Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

Blepharoplasty is the medical name for eyelid surgery. It removes excess skin, and sometimes fat, from the upper eyelids to correct droopy, heavy, or hooded lids. Many people call it an eyelid lift or simply "bleph" surgery. At Arsenault Aesthetics in Lakewood Ranch, upper eyelid surgery is performed in our office under local anesthetic by Dr. Jennifer Brammeier, a double board-certified dermatologic surgeon. The goal is a brighter, more rested look that still looks like you.

Eyelid surgery is called blepharoplasty. You may also hear it called an eyelid lift, eye lift, bleph, or eyelid reduction surgery. Upper blepharoplasty treats the upper lids, and lower blepharoplasty treats the area under the eyes. At Arsenault Aesthetics, Dr. Brammeier performs upper blepharoplasty to remove the extra skin that makes the eyes look heavy or tired.

Upper eyelid surgery removes excess skin, and sometimes a small amount of fat, from the upper lids to correct drooping and hooding. Lower eyelid surgery treats bags, puffiness, and loose skin under the eyes. At Arsenault Aesthetics, Dr. Brammeier performs upper eyelid surgery. It is often the right choice if your lids feel heavy, your eyeshadow disappears into the crease, or extra skin rests on your lashes. For under eye bags and hollows, our team offers non-surgical options such as PRF under eye treatment and dermal fillers.

Yes. An eyelid lift is the everyday name for blepharoplasty. The procedure does not literally lift the eyelid. Instead, it removes the extra skin and tissue that weighs the lid down, which makes the eye look more open. If your brows have dropped and are pushing down on your lids, a brow lift may be part of your plan as well.

You may be a good candidate if you have heavy or hooded upper lids, excess skin that touches your lashes, or a tired look that creams and makeup cannot fix. Good candidates are in generally good health, do not smoke, and have realistic goals. Some eye conditions, such as severe dry eye, need extra evaluation first. Dr. Brammeier reviews your health history and examines your eyelids, brows, and skin at your complimentary consultation to confirm whether blepharoplasty is right for you.

After the area is numbed with a local anesthetic, Dr. Brammeier makes a precise incision hidden in the natural crease of the upper eyelid. She removes or repositions excess skin, muscle, and fat, then closes the incisions with fine sutures. You go home the same day.

Eyelid surgery at Arsenault Aesthetics is performed by Dr. Jennifer Brammeier, DO, FAAD, FACMS, FASDS, a double board-certified dermatologic surgeon. She specializes in Mohs surgery and complex closures on the face, where precise, delicate work and discreet scars matter most. Choosing an experienced eyelid surgeon is one of the most important decisions you will make, because the eyelid skin is the thinnest on the body. Dr. Brammeier sees patients at our Lakewood Ranch office, serving Sarasota, Bradenton, and the surrounding area.

Dr. Jennifer Brammeier performs upper blepharoplasty at Arsenault Aesthetics in Lakewood Ranch, located at 9023 Town Center Pkwy, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202. Our office is near University Park and an easy drive from Sarasota, Bradenton, and Parrish. Eyelid surgery is done right in our office under local anesthetic, so there is no hospital visit. Call (941) 264-1161 to schedule your complimentary consultation.

The cost of blepharoplasty depends on the amount of correction you need and whether it is combined with a brow lift. Because Dr. Brammeier performs eyelid surgery in our office under local anesthetic, you avoid the hospital, operating room, and general anesthesia fees that can add thousands of dollars in other settings. You will receive a personalized quote at your complimentary consultation.

No. Arsenault Aesthetics does not accept insurance, so eyelid surgery is self-pay. Insurance has sometimes covered upper eyelid surgery when sagging skin blocks your vision, but insurance requirements have become much stricter, and most patients no longer qualify. Because Dr. Brammeier performs the procedure in our office under local anesthetic, you avoid hospital and general anesthesia fees. You will receive a clear, upfront price at your complimentary consultation.

Yes. Every eyelid surgery patient starts with a complimentary consultation with Dr. Brammeier. She will talk with you about your goals, examine your eyelids and brows, explain which approach she recommends, and give you a clear plan and personalized quote. There is no obligation to book.

Yes. Your eyelids are numbed with a local anesthetic, so you are awake but comfortable. No sedation or general anesthesia is used. Most patients feel pressure or movement, not pain. Being awake means no general anesthesia, no breathing tube, and a quicker, easier recovery from the anesthesia itself. Many patients are surprised by how calm the experience feels.

Blepharoplasty should not hurt during the procedure, because the local anesthetic numbs the area. You will feel a quick pinch and sting from the numbing injection, then mostly pressure. Afterward, most patients describe mild soreness, tightness, or a gritty feeling rather than real pain. Cold compresses and over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Tylenol, usually keep you comfortable. Avoid ibuprofen and aspirin unless Dr. Brammeier approves them, because they can increase bruising.

Upper eyelid surgery usually takes about one to two hours. Because the procedure is done in our office, there is no hospital check-in or long wait in a recovery room. You go home the same day, but you will need someone to drive you.

Eyelid surgery is considered very safe when performed by a qualified, experienced surgeon. As with any surgery, there are possible risks, including bruising, swelling, dry or irritated eyes, temporary blurred vision, infection, uneven results, and scarring. Serious complications are rare. Performing the procedure under local anesthetic also avoids the risks that come with general anesthesia. Dr. Brammeier will review your health history and explain the risks in detail at your consultation.