tightening muscles, and removing extra skin. Incisions will be closed with a stitch that will be removed about one week later. Incisions will fade over time and blend into the natural creases of the eye, so virtually no scarring is apparent. 

Eyelid Surgery Recovery 

Eyelid Surgery is an outpatient procedure that takes about one to two hours. Following surgery, patients will experience bruising and swelling, which can be controlled with elevation and ice. Any discomfort can also be controlled with pain medication. Glasses can be worn immediately following surgery, and contacts can be worn after a week. Patients can return to work within one to three days, or when they feel comfortable with their appearance. Exercise can take place in two weeks. Final results are seen in two to six weeks post-op and are permanent.  

Schedule a Consultation 

If you’re ready to discuss your options for improving the appearance of your eyelids, now is a great time to schedule your eyelid surgery consultation with Dr. Heather Rocheford at our plastic surgery offices, serving the Twin Cities Metro area including St. Paul, Minneapolis, Woodbury and beyond. Simply request a consultation online, or call Rocheford Plastic Surgery at 651-739-1100 today to schedule your appointment. 

Eyelid Surgery FAQ’s 

Who can benefit from eyelid surgery? 

Although many people pursue eyelid surgery to address age-related concerns, such as sagging skin or wrinkles, others may undergo the surgery to correct inherited irregularities. Regardless of the cause, healthy adults who are bothered by drooping or tired-looking eyes may benefit from eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, at our Minneapolis-area practice. 

How do I know whether I need eyelid surgery or a brow lift? 

A brow lift, or forehead surgery, can also rejuvenate the upper face, but it focuses more specifically on wrinkles of the forehead and sagging or lowered brow. Some patients may benefit from both brow and eyelid surgery. During your consultation, Dr. Rocheford works with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses each of your needs. 

Where will my eyelid surgery be performed? 

Dr. Rocheford performs eyelid surgery using local anesthesia at her office, which saves the patient the surgical center cost. Blepharoplasty is an outpatient surgery that is relatively simple, so performing it in the office is beneficial. 

When may I return to work after surgery? 

Eyelid surgery is not typically a complex procedure, and most patients are pleasantly surprised that pain and discomfort during recuperation are mild. However, the procedure can cause significant bruising around the eyes, and makeup application should be avoided for at least 1 week to promote proper healing. For the upper lids, bruising is generally gone in a week.