Eyelid Surgery
Upper & Lower Blepharoplasty in New York City
Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, refreshes the eyes by addressing excess upper eyelid skin, hooded lids, under-eye puffiness, and fine lines around the lower eyelids. In New York City, Dr. William Rifkin performs upper and lower blepharoplasty with a refined, natural-looking approach designed to help patients look more rested, alert, and rejuvenated — without changing the character of their eyes.
A Brighter, More Rested Look
Over time, the delicate skin around the eyes can sag, fold, or become puffy, making you look tired or older than you feel. Upper blepharoplasty can improve heavy or hooded upper eyelids, while lower blepharoplasty can address under-eye bags, puffiness, and shadowing beneath the eyes.
For patients considering eyelid surgery in NYC, the goal is not to create a different eye shape or an overdone appearance. Dr. Rifkin’s approach to blepharoplasty focuses on subtle refinement: a smoother, brighter, more rested look that still looks like you — just better.
Upper & Lower Blepharoplasty
Whether you are bothered by drooping upper lids, under-eye bags, or both, blepharoplasty can address these concerns for a smoother, brighter, and more rested appearance.
Upper Blepharoplasty
Upper blepharoplasty addresses excess upper eyelid skin, hooding, heaviness, and an obscured eyelid crease. In some patients, loose upper eyelid skin can interfere with makeup application or create a tired appearance even when they feel well rested.
During upper eyelid surgery, Dr. Rifkin carefully removes or refines excess skin while preserving the natural shape and character of the eyes. The goal is a more open, awake appearance — not a hollowed or surgically altered look.
Lower Blepharoplasty
Lower blepharoplasty addresses under-eye bags, puffiness, lower eyelid skin laxity, and the transition between the lower eyelid and cheek. Depending on your anatomy, treatment may involve removing or repositioning fat, smoothing the lower lid contour, and improving the appearance of shadowing beneath the eyes.
Dr. Rifkin’s approach to lower blepharoplasty is conservative and anatomy-based. The goal is to soften puffiness and under-eye bags while preserving a natural lower eyelid shape.
What Eyelid Surgery Can Address
Eyelid surgery may improve:
- Hooded or drooping upper eyelids
- Excess upper eyelid skin
- Under-eye bags or puffiness
- Loose or crepey lower eyelid skin
- A tired, heavy, or aged appearance
- Difficulty applying eye makeup due to excess skin
- Shadowing beneath the eyes
- Loss of definition around the upper eyelid crease
Am I a Good Candidate?
You may be a good candidate for eyelid surgery in New York City if you are in good overall health and bothered by excess eyelid skin, puffiness, or bags around the eyes that make you look tired or older than you feel.
Good candidates for upper or lower blepharoplasty typically have realistic expectations, stable eye health, and understand that the goal of surgery is refinement — not changing the natural identity of the eyes.
During your consultation, Dr. William Rifkin will evaluate your eyelid anatomy, skin quality, brow position, lower lid support, facial balance, and goals to determine whether upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or a combined upper and lower blepharoplasty approach is most appropriate.
Often Combined With
For more comprehensive facial rejuvenation, eyelid surgery is often performed in combination with:
Brow Lift
A brow lift can elevate the brows and reduce heaviness above the eyes, especially when brow descent contributes to upper eyelid hooding.
Fat Grafting
Fat grafting can restore subtle volume around the temples, cheeks, or under-eye region when hollowing contributes to a tired appearance.
Facelift & Necklift
Facelift and necklift surgery can address sagging in the lower face, jawline, and neck for more complete facial rejuvenation.
Skin Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing or other skin treatments can improve fine lines, texture, and crepey skin around the eyes.
Recovery at a Glance
Recovery after eyelid surgery is generally very manageable. Most patients experience swelling, bruising, and mild tightness around the eyes for the first several days, with the majority of visible bruising improving over 1 to 2 weeks. Sutures are typically removed within the first week, and many patients feel comfortable returning to work or social activities after about 10 to 14 days, depending on the extent of surgery and their individual healing.
1–3 Days
Swelling, bruising, and tightness are usually most noticeable during the first few days after eyelid surgery. Cold compresses and rest help support early healing.
1–2 Weeks
Most swelling and bruising begin to improve. Stitches are often removed within 5–7 days, and many patients feel comfortable returning to light activities.
2–4 Weeks
The eyes continue to look more refreshed as residual swelling resolves. Makeup can often be used once cleared by Dr. Rifkin.
Long-Term Results
Results continue to refine over several months as the tissues settle. Upper and lower blepharoplasty results are long-lasting and should look natural, rested, and balanced.
Results
You should look like a more rested, refreshed version of yourself — never overdone.
Why Choose Dr. Rifkin?
Specialized Expertise
Dr. Rifkin is a fellowship-trained aesthetic plastic surgeon with advanced training and specialization in facial rejuvenation.
Artistic, Natural Results
He combines surgical precision with an artistic eye to create upper and lower blepharoplasty results that enhance your natural beauty — never changing what makes you, you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Look as Refreshed as You Feel?
Dr. William Rifkin performs eyelid surgery in New York City with a refined, anatomy-based approach focused on natural-looking upper and lower blepharoplasty results.
Schedule a consultation to discuss whether upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or a combined approach may be appropriate for your anatomy and goals.
