Dr. Joel Kopelman, a board-certified oculoplastic and facial plastic surgeon in New York, is a trusted authority in cosmetic eye procedures. At Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery, he offers a wide range of options for patients seeking surgery to make eyes bigger, always focusing on natural results and patient safety.
Can Surgery Make Your Eyes Look Bigger?
Many patients ask whether there’s surgery to make eyes look bigger. The short answer is yes, but it’s more about enhancing the appearance of openness than physically enlarging the eyes. Surgical procedures focus on removing excess tissue, adjusting eye angles, or reshaping eyelids to improve symmetry, light reflection, and visual field.
These techniques don’t increase eyeball size. Instead, they create a more youthful, refreshed appearance. The result? Eyes that look brighter, more defined, and naturally larger.
Can Surgery Really Make Eyes Bigger?
While the term “eye surgery to make eyes bigger” is common online, most procedures don’t alter the eyeball size. They change the shape and contour of the eyelid and surrounding tissue to make the eyes appear more open. This distinction is essential to set realistic expectations and avoid misunderstanding the capabilities of cosmetic eye surgery.
Eye Enlargement Procedures: What Are Your Options?
There are several surgery procedures designed to enhance eye shape and openness:
- Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) removes excess eyelid skin or fat from the upper and lower eyelids. An upper blepharoplasty can correct droopy lids, while a lower blepharoplasty targets puffiness and dark circles. The blepharoplasty procedure is one of the most requested cosmetic enhancements for the eye area.
- Epicanthoplasty: Often combined with double eyelid surgery, this operation reshapes the inner eye corner by releasing the epicanthal fold. It’s more common in Asian patients looking to enhance their natural crease. Dr. Kopelman adjusts the technique based on ethnic features and eye anatomy.
- Canthoplasty: This procedure lifts or tightens the outer corner of the eyes, making them appear longer or more almond-shaped. It’s helpful in wider eyes surgery and can improve eye symmetry. The incisions are typically hidden in the outer eyelid crease and heal discreetly.
- Surgery to Make Eyes Wider Apart: While rare, subtle reshaping of the canthal angle can alter the perceived distance between the eyes. It requires precise evaluation by experienced surgeons to ensure both safety and symmetry.
- Caucasian vs. Asian Techniques: Dr. Kopelman tailors each cosmetic procedure based on ethnicity, bone structure, and eyelid anatomy to achieve natural-looking results. This personalized approach supports better healing, alignment, and aesthetic harmony.
Quick Comparison Table:
| Procedure | Target Area | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Blepharoplasty | Upper and lower eyelids | Removing excess skin, improving vision and aesthetics |
| Epicanthoplasty | Inner eye corner | Creating a more open eye shape |
| Canthoplasty | Outer eye corner | Lifting drooping eyelids, eye widening |
What Happens on the Day of Surgery?
- Patients arrive for pre-op marking and review of the surgical plan.
- Local anesthesia with sedation is administered.
- The surgeon makes precise incisions based on the selected procedure.
- Excess tissue is removed or repositioned, and incisions are closed with fine sutures.
- Post-op care instructions are reviewed before discharge.
Are You a Good Candidate for Eye Widening Surgery?
Ideal candidates include individuals with:
- Excess skin around the eyelids that obstructs their natural crease
- Sagging eyelids or visual field issues
- Puffiness or dark circles under the eyes from under-eye fat
- Asymmetry or dissatisfaction with natural eye shape
Age, skin elasticity, and realistic expectations all play a role in determining suitability. A consultation with Dr. Kopelman ensures the procedure is both safe and personalized.
What Happens During and After Eye Enlargement Surgery?
Each surgical procedure is performed in an office or outpatient setting under local anesthesia with sedation. For example, an upper blepharoplasty typically takes less than an hour. Dr. Kopelman removes excess skin, fat, or muscle to lift the eyelid.
Post-op recovery includes:
- Temporary swelling and bruising
- Mild discomfort or dry eyes
- Sutures removed within 5–7 days
Most patients resume light activity within one week. Full recovery takes 2–3 weeks, with final results appearing in 1–3 months.
Risks and Side Effects of Eye Enlargement Procedures
All cosmetic eye surgeries carry some risks. Common side effects include:
- Bruising, swelling, or tightness
- Temporary dry eyes
- Minor asymmetry during healing
In rare cases, complications like infection or delayed healing may occur. Choosing board-certified plastic surgeons like Dr. Kopelman significantly reduces these risks.
How Much Does Bigger Eyes Surgery Cost?
Pricing varies by procedure, complexity, and geographic location:
- Upper blepharoplasty: $3,000–$5,000
- Lower blepharoplasty or combination: $4,000–$6,500
- Canthoplasty or epicanthoplasty: $3,500–$6,000
Insurance typically does not cover these costs unless surgery is deemed medically necessary to restore the visual field. Patients receive a detailed estimate during consultation.
How to Choose the Right Surgeon for Eye Enlargement
When selecting a surgeon, prioritize:
- Board certification in oculoplastic or facial plastic surgery
- Extensive experience in cosmetic eye procedures
- Personalized planning based on anatomy, age, and ethnicity
Dr. Joel Kopelman brings over 35 years of experience and has helped thousands of patients achieve subtle, natural enhancements without overcorrection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is eye enlargement surgery permanent?
Results are long-lasting but may gradually change with age.
Can I combine procedures like blepharoplasty and brow lift?
Yes, combining upper eyelid surgery with a brow lift can enhance results.
How long is recovery?
Swelling and bruising typically subside in 1–2 weeks, with most patients back to normal within 10 days.
How can Dr.Kopelman Help
Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery offers expert care grounded in precision, safety, and aesthetics for anyone considering plastic surgery to make eyes bigger.
While subtle in technique, these procedures can produce transformative results when tailored by an experienced specialist.
Whether you’re exploring a blepharoplasty procedure or a more advanced operation to make eyes bigger, a personalized consultation with Dr. Kopelman is the best first step.
