Face surgery
Eyelid surgery
Removes heavy upper-lid skin or softens lower-lid bags for eyes that look more rested.
From $4,800, all-in. Financing examples from about $102 a month.
- Surgery time
- 1 to 2 hours
- Anesthesia
- Local with light sedation, or general for lower lids
- Hospital stay
- Home the same day
- Back to desk work
- About 1 week
- Exercise
- About 2 to 3 weeks
Eyelid surgery, explained
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) removes extra skin from the upper lids, or smooths puffy bags under the eyes, or both. Upper lid surgery is often done with local anesthesia and a little sedation.
When heavy upper lids block your side vision, part of the surgery may be covered by insurance. A simple vision test at an eye doctor's office shows whether that applies.
What it can do
- Remove heavy upper-lid skin that makes you look tired
- Smooth puffy bags under the eyes
- Widen side vision when heavy lids block it
What it cannot do
- Lift a low brow. That is a brow lift
- Remove crow's feet or dark circles caused by skin color
- Change the shape of your eyes
Is it right for me?
A general guide only. Dr. Merrow decides with you at your consultation, after an exam and a full health history.
Often a good fit if
- Your upper lids feel heavy or hood over the lash line
- Under-eye bags stay even when you are well rested
- You do not have severe dry eye that is untreated
Better to wait if
- You have untreated dry eye or other eye conditions
- You recently had laser vision surgery
- You need to wear contact lenses every day for the next two weeks
Recovery, honestly
What the weeks after surgery look like
Typical timings for healthy patients. Everyone heals at their own pace, and we adjust your plan at each visit.
-
Days 1 to 3
Cold compresses
Swelling and bruising are normal. Cool compresses and a raised head help. Vision may blur from eye ointment.
-
Days 5 to 7
Stitches out
Fine stitches come out at a nurse visit. Many people feel ready for desk work.
-
Weeks 1 to 2
Screens and reading
Eyes tire easily at first. Take breaks. Contact lenses usually wait about two weeks.
-
Weeks 2 to 3
Makeup and exercise
Eye makeup and normal exercise return.
-
Months 1 to 3
Final look
The last swelling fades. Upper lid scars hide in the natural crease.
Risks, in plain words
Every surgery has risks, including the risks of anesthesia. These are the main ones for eyelid surgery. We go through each one with you, and how likely it is for you, at your consult.
- Dry, gritty or watery eyes for a while
- Trouble closing the eyes fully at first, usually temporary
- Uneven lids or a crease that heals differently on each side
- Visible scarring, usually hidden in the crease
- In rare cases, changes in vision. Sudden pain or vision loss needs urgent care
How we lower your risk
- A full health review at your pre-op visit, and a check with your own doctor when needed
- A board-certified anesthesiologist for the whole surgery
- Blood clot prevention for every patient, matched to your risk
- Nurse check-ins in the first days and a direct line to our team
- Written recovery instructions you can share with whoever is helping you
What it costs
All-in price
From $4,800
Most plans fall between $4,800 and $11,000. Upper lids alone start at the low end. Upper and lower lids together sit near the top of the range.
Example: $4,800 over 60 months at 9.99% APR is about $102 a month. Example only; your rate depends on approval.
Pricing and financingYour quote includes
- Dr. Merrow's surgeon fee
- Board-certified anesthesiologist
- Our accredited surgical suite
- Implants, when your plan uses them
- Compression garments or surgical bra
- Follow-up visits for the first year
Not included
- Pre-surgery lab tests or clearance from your own doctor
- Prescription medicines
- An overnight stay, when you choose one and it is not part of your plan
- Travel and hotel for out-of-town patients
Common questions
More answers on our questions page, or call (303) 555-0148.
Will insurance cover my eyelid surgery?
Sometimes, for the upper lids, when heavy skin blocks your vision. You need a vision field test and photos. Cosmetic lower-lid surgery is not covered. Our coordinator helps you check first.
Am I awake for upper eyelid surgery?
Often, with numbing medicine and light sedation so you are relaxed. Lower-lid surgery is usually done asleep.
When can I wear contacts again?
Most people wait about two weeks. We check your eyes before you start again.
Thinking about eyelid surgery? Let's talk it through.
Book a consultation in person in Cherry Creek or by secure video. You leave with a written plan and an all-in quote, and you decide in your own time.
Consultations are $150, credited to your surgery if you book within 12 months.