Blepharoplasty is a facial plastic surgery procedure that trims sagging skin and removes small pockets of fat around the eyes. It is performed on the upper and lower lids, or both, and addresses drooping, puffiness, and, in some cases, obstructed vision.
Most upper lid procedures take about one hour; combined upper and lower work generally runs one to two hours. Recovery for most patients means visible swelling for 7 to 10 days, with sutures removed within 5 to 7 days.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM (Eastern Time). Closed Saturday and Sunday.
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Dr. Joel Kopelman
OCULOPLASTIC SURGEON
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A blepharoplasty procedure addresses common eye conditions caused by aging, such as:
It involves removing excess skin and fat around the lids to restore a more alert, rested look. Some patients may also benefit from a complementary brow lift to improve upper face symmetry and lift heavy brows.
It is worth separating two problems that look alike. Heavy upper lids sometimes stem from descended brows rather than from the lid itself, and in those cases a brow procedure, not a lid procedure, is the correct answer.
As skin loses elasticity, upper lids can sag and press against the eyelashes, impacting appearance and vision. Cosmetic upper eyelid surgery corrects this by removing excess skin and fat while preserving natural lid shape.
Dr. Kopelman performs upper blepharoplasty as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia or IV sedation, with incisions hidden in the natural lid crease.
When excess skin hoods over the lashes and narrows the field of vision, an upper lid procedure can improve both function and appearance. A visual field test documents that obstruction and is typically required before any insurance review.
| Timeframe | Upper Lids | Lower Lids |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1 to 2 | Swelling peaks; cold compresses, drops, and ointment; reading and screen use comfortable by 48 hours | Swelling and bruising peak; head elevated; no driving |
| Days 5 to 7 | Sutures removed; steri-strips may be applied | Sutures removed if an external incision was used |
| Days 7 to 10 | Most swelling resolved; many patients return to work | Noticeable improvement; residual bruising may remain |
| Days 10 to 14 | Contact lenses and eye makeup generally resumed | Bruising typically resolved; makeup generally resumed |
| Weeks 3 to 4 | Vigorous exercise cleared | Vigorous exercise cleared |
| Months 3 to 12 | Incision lines continue to fade and soften | Final contour settles; scars mature |
To book a private consultation with Dr. Kopelman at his West Palm Beach office, call us or request an appointment online. Bring your medication list and any prior eye records, including LASIK or PRK history.
Blepharoplasty is among the most commonly performed facial procedures, and serious complications are uncommon in experienced hands. Like any surgery, it carries risks that deserve a clear explanation before you decide.
Report increasing pain, sudden vision change, or bleeding to the office immediately.
| Procedure | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Upper blepharoplasty | $8,500 | All-inclusive; most commonly performed under local anesthesia or IV sedation |
| Lower blepharoplasty | $8,500 | All-inclusive; transconjunctival approach available |
| Double eyelid surgery | $8,500 to $10,000 | Range reflects technique and complexity |
| Ptosis repair | $10,000 per eye | Muscle repositioning; may qualify for partial insurance coverage |
| Consultation | $350 | Includes full evaluation and personalized surgical plan |
Procedures performed to correct documented vision obstruction may be partially covered by insurance. Purely cosmetic work is not covered, and a visual field test is required before any coverage determination is made.
Dr. Kopelman is an oculoplastic and facial plastic surgeon with offices in West Palm Beach, New York City, and New Jersey. He has performed thousands of cosmetic and reconstructive eyelid procedures over more than 35 years and is sought out by colleagues and patients along the East Coast.
Oculoplastic surgeons complete ophthalmology training before subspecializing in surgery of the lids, orbit, and surrounding structures. This background supports a natural lid contour that protects the eye’s surface. Dr. Kopelman is a member of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ASOPRS), the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), and the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS).
His experience allows him to assess the condition of your lids, brow position, and tear film together, so that functional and cosmetic goals are handled in one plan.
Lower lid surgery reduces bulging fat and tightens loose tissue. The most common approach is a transconjunctival incision on the inner surface of the lower lid, which leaves no external scar. When loose skin also needs treatment, a fine incision just below the lash line is added and heals as a nearly invisible line.
Depending on what the lower lid needs, Dr. Kopelman may reposition or add fat to fill hollows, or combine fat work with skin-muscle tightening for patients with laxity. Lower lid surgery typically involves more bruising than upper lid work, and bruising takes about 10 to 14 days to fully resolve.
Dr. Kopelman’s approach emphasizes:
Every patient receives a detailed evaluation covering vision, brow position, skin condition, tear film quality, and medical history. This ensures safety and optimal results.
Pre-existing dry eye, thyroid disease, and prior LASIK or PRK do not automatically rule out surgery, but they do change the plan. They are reviewed carefully during consultation because they influence how much tissue can be safely removed.
Dr. Kopelman can serve patients with dry eyes, impaired vision, or cosmetic goals, aiming for natural results through eyelid surgery in West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and nearby areas.
Many people start by searching locally for a West Palm Beach eye surgeon who treats drooping lids, under-eye bags, or vision concerns.
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— COMMON QUESTIONS
Healthy adults with sagging skin, puffy lids, or obstructed vision from drooping lids, who have realistic expectations. Well-controlled medical conditions are generally fine; uncontrolled thyroid disease or significant untreated dry eye may need to be addressed first.
Incisions are hidden in the natural upper crease or inside or just below the lower lid, and they typically fade well. The transconjunctival approach leaves no external scar at all.
Most patients report minimal discomfort and resume regular activity quickly. Over-the-counter medication is usually sufficient after the first day or two.
Swelling usually subsides in 7 to 10 days, and full healing takes a few weeks. Lower lid recovery tends to run slightly longer, with bruising resolving over 10 to 14 days.
About one hour for upper lids alone. Combined upper and lower work typically takes one to two hours.
Local anesthesia or IV sedation, depending on the plan. You are comfortable throughout and have no awareness during the procedure when sedation is used.
No. If IV sedation is used, you will need someone to drive you home and stay with you that evening.
Not directly. Crow’s feet come from muscle movement and may soften but will not disappear. Dark circles caused by pigmentation or thin skin often persist and are better addressed with other treatments.
At your consultation, Dr. Kopelman checks brow position before recommending surgery. If the brow has descended, a brow lift may address the heaviness that eyelid surgery alone won’t fix. Many patients benefit from combining both procedures for full upper-face rejuvenation – Dr. Kopelman will tell you which approach makes sense for your anatomy.
Contact lenses are usually resumed around 10 to 14 days. Eye makeup is generally cleared at about two weeks, once incisions have fully closed.
Upper lid results are long-lasting, though natural aging continues. Some patients need a small skin adjustment years later. Repeated lower lid surgery is approached cautiously.
If the procedure corrects vision obstruction, insurance may cover part of it. A visual field test is required. Cosmetic-only procedures are not covered.
The West Palm Beach office is open Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM Eastern Time, and closed on weekends. Call (561) 803-0140 to schedule a consultation or follow-up visit.
To schedule a private consultation with the best blepharoplasty surgeon in NYC, please call the office or request an appointment online.
To schedule a private consultation with Dr. Kopelman, call our West Palm Beach office or request an appointment online.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM (Eastern Time). Closed Saturday and Sunday.
Address: 1411 N Flagler Dr, Suite 8700, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
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