Awake Blepharoplasty
in Long Island, NY

Awake blepharoplasty offers a solution for individuals in Long Island who struggle with drooping eyelids, under-eye bags, or excess skin that makes them look tired or older than they feel. Many patients hesitate to undergo eyelid surgery because of anxiety about general anesthesia. Therefore, our procedure is performed comfortably under local anesthesia, allowing them to remain awake and relaxed throughout treatment. By addressing both cosmetic and functional issues around the eyes, awake blepharoplasty helps restore a refreshed, youthful appearance while providing peace of mind for those seeking a safer, less invasive approach.

What Is Awake
Blepharoplasty?

Awake blepharoplasty is a specialized eyelid surgery performed using local anesthesia, allowing the patient to remain awake during the procedure. Unlike traditional approaches that typically involve general anesthesia, this technique focuses on creating a comfortable and controlled surgical experience while addressing the delicate tissues of the upper or lower eyelids. It is carried out in a clinical setting, with patients conscious yet relaxed, making it a distinctive option for those seeking eyelid enhancement.

Types of Awake Blepharoplasty

Upper Blepharoplasty

Upper blepharoplasty focuses on enhancing the appearance of the upper eyelids, particularly for individuals with sagging upper eyelids or excess fat that can make the eyes appear heavy or aged. During this type of awake procedure, careful adjustments are made to the eyelid tissue to create a more open and defined look, helping the eyes appear more refreshed.

Lower Blepharoplasty

Lower blepharoplasty is designed to address concerns beneath the eyes, most commonly puffy under-eye bags that can create a tired or aged appearance. By refining the lower eyelid area and smoothing transitions, this procedure restores a smoother, more youthful surface while maintaining the natural contour of the under-eye region.

Quad Blepharoplasty

Quad blepharoplasty combines both upper and lower eyelid surgery in a single procedure, offering a more comprehensive approach to eyelid rejuvenation. By enhancing the appearance of both the upper and lower eyelids simultaneously, this option enables patients to achieve a more harmonious and refreshed overall eye appearance in a single treatment.

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Consultation & Preparation for Eyelid Surgery

When considering awake blepharoplasty, patients may choose to address the upper or lower eyelids depending on their specific concerns and desired outcome. Before proceeding, a detailed consultation is conducted to review the individual’s medical history, ensuring the procedure is safe and tailored to their specific needs. During this process, patients also have the opportunity to discuss their aesthetic goals, allowing their treatment plan to be customized to align with their vision for eye rejuvenation.

Awake Blepharoplasty Procedure

Anesthesia

At our clinic, blepharoplasty is typically performed under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation, ensuring patients remain comfortable and relaxed while conscious. This approach eliminates the need for general anesthesia, while still providing a calm and controlled environment for precise surgical work.

Incisions

For the upper eyelids, small incisions are carefully placed within the natural crease, making them well-concealed once healed. In lower eyelid surgery, incisions may be made just below the lash line, allowing for discreet access to the underlying tissues while preserving the natural appearance of the eyes. Another approach is to make an incision inside the lower eyelid to minimize visible scarring.

Tissue Adjustment

During the procedure, Dr. Gargiulo removes excess skin and fat that contribute to heaviness, puffiness, or sagging around the eyes. This refined adjustment restores a smoother, more youthful contour without altering the natural appearance of the eyelids.

Closure

Once the necessary corrections are made, the incisions are closed using fine sutures to promote optimal healing and minimal scarring. This careful closure technique ensures that the results are both subtle and well-integrated with the surrounding eyelid structures.

Add-On Procedures

Brow Lift

A brow lift can be performed in conjunction with awake blepharoplasty to address the position of the eyebrows. This surgical procedure targets forehead tissues that may have descended over time, resulting in a heavy or tired appearance above the eyes. Refining the brow position helps frame the eyes more naturally and complements the improvements made through eyelid surgery.

Facelift

A facelift may also be considered in combination with awake blepharoplasty to provide a more comprehensive rejuvenation. In this procedure, facial tissues are gently lifted to reduce sagging and restore definition, enhancing the balance between the eyes and the rest of the face. This approach refines the overall appearance, ensuring harmony between the upper and lower facial features.

Recovery After Awake Blepharoplasty

First 24 Hours

During the initial period after an eyelid lift, rest is essential with the head elevated to help reduce swelling. Cold compresses are often recommended to ease discomfort and minimize bruising. Having a family member or friend nearby can be helpful for assistance during this early stage, as temporary blurred vision or mild grogginess may occur.

Week 1

Within the first week, most patients notice gradual improvement as swelling and bruising begin to subside. Light activities can typically be resumed, but strenuous movements and heavy lifting are avoided to protect the delicate eyelid area. Fine sutures are usually removed during this time, allowing the incisions to continue healing cleanly.

Weeks 2–3

As recovery time progresses, the eyes regain a more natural appearance, with further reduction in swelling and discoloration. While improvements are visible, it is normal for some residual puffiness or tightness to remain for several weeks. Makeup or concealer may be used cautiously to help mask any lingering discoloration once healing has advanced.

Long-Term Healing

In the weeks that follow, the eyelids continue to refine as tissues settle into place. Patients begin to see the full effect of the procedure, with results becoming clearer as the skin smooths and contours stabilize. Although initial healing occurs relatively quickly, subtle improvements can continue over 6-12 months, marking the completion of the recovery process.

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Schedule your consultation to discuss your goals and explore personalized options for beautiful, natural-looking results.

Candidates for Awake
Blepharoplasty

Awake blepharoplasty is considered by individuals for various reasons, often related to changes that occur over time or specific factors in their health history. The decision to undergo this procedure may stem from the natural aging process, sagging skin around the eyes, or the need to ensure safety due to existing medical conditions.

Candidates typically include:

Benefits of Awake Blepharoplasty

Natural-Looking Results

Awake blepharoplasty is designed to enhance the eyes while maintaining a natural appearance, ensuring that the results blend seamlessly with the surrounding facial features.

More Youthful Appearance

By addressing signs of aging around the eyes, this procedure helps create a refreshed appearance that contributes to a more vibrant look. When combined with other treatments, it can support a comprehensive rejuvenation of the face.

Minimal Scarring

The procedure not only improves eyelid contours but also promotes a more energetic appearance, allowing individuals to feel more confident in their overall look.

Improved Vision

In cases where excess eyelid tissue interferes with sight, awake blepharoplasty can restore clearer vision by removing obstructions from the line of sight.

Enhanced Confidence

Cost of Awake Blepharoplasty in Long Island, New York

The cost of awake blepharoplasty in Long Island ranges from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the complexity of the procedure and whether it involves the upper, lower, or both eyelids. Factors such as the plastic surgeon’s experience, the surgical setting, and any additional treatments performed simultaneously can also influence the final price.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Gargiulo to discuss your aesthetic goals and receive personalized price quotes.

What Makes Our Facial Plastic Surgery Different From Others?

Dr. Gargiulo is an experienced cosmetic surgeon and a board-certified anesthesiologist, bringing a unique combination of surgical knowledge and patient safety to every procedure. Using advanced surgical techniques, our practice focuses on enhancing each patient’s natural features while maintaining balance and harmony in the face. A personalized approach ensures that every treatment plan is tailored to individual goals, medical considerations, and aesthetic desires, setting our clinic apart from other facial plastic surgery providers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I improve my vision by treating the upper eyelids?

Blepharoplasty can be more than just cosmetic eyelid surgery. For some patients, excess skin on the upper eyelids can partially obstruct their line of sight, and addressing this issue may improve vision for both medical reasons and overall comfort. By carefully reshaping the eye area, the procedure removes obstructions while preserving a natural appearance.

Can I enhance other areas of my face through fat grafting?

Yes, fat grafting can be performed in conjunction with blepharoplasty or other facial procedures to restore volume and enhance contours in areas such as the cheeks, under-eye hollows, and temples. This technique utilizes the patient’s own fat to achieve subtle, long-lasting enhancements that blend seamlessly with their existing facial features.

How long do the results of awake blepharoplasty last?

The results of awake blepharoplasty are long-lasting, with many patients enjoying improved eyelid contours for 10 to 15 years. While the natural aging process continues, the procedure addresses sagging skin and excess fat, helping the eyes maintain a rejuvenated appearance over time.

Awake Blepharoplasty in Long Island, NY

What Is Awake Blepharoplasty?