Your eyes are the most expressive feature of your face, but they are also the first to show the passage of time. Dr. De La Cruz utilizes delicate, sculptural techniques to refresh your gaze, ensuring you look revitalized while maintaining the unique character of your natural expression.
In the realm of facial rejuvenation, few procedures offer as much impact as eyelid surgery. Whether you are struggling with sagging upper eyelids that obscure your vision or persistent bags under the eyes, Dr. De La Cruz provides a sophisticated solution. As a double board-certified plastic surgeon, he treats blepharoplasty as an art form, meticulously tailoring each surgical procedure to the patient’s unique anatomy. By choosing De La Cruz Plastic Surgery, you are opting for an elite level of care where uncompromising safety meets the refined eye of a classical sculptor.
Removes excess skin and fat to correct drooping and puffiness
Can address the upper eyelid, the lower lid, or both simultaneously
Typically takes 1 to 2 hours; performed as an outpatient procedure
Most swelling and bruising resolve within two weeks
A permanent improvement in appearance that makes you look years younger and well-rested
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Eyelid surgery, technically called blepharoplasty, is an aesthetic surgery designed to improve the appearance of the eyelids. As we age, the eyelid skin loses elasticity, and the muscles supporting the upper and lower eyelids weaken. This often results in droopy eyelids or a buildup of excess fat that creates a perpetually tired look.
Blepharoplasty can be performed for both functional and cosmetic reasons. While many seek facial plastic surgery to refresh their look, others undergo upper eyelid surgery to improve vision when drooping skin hangs low enough to interfere with their side vision or visual field. Depending on your needs, Dr. De La Cruz may recommend an upper blepharoplasty, a lower blepharoplasty, or a combination approach.
Upper Blepharoplasty: This procedure meticulously removes excess eyelid skin and fat through an incision hidden within the natural crease, correcting droopy eyelids to reveal a more alert and revitalized appearance.
Lower Blepharoplasty: Designed to eliminate bags under the eyes, this technique repositions or removes excess fat and tightens loose skin along the lower lid to smooth the transition between the eye and the cheek for a rested, seamless look.
On the day of your surgery, you will be cared for in our state-of-the-art facility. Depending on the complexity of your treatment plan, the procedure may be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.
For upper eyelid surgery, Dr. De La Cruz makes a precise incision within the natural crease of the upper lid. Through this opening, he removes excess eyelid skin and repositions excess fat to create a firmer, more open look. For a lower lid blepharoplasty, the incision is often placed just below the lash line or inside the lid (transconjunctival blepharoplasty) to remove excess fat and address loose skin without visible scarring. Once these adjustments are complete, the incisions are closed with fine sutures, and you will move to the recovery room for brief observation.
Blepharoplasty is highly effective at resolving several eyelid problems that contribute to an aged or strained appearance:
Comprehensive Facial Rejuvenation
The eyes are often the focal point of facial rejuvenation. By clearing away the excess skin and puffiness, blepharoplasty creates a ripple effect, making the entire face appear more vibrant. It is frequently combined with a brow lift or neck surgery for a total transformation.
Functional Vision Improvement
Beyond aesthetics, eyelid surgery can be a form of reconstructive surgery. For those whose drooping skin limits their vision, this cosmetic procedure restores a full visual field, making daily activities like driving much safer.
Refined and Youthful Appearance
Dr. De La Cruz specializes in lower eyelid surgery that eliminates dark circles caused by fat displacement. By smoothing the lower lid area, he creates a seamless transition to the cheek, erasing the visible signs of fatigue and age.
If you feel your eyes look tired even after a full night’s sleep, you are likely a perfect candidate for blepharoplasty. Candidates for eyelid surgery should be in general good health and have realistic expectations for their appearance. During your initial consultation, Dr. De La Cruz will perform a complete eye exam to ensure you do not have an eye disease, such as glaucoma or severe dry eyes, that could affect the surgical site. Candidates should also be free of thyroid problems or high blood pressure that could complicate facial plastic surgery.
Your recovery journey is supported by our dedicated medical team. In the first few days, you will use ice packs to reduce swelling and bruising. Dr. De La Cruz may provide prescribed eye drops to prevent dry eyes and ensure your eyelids remain comfortable. You may experience some light sensitivity or blurred vision temporarily, which is a normal part of the healing process.
We recommend taking about two weeks off from work to allow the surgical site to heal. During this time, you should avoid sun exposure, wearing contact lenses, and taking herbal supplements or blood thinners that could increase bleeding. Most patients find the discomfort is minimal and easily managed with mild medication.
The results of your blepharoplasty will begin to shine as the swelling and bruising subside. You will notice a significantly more awake, alert, and youthful appearance. Upper eyelid surgery gives the upper eyelids a cleaner, more defined natural crease, while lower eyelid surgery restores smooth lower lids free of puffiness.
These results are designed to be long-lasting. While the skin will continue to age naturally, the excess fat removed during lower blepharoplasty typically does not return. Many patients find that this single cosmetic surgery provides the most satisfying "return on investment" of any facial plastic surgery, as it fundamentally changes how they are perceived by the world while preserving the unique character of their features.
Choosing a plastic surgeon for eyelid surgery requires a specialist who respects the delicate anatomy of the eye. While an oculoplastic surgeon or board-certified ophthalmologist may focus on function, Dr. Emmanuel De La Cruz combines functional excellence with extensive expertise in aesthetic surgery. His double board-certified training allows him to remove excess eyelid skin with a level of precision that ensures natural results that never appear "surprised" or over-tightened.
While blepharoplasty is excellent for removing excess eyelid skin, it does not specifically target crow's feet. To address these fine lines, Dr. De La Cruz may suggest laser resurfacing, chemical peels, or skin resurfacing as treatment options alongside your surgery.
The results of an upper blepharoplasty typically last between 7 to 10 years. While the eyelid skin will continue to age, you will always look younger than you would have without the procedure.
Yes. The fat pads removed during lower eyelid surgery rarely return. While some loose skin may develop over many years due to gravity, the correction of bags under the eyes is generally permanent.
Possible complications are rare but can include dry eyes, temporary blurred vision, or difficulty closing the eyes. Choosing a board-certified surgeon like Dr. De La Cruz minimizes these risks through meticulous surgical site management.
Absolutely. Many patients find that sagging upper eyelids are partially caused by a heavy brow. Performing a brow lift in conjunction with upper eyelid surgery provides the most comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
