Best Blepharoplasty New Jersey, NJ | Dr. Caroline Szpalski, MD

Facial Rejuvenation

Blepharoplasty in Montclair, NJ with Dr. Caroline Szpalski

Each person shows the early signs of aging in an individual manner. However, most often, the delicate skin surrounding the eyes and eyelids typically shows age first. Sagging upper or lower eyelids can cause fine lines and wrinkles, drastically impacting the overall appearance of the face. With blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, you can refresh tired, sad, or angry-looking eyes. Eyelid lift surgery can restore a youthful appearance and address functional issues that impair vision.

Fellowship-trained female plastic surgeon Dr. Caroline Szpalski and her team want to help you look youthful and feel comfortable in your skin. Together, Dr. Szpalski will help you develop a customized eyelid lift procedural plan to help you realize your aesthetic vision, making her your choice as one of the best blepharoplasty surgeons in the tri-state area of New Jersey.

Contact us today at (646) 777-0170 or complete our online form to schedule your New Jersey eyelid lift consultation today! We are located in Newark, NJ and proudly serve patients in the Montclair, Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, Clifton, The Oranges, Paramus, and Franklin’s Lakes areas.

What Is Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty, or eyelid lift, is a facial surgical procedure that aims to remove excess skin and fatty tissues from the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. It also tightens lax muscles in the upper and lower eyelids. An eyelid lift can serve both an aesthetic and functional role. Eyelid lifts can create a younger, more alert-looking appearance, and they can correct drooping eyelids that hinder vision.

Depending on the extent of the blepharoplasty, they may be performed as in-office procedures under local anesthesia or in an outpatient surgical center under general anesthesia.

Dr. Szpalski will help you select the best approach to achieve optimal eyelid lift results, including:

Brighter, more alert eyes and more youthful overall appearance
Tighten loose, wrinkled eyelids
Address fat deposits around the eye
Reduce appearance of undereye fullness
Smooth lines and wrinkles around the eye area
Correct drooping eyelid skin to restore vision
Rejuvenate natural contours
Revitalize facial appearance

A blepharoplasty is a beautiful tool to rejuvenate the face. The goal is to provide a subtle and natural result without looking “done,” “surprised,” or different.

What Can a Glen Ridge, NJ Eyelid Surgery Address?

A blepharoplasty will not address dark circles beneath the eyes, fine lines, or “crow’s feet” (natural laugh lines that extend outwards from the eyes). Indeed, dark circles occur with loss of volume in the lower lid region that occurs with age, and when light shines through the skin, the muscle underneath becomes visible as a dark circle.

Fine lines, on the other hand, occur with the loss of collagen and elastin over time. “Crow’s Feet” are, in fact, deeper wrinkles that form naturally with age from continual contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscle. These conditions are treated using complementary non-surgical methods such as injectable fillers, Botox, and individualized skin care.

Lastly, a blepharoplasty will also not correct drooping eyebrows or chronically contracting forehead muscles that are actually a result of “brow ptosis” (forehead droop). The forehead will be specifically examined at your consultation together with the eye region. A brow lift may be recommended together with a blepharoplasty or, on occasion, in place of eyelid surgery, especially if a blepharoplasty has previously been performed.

Accompanying Procedures

A blepharoplasty by itself makes improvements to the eyelid region but does not specifically address the brow, the mid-face, cheeks, or the neck and jaw line. A complete facial examination will be done at your consultation to elucidate which surgical option(s) will best achieve your goals and most accurately treat your specific features of aging.

The results of facial procedures often rely on rejuvenating other facial areas, creating a more finished appearance. Based on your unique needs, other procedures may be included with your eyelid lift to achieve dramatic rejuvenation, including:

Brow Lift (Also called a forehead lift) gently lifts and refreshes the brow, helping to create a more youthful appearance to the eyes and enhance the results of blepharoplasty.
Facelift
Neck lift to rejuvenate the jaw line, lift the “jowls,” remove crepe-like neck skin, and restore a well-defined and youthful neck.

Facial Fat Grafting
Ear lobe repair to help balance the face and rejuvenate or repair aged or stretched-out earlobes.
Botox®
Injectable fillers

Choosing Dr. Caroline Szpalski as Your NJ Eyelid Lift Provider

Fellowship trained in microsurgery and the most complex cases in the world at MD Anderson, Dr. Caroline Szpalski is a female plastic surgeon born into a family of medical professionals. She knew from an early age she wanted to become a surgeon. Growing up in Africa and Europe, Dr. Szpalski brings an international flair and sophisticated European sense of style to her practice. With this distinct multicultural perspective and a unique Ethnic identity, Dr. Szpalski recognizes that there are many standards of beauty, identity, color, and culture, so she doesn’t offer a single approach for all patients.

As a busy surgeon, wife, mother, and New Yorker, Dr. Szpalski understands the diverse challenges many of her patients face. With a less is more philosophy, Dr. Szpalski tailors her approach to each patient’s needs with meticulous detailing to provide natural-looking, long-lasting results for a sense of timeless elegance, making her your choice as one of the best eyelid lift surgeons in New Jersey.

Meet Caroline Szpalski, MD

Female Plastic Surgeon in New Jersey

Rediscover your identity with the help of Dr. Caroline Szpalski, a board-certified and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon in New Jersey. With a unique multicultural upbringing and a European flair, Dr. Szpalski crafts elegant sophistication into every natural-looking patient transformation. Dr. Szpalski takes a less-is-more approach to plastic surgery to help patients maintain and appreciate their unique appearance and cultural beauty. No matter your aesthetic goals, start your journey toward a more confident you by scheduling your consultation with Dr. Szpalski and her expert team today!

Your Blepharoplasty Consultation with Dr. Szpalski in Glen Ridge, NJ

Patient consultations are a critical element of Dr. Szpalski’s practice. During your consultation, Dr. Szpalski will take the time to identify your goals and ensure your realistic expectations to determine that she is the right eyelift surgeon for you. With a focus on providing exemplary care, Dr. Szpalski has created a warm, welcoming, nonjudgmental environment safe for sharing your concerns.

During your consultation, Dr. Szpalski will conduct a thorough physical assessment to determine if blepharoplasty is the correct procedure for you. With many facial rejuvenation procedures available, Dr. Szpalski will ensure you understand your options to help you accomplish your aesthetic goals.

What Are the Different Types of New Jersey Eyelid Lifts?

Am I an Ideal Candidate for Blepharoplasty in Montclair, NJ?

Generally, good candidates for eyelid surgery in Montclair, NJ, are looking to rejuvenate the appearance of their eyes by addressing signs of aging to achieve a radiant, youthful, alert look.

Good candidates for blepharoplasty include adult men or women who are healthy, fit, and emotionally stable, with features of the aging eyelid as described above. Some candidates for eyelid surgery may also have some degree of brow ptosis (forehead droop) and actually are also candidates for a brow lift together with surgical rejuvenation of the eyes.

Typically, blepharoplasty candidates should:

Be in good physical and mental health, living a healthy lifestyle
Not smoke, or be willing to quit at least six weeks prior to and after surgery
Not be pregnant or breastfeeding
Have no serious eye or medical conditions that impair healing
Have realistic expectations
Understand the surgical risks and benefits

Eyelid lift surgery may not be appropriate for all patients. Patients may not be suitable candidates for blepharoplasty if they have:

Dry eye
Diabetes
Glaucoma
Drooping or uneven eyebrows
Patients with an overactive thyroid (Graves disease)
Patients with “exophthalmos” (bulging of the eyes)

Remember to tell Dr. Szpalski about a history of vision disorders or LASIK surgery.

Preparing for Blepharoplasty Surgery in Glen Ridge, NJ

Prior to any surgery, it is essential to be in good overall health. While every eyelid lift procedure will be unique, here is some general information to help you prepare.

Before surgery is not a good time to diet. You should be at a stable weight and avoid crash dieting or weight fluctuations. Commit to a consistent exercise regimen.
Eat a well-rounded diet of healthy, balanced meals with plenty of proteins to optimize results and recovery.
Stay well-hydrated before and after your procedure.
If you currently smoke, vape, or use nicotine products, you should quit. As smoking is detrimental to your health, especially during recovery from surgery, patients should stop smoking at least six weeks before and after surgery. Dr. Szpalski orders a nicotine test for all patients who smoke to help avoid complications caused by smoking or the use of nicotine products.

See your primary care physician for a full examination and appropriate testing, such as bloodwork, to ensure you are medically fit for surgery.
Prepare your home and schedule for recovery. Take time off work, purchase necessary supplies, fill pain medication prescriptions, freeze meals for easy preparation, and arrange a clean, comfortable place to rest.
Arrange for a trusted friend or family member to drive you home from your procedure and assist you with household management or childcare.

New Jersey Blepharoplasty Procedure Overview

Dr. Szpalski performs eyelid lift procedures in fully accredited facilities at Freedom Surgical Center, St. Joseph’s Health University Medical Center, or Hudson Regional Hospital. On the day of your procedure, you’ll arrive approximately an hour prior to your scheduled surgery to meet with Dr. Szpalski and your anesthesia provider. Dr. Szpalski will review your surgical details and answer any final questions you have.

As for all Facial Plastic Surgery, eyelid procedures are done under surgical “loupe” magnification to enable ultimate precision and meticulous attention in surgery. The method used for your blepharoplasty procedure will depend on your anatomy, the degree of skin excess and amount of bulging fat and/or muscle in the upper and lower lids. All incisions used for eyelid surgery are designed to be well concealed within the natural structures of the eyelid region.

Following injection of local anesthesia containing epinephrine (which minimizes bruising), delicate eyelid skin is separated from the underlying tissues, and excess fat or muscle is repositioned or removed as necessary. Tiny blood vessels are meticulously cauterized to avoid bleeding during and after surgery. Excess skin is trimmed, the remaining eyelid skin is redraped without tension, and incisions are closed using very fine sutures that will be removed a few days to a week after surgery. Scarring is nearly invisible after recovery. For lower eyelid surgery, Dr. Szpalski will create incisions either inside the lower eyelid or beneath the lower lashes. Dr. Szpalski will then remove excess skin, fat, and tissue from the lower eyelid area. Incisions will be closed with sutures or surgical tape. Scarring is nearly invisible after recovery.

When you awaken from your blepharoplasty, your eyes may be blurry from protective ophthalmic ointment applied to the eyes during surgery. You will be comfortable; eyelid surgery is not normally painful. Pain medication is prescribed for you to take after surgery as needed. You will have cool packs over your eyes that you can continue at home for a few days. Blepharoplasty is usually performed as an outpatient procedure and takes 1-2 hours depending on the details of surgery.

As mild swelling and any bruising subsides, visible improvements of the eyelid procedure will appear over a few weeks. The results of a blepharoplasty will reveal a smoother, more defined eyelid, and brighten the eye region for a more youthful and refreshed appearance. It takes several months up to a year for the final results to be evident and for incisions to fade maximally.

As a component of scar therapy, it is important to minimize direct sun exposure to the eyelids and face not only during healing, but as a life-long behavior to help maintain your rejuvenated appearance and to minimize future “photo-aging” (sun damage). Dark sunglasses will help to protect the delicate skin of the eyes during healing and promote comfort to the eyes after surgery.

Timeless Elegance

Blepharoplasty Recovery in New Jersey

Eyelid lift surgeries are typically performed as outpatient procedures, so you will need someone to drive you to and from the surgical facility and stay with you for at least 24 hours.

Following your blepharoplasty, you may experience bruising, swelling, and discomfort around the eyes. Initial eyelid asymmetry from swelling or an uneven appearance can occur and will normalize as healing progresses. Sleeping with a few extra pillows to elevate the head can help speed the resolution of post-op swelling. However, these effects should improve gradually over the next two weeks. To minimize swelling and bruising, it’s important to keep your head elevated and avoid bending, lifting, or performing any strenuous activities for the first few days. You may be prescribed pain medication to alleviate discomfort.

Strict sun avoidance and the regular use of sunblock of at least SPF 30 are vital to prevent permanent “hyperpigmentation” (darker color to the skin and incisions) and sunburn. Wearing makeup over sunblock is permitted at a week postoperatively and should continue as part of your morning beauty routine.

Eyelid lift recovery depends upon the extent of the procedure. Most patients need one to two weeks off work for the initial recovery. For at least four to six weeks, it’s important to get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activities, including exercise. Until your eyes are completely healed, it’s important to wear dark sunglasses to protect your eyes.

How Long Will the Results of a Blepharoplasty Last?

A blepharoplasty lasts forever and gives your eyes a rested and more youthful appearance that will endure in the long term. However, you will continue to age as appropriate after any type of facial plastic surgery. In the future, you will still appear younger than if you had not had your procedure, but you will never appear too tight, “overdone,” or abnormal.

Maintaining excellent skin care, exercising smart sun avoidance, and having some non-surgical rejuvenation procedures can often prolong the results of your blepharoplasty. Long-term follow-up with your surgeon will enable ongoing assessment of your results both in the short term and over many years to come.

Restore Your Youthful Appearance with Glen Ridge, NJ Blepharoplasty!

Refresh your appearance with more alert, youthful-looking eyes, and renew your confidence when you partner with Dr. Caroline Szpalski, one of the best eyelift surgeons in New Jersey! Learn about eyelid surgery near me options in Glen Ridge, NJ, by calling (646) 777-0170 or completing our online form to schedule your consultation today!

Montclair, NJ Eyelid Surgery FAQs

How Soon Will I See My Eyelid Lift Results?

Following eyelid lift surgery, you may experience discomfort, swelling, and significant bruising, causing at least two weeks of social downtime. As bruising and swelling resolves, results reveal smoother, younger-looking eyes, and a more alert appearance.

It’s important to use sun protection until your eyes are fully healed. Dark sunglasses or wide-brimmed hats are crucial when sun exposure is unavoidable. Strict sun avoidance and the regular use of sunblock of at least SPF 30 are vital to prevent permanent “hyperpigmentation” (darker color to the skin and incisions) and sunburn.You can expect to experience your rejuvenated results for several years after your Montclair, NJ blepharoplasty by thoroughly following Dr. Szpalski’s instructions regarding proper skincare and sun protection.

What Are Potential Risks and Complications of Blepharoplasty Surgery?

When you are considering any type of surgery, you should be fully educated about potential risks and complications. The decision to have facial plastic surgery is a personal and significant one. Like any surgical procedure, the potential risks of surgery must be weighed against the expected benefits in order to determine whether having surgery is indeed for you. What makes facial surgery unique is that the results are visible immediately after surgery, while surgery of the breasts or body can be concealed beneath clothing during the initial healing period.

For this reason, it is imperative to learn about all potential risks of facial plastic surgery, including both the common and very rare complications. Awareness of possible unfavorable outcomes and risks will help you make the decision whether surgery is for you and will enable you to proceed fully informed and educated.

Specific possible risks of all facial surgeries, such as a facelift, brow lift, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), neck lift, and earlobe surgery include the following:

Unfavorable scarring
Bleeding (“hematoma”)
Fluid accumulation
Infection
Poor wound healing
Anesthesia risks
Correctable hair loss at the incisions
Fluid accumulation requiring drainage after surgery
Skin discoloration
Bruising
Skin sensitivity
Temporary facial swelling

More Uncommon risks of facial surgery but those worth mentioning include:

Facial asymmetry, facial nerve injury with weakness or abnormal facial perspiration, skin loss, permanent numbness or other changes in skin sensation, loss of fat deep under the skin (“fat necrosis”), persistent pain, skin contour irregularities, “spitting sutures” that may spontaneously surface through the skin, become visible or produce irritation that require removal, unsatisfactory results including asymmetry, unsatisfactory surgical scar location, unacceptable visible deformities at the ends of the incisions, and the possible need for revisional surgery.

For those procedures that involve the Eyes and/or Brow, further rare but potential risks include eye irritation or dryness, eyelid disorders involving abnormal low position of the upper eyelids (“eyelid ptosis”), loose eyelid skin, abnormal laxity or rolling out of the lower eyelid (“ectropion”), difficulty closing the eyes, or “lid lag” (pulling down of the lower eyelid} that is often temporary. Many of these conditions are self-resolving but a minor revision may be necessary for correction if a complication should arise.

As a general principle, the practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. While reliable outcomes and beautiful results are anticipated in most patients, there is no absolute guarantee of surgery. In some situations, a second minor procedure may be needed after a period healing to achieve the most favorable results.

How Much Does Blepharoplasty Cost in New Jersey?

Blepharoplasty in Glen Ridge, NJ costs vary by patient, greatly depending on the extent of the procedure, the patients’ anatomical needs, and aesthetic goals. During your consultation, Dr. Szpalski will determine the scope of your procedure and estimate your eyelid lift cost in New Jersey.