Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery
973 East Avenue
Rochester, NY 14607
Phone: (585) 244-1000
Fax: (585) 271-4786
Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery
973 East Avenue
Rochester, NY 14607
Phone: (585) 244-1000
Fax: (585) 271-4786
Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Eyelid Surgery
Men and women who come to our Rochester, NY, practice for eyelid surgery want expressive eyes that communicate an alert, rested appearance. Sometimes patients also suffer from drooping or heavy upper eyelids that can significantly reduce one’s visual field. Eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, rejuvenates the area. This transformational procedure is safe and effective when performed by Dr. Vito C. Quatela, a respected, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with extensive experience performing blepharoplasty; or by Dr. Heather Lee, a board-certified otolaryngologist and board-certified facial plastic surgeon, or Dr. Alex Montague, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon and board-certified otolaryngologist, who have both trained extensively with Dr. Quatela.
Our facial plastic surgeons’ reputations as facial plastic surgery specialists attract eyelid surgery patients from Buffalo, Syracuse, and throughout New York. You can request your consultation with one of them using the online form or call our office at (585) 244-1000 to schedule an appointment.
Eyelid Lift
Before & After Photos
Case #1001540
Surgery: Facelift, temporal lift, lower eyelid lift with fat transposition and perioral dermabrasion
Post-Op: 6 months
We can’t even pick a favorite view, each angle just gets better and better! Read More
Case #1410
Facelift Case #1461
Case #1001541
Most of her bruising has resolved, she is back to normal activity (she couldn’t wait to run out the door to get to her first yoga class), and she is THRILLED! She does have some expected swelling under her neck which will resolve over time!
She told u... Read More
Brow Lift Case #11
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
At the Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery, eyelid surgery patients get consistently excellent results that give them the youthful appearance they desire. Dr. Lee and Dr. Montague’s expertise in functional eyelid surgery allows their patients to enjoy restored sight and improved vision after excess tissue in the upper eyelid is removed or repositioned.
Ideal Candidates for Eyelid Surgery
Men and women frustrated with loose, sagging skin and accumulated fat along the upper or lower eyelid may be good candidates for cosmetic blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery). Those who have obscured vision due to upper eyelids weighed down with excess tissue may be good candidates for functional blepharoplasty. Patients should be in overall good health, understand the eyelid lift procedure, and have reasonable expectations for their results. All skin types and ethnicities can benefit from the procedure. During your consultation, your surgeon determines if blepharoplasty is right for you.
What Test Is Used for Functional Blepharoplasty?
Three eye tests can determine whether your vision is obstructed enough for a functional procedure:
- Visual field test
- Schirmer’s test for tear production
- Visual acuity test
Upper Eyelid Surgery
Our surgeons perform upper eyelid surgery as an outpatient procedure in our on-site surgical center. Through incisions placed along the crease of the upper eyelid, the surgeon removes excess fat pockets and lax skin. The surgeon then closes the incisions with fine sutures.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
This procedure, often combined with upper eyelid surgery, is also an outpatient procedure. Depending on the patient’s needs, the incisions are either placed within the lower eyelid (transconjunctival incisions) or just below the eyelashes along the lower eyelid. Through the incisions, the surgeon redistributes the fat to reduce under-eye bags and tightens the skin and muscles. For transconjunctival procedures, dissolvable sutures are used.
What Procedures Can Be Combined With an Eyelid Lift?
Many patients decide to enhance their facial rejuvenation by combining other procedures with their eyelid surgery. Options commonly include:
What Is the Recovery Like After Eyelid Lift Surgery?
Recovery from upper and lower eyelid surgery generally follows the following timeline (experiences vary):
Day of surgery: Patients return home in the care of an adult friend or family member. Most patients are surprised to experience very little discomfort. Ice packs should be applied as directed. Keep the head elevated at all times for the first 7 to 10 days.
3 to 4 days: Sutures are removed if needed.
1 to 2 weeks: Patients are usually ready to return to work and other nonstrenuous activities. Swelling and bruising around the eyes fade. Residual bruising can be camouflaged with makeup, which can be taught to you by our experts at Q the Medical Spa at Lindsay House.
3 weeks: Restrictions are typically lifted, and most patients are cleared to resume strenuous activities and heavy lifting.
6+ months: Final results are achieved when all swelling has faded.
Review our blepharoplasty pre- and post-op instructions for more information.
Vito C. Quatela, M.D., FACS
Specializes in Facial Procedures
Compassionate and dedicated to personalized patient care, Dr. Quatela is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon recognized worldwide for his expertise in facial rejuvenation. He established the Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery in Rochester, New York to provide excellence in aesthetic surgery.
Read On
Heather Lee, M.D.
Specializes in Facial Procedures
A board-certified facial plastic surgeon and a board-certified otolaryngologist–head and neck surgeon, Dr. Lee is dedicated to improving the lives of adults and children by using her surgical talents. She specializes in procedures of the face and head including facelift, functional and cosmetic nose surgery, blepharoplasty, and injectable treatments.
Read On
Alex Montague, M.D.
Specializes in Facial Procedures
Known for his exemplary skills in both technique and patient care, Dr. Montague is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon. He specializes in cosmetic and functional facial surgery and injectable treatments.
Read OnEyelid Surgery FAQ
What is the difference between brow lift vs. eyelid lift surgery?
Sometimes drooping of the upper eyelids is related to a drop in the position of the brow over time. Depending on your concerns, either a brow lift or an upper blepharoplasty may be better at addressing drooping skin on the upper eyelids or brow. Often, patients benefit from a combination of the two procedures. A consultation appointment with one of our facial plastic surgeons will give you the opportunity to discuss which procedure would be better for you.
Will my vision be affected after eyelid surgery?
No, your vision should not be affected by blepharoplasty. Some patients may experience increased dryness that is usually temporary and treated with drops and other topical medications. Our surgeons prescribe eye drops and ointment to use immediately after surgery; sometimes these medications can make the vision temporarily blurry after application but this goes away rapidly.
Should I get filler in my tear troughs or lower eyelid surgery?
Depending on your particular concerns, either filler, eyelid surgery, or both may be an option for you to treat puffy bags, hollows, or dark circles underneath the eyes. During your consultation, your surgeon will talk with you about your concerns and recommend the best procedure for you.
Do I have to have both my upper and lower eyelids done at the same time?
No, you do not need to have both upper and lower blepharoplasty done at the same time. You can choose eyelid surgery at our Rochester, NY, practice to have your upper, lower, or both sets of eyelids done depending on your concerns and desired result.
Will I have visible scars from an eyelid lift?
Upper eyelid lift scars are concealed in the natural crease where they are not noticeable. Lower eyelid lift scars are either inside the eyelid or in a fold of the lower eyelid. These scars are very thin and typically fade over the months after surgery until they are inconspicuous.
Will my vision be affected after eyelid surgery?
No, your vision should not be affected by blepharoplasty surgery. A temporary increase in dryness of the eyes can happen for some patients, which is usually treated with drops and other topical medications. All patients are prescribed eye drops and ointment to use immediately after surgery, and sometimes these medications can make the vision temporarily blurry after application but this goes away rapidly.
