Louis P. Bucky, MD, FACS
Award-Winning, World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon
Premiere Destination for Finest Injectables & Skin Care
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) in Philadelphia & Ardmore, PA
If you’re considering eyelid surgery in Philadelphia or Ardmore, PA, you’re not alone. Droopy eyelids, under-eye bags, and excess skin around the eyes can make you appear tired, older, or even affect your vision. Dr. Louis P. Bucky, a Harvard-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon with over 35 years of experience, offers advanced blepharoplasty techniques at his Philadelphia and Ardmore locations to help restore a more youthful, refreshed appearance to your eyes.
As one of Philadelphia’s most experienced facial plastic surgeons, Dr. Bucky has performed nearly 10,000 successful facial surgeries and has been recognized as a Top Doctor in Plastic Surgery for 25 consecutive years. His innovative approach to eyelid surgery combines precision surgical techniques with an artistic eye for natural-looking results.
- What is Blepharoplasty?
- Benefits of Eyelid Surgery
- Who is a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
- How is Eyelid Surgery Performed?
- Recovery and Results
- Non-Surgical Alternatives and Complementary Treatments
- Cost of Eyelid Surgery in Philadelphia
- Why Should Dr. Bucky Perform My Eyelid Lift?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery or an “eye lift,” is a surgical procedure designed to rejuvenate the appearance of the upper and/or lower eyelids. This procedure addresses common signs of aging around the eyes by removing excess skin, repositioning or removing fat deposits, and tightening the underlying muscles.
The eyes are often the first area of the face to show signs of aging due to the delicate nature of the eyelid skin, which is among the thinnest on the human body. Over time, factors such as genetics, sun exposure, and natural aging processes cause the skin to lose elasticity, leading to sagging upper lids and puffy lower eyelids.
Upper Eyelid Surgery
Upper blepharoplasty focuses on removing excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids. This procedure can address:
- Drooping or sagging upper eyelids
- Excess skin that creates hooding over the eyes
- Fat deposits that cause puffiness
- Vision impairment caused by severely drooping lids
Lower Eyelid Surgery
Lower blepharoplasty targets the area beneath the eyes to eliminate:
- Under-eye bags and puffiness
- Excess skin and wrinkles
- Dark circles caused by fat protrusion
- A tired or aged appearance
Benefits of Eyelid Surgery
Patients who undergo blepharoplasty with Dr. Bucky in Philadelphia and Ardmore experience numerous benefits:
Aesthetic Improvements:
- More youthful, alert appearance
- Reduction of under-eye bags and puffiness
- Smoother, tighter eyelid skin
- Enhanced eye contour and definition
- Improved facial harmony and balance
Functional Benefits:
- Improved peripheral vision when upper lids are severely drooping
- Reduced eye strain and fatigue
- Better application of makeup
- Increased confidence in social and professional settings
Long-lasting Results:
Upper eyelid surgery results typically last 7-10 years, while lower eyelid surgery often provides permanent improvement.
Who is a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
Dr. Bucky evaluates each patient individually to determine candidacy for blepharoplasty. Ideal candidates typically:
- Are in good overall health
- Have realistic expectations about surgical outcomes
- Are bothered by drooping eyelids, under-eye bags, or excess eyelid skin
- Are non-smokers or willing to quit smoking before and after surgery
- Have stable vision and no serious eye conditions
Age Considerations:
While most patients are over 35, younger individuals with genetic predisposition to eyelid aging or those with functional vision issues may also be candidates.
Medical Conditions:
Certain conditions may affect candidacy, including:
- Dry eye syndrome
- Thyroid disorders
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
During your consultation, Dr. Bucky will review your medical history and perform a comprehensive eye examination to ensure blepharoplasty is safe and appropriate for you.
How is Eyelid Surgery Performed?
Dr. Bucky performs blepharoplasty using advanced surgical techniques refined over his 35+ years of practice. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation in his accredited surgical facility.
Upper Eyelid Surgery Technique
- Incision Placement: Dr. Bucky makes precise incisions along the natural crease of the upper eyelid, ensuring scars are virtually invisible once healed.
- Tissue Removal: Excess skin, muscle, and fat are carefully removed or repositioned to create a more youthful contour.
- Closure: The incisions are closed with fine sutures, which are typically removed within one week.
Lower Eyelid Surgery Technique
Dr. Bucky employs two primary approaches for lower eyelid surgery:
Transconjunctival Approach:
- Incision made inside the lower eyelid
- No external scarring
- Best for younger patients with fat deposits but minimal excess skin
Skin Pinch Blepharoplasty
- A “pinch” technique removes a small strip of excess skin just below the lashes
- Can be combined with a transconjunctival blepharoplasty to remove or reposition fat pockets inside the lower eyelid
- Provides a customized approach while keeping external scarring minimal
As Dr. Bucky explains, “The key to successful blepharoplasty is not just removing tissue, but understanding the delicate balance of the eyelid anatomy. Each patient requires a customized approach to achieve natural-looking results that enhance their unique features.”
Recovery and Results
Immediate Post-Operative Period
According to data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, most patients experience:
- Mild to moderate swelling and bruising for 7-10 days
- Some discomfort managed with prescribed pain medication
- Temporary blurred vision or sensitivity to light
Trusted Source
What should I expect during my eyelid surgery recovery?
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
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Recovery Timeline
Week 1:
- Sutures removed (if external sutures were used)
- Most swelling and bruising begins to subside
- Return to desk work possible for most patients
Week 2:
- Significant improvement in appearance
- Most patients comfortable returning to social activities
- Light exercise may be resumed
Week 3-4:
- Most swelling resolved
- Final results becoming apparent
- Normal activities and exercise can be resumed
3-6 Months:
- Complete healing and final results visible
- Scars continue to fade and mature
Long-term Results
Research published in Aesthetic Surgery Journal shows that patient satisfaction rates for blepharoplasty exceed 93%, with most patients reporting long-lasting improvement in their appearance and self-confidence.
Trusted Source
Assessing Patient Satisfaction Following Blepharoplasty Using Social Media Reviews
Tseng CC, Patel R, Desai AD, Shah VP, Talmor G, Paskhover B
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Non-Surgical Alternatives and Complementary Treatments
While blepharoplasty provides the most dramatic and long-lasting results, Dr. Bucky also offers non-surgical options that may be appropriate for certain patients:
Non-Surgical Options
- BOTOX: Reduces crow’s feet and can provide a subtle brow lift
- Dermal Fillers: Address under-eye hollowing and tear troughs
- Laser Treatments: Improve skin texture and mild laxity
- Radiofrequency Treatments: Tighten skin without surgery
Complementary Procedures
Many patients combine eyelid surgery with other facial rejuvenation procedures:
- Facelift: For comprehensive facial rejuvenation
- Brow Lift: To address forehead and brow aging
- Fat Grafting: To restore volume to hollow areas
- Laser Resurfacing: To improve skin texture and tone
Cost of Eyelid Surgery in Philadelphia
The cost of blepharoplasty varies based on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure, whether upper and/or lower eyelids are treated, and the surgical facility used. According to American Society of Plastic Surgeons data, the average cost of eyelid surgery ranges from $4,000 to $7,000.
Trusted Source
How much does eyelid surgery cost?
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
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3
Factors Affecting Cost:
- Surgeon’s experience and credentials
- Geographic location
- Surgical facility fees
- Anesthesia costs
- Post-operative care
During your consultation, Dr. Bucky’s team will provide a detailed cost breakdown and discuss financing options to make your procedure more affordable.
Why Should Dr. Bucky Perform My Eyelid Lift?
Dr. Bucky has received regional and national exposure for his facial rejuvenation work in combining volume augmentation with new technology and techniques.
He was the former chairman for the Northeastern Society of Plastic Surgery Workshop on cosmetic and reconstructive eyelid surgery in New York City.
He is regularly nominated by his peers to talk on the latest advancements in facial rejuvenation.
The practice employs a fast-track recovery system that encompasses pre- and post-operative skin care, personalized care from the nursing staff, vitamins, lymphatic massage, and a morning checkup from Dr. Bucky the day following surgery.
Advanced Surgical Techniques
Dr. Bucky employs cutting-edge techniques to optimize results and minimize recovery time:
Precision Incision Placement
Using advanced surgical planning, Dr. Bucky places incisions in natural skin creases and contours to ensure minimal visible scarring.
Fat Repositioning vs. Removal
Rather than simply removing fat, Dr. Bucky often repositions fat deposits to restore youthful volume while eliminating puffiness.
Muscle Preservation
Careful attention to preserving important eyelid muscles ensures natural expression and function post-surgery.
Rapid Recovery Protocols
Dr. Bucky has developed specialized post-operative care protocols that minimize swelling, bruising, and discomfort while promoting faster healing.
Safety and Surgical Facility
Patient safety is Dr. Bucky’s top priority. All procedures are performed in his accredited surgical facility, which meets the highest standards for safety and sterility. The facility is equipped with:
- State-of-the-art monitoring equipment
- Board-certified anesthesiologists
- Emergency protocols and equipment
- Comfortable recovery areas
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Louis P. Bucky offers eyelid surgery at two convenient locations in the Philadelphia area: his main office in Center City Philadelphia and his Ardmore location on the Main Line. With over 35 years of experience and recognition as a Top Doctor for 25 consecutive years, Dr. Bucky provides world-class blepharoplasty results close to home for patients throughout southeastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey.
Yes, many patients combine blepharoplasty with complementary procedures for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Popular combinations include facelift surgery, brow lift, fat grafting, laser resurfacing, and non-surgical treatments like BOTOX and dermal fillers. Dr. Bucky will discuss which combination of treatments can best achieve your aesthetic goals during your consultation.
Upper eyelid surgery results typically last 7-10 years, while lower eyelid surgery often provides permanent improvement. The longevity of results depends on factors such as your age at the time of surgery, genetics, skin quality, and lifestyle factors like sun exposure and smoking.