If you’ve noticed your eyelids starting to sag, your mascara smudging from excess skin, or you’re just tired of hearing, “You look tired,” you’re not alone. Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a straightforward procedure that can refresh your appearance and even improve your vision.
We sat down with Dr. Sepulveda, a plastic surgeon at Premier Medical Group, to talk about why he offers this procedure, what patients can expect, and how he combines precision and care to deliver natural-looking results.
Dr. Sepulveda found his passion for plastic surgery during a trauma and burn care fellowship in New York City.
“I was drawn to plastic surgery because of the immediate gratification of helping someone feel better, both physically and emotionally,” he shared.
Today, he brings that same mindset to every blepharoplasty procedure he performs, helping restore both function and confidence for his patients.
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty removes excess skin and fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids. Upper eyelid surgery is typically done when drooping skin interferes with vision or causes discomfort. Lower eyelid surgery reduces puffiness or under-eye bags.
“Upper eyelids are usually done in the office under local anesthesia,” said Dr. Sepulveda. “Lower eyelid surgery is a bit more complex and is often done in an ambulatory surgery setting, either through an incision just under the lashes or from the inside of the eyelid.”
Who’s a Good Candidate?
Most patients are in their 40s or 50s, but some are younger if they have inherited issues. As long as you’re in good health without unmanaged conditions like high blood pressure or severe dry eye, you may be a candidate.
“If someone is in good overall health and doesn’t have uncontrolled medical conditions like hypertension or severe dry eye, they may be a good candidate,” Dr. Sepulveda said. “We pay close attention to patients with glaucoma or eye conditions and always coordinate with their primary care doctor or ophthalmologist if needed.”
What to Expect: Consultation, Procedure & Recovery
At Premier Medical Group, consultations are thorough and tailored to you. Dr. Sepulveda reviews your health history, performs a detailed exam, and explains every step of the process.
“If I don’t feel comfortable moving forward with surgery for any reason—whether it’s a medical concern or something I notice during the exam—I’ll tell the patient honestly,” he said. “I may even refer a patient to an ophthalmologist who specializes in oculoplastic work for a second opinion, if I think it’s in their best interest.”
Patients often say his honest, thoughtful approach puts them at ease from day one. Here’s what a patient can expect on the day of their procedure, depending on the option they choose:
- Upper eyelids only: Done in-office with local anesthesia; takes about 1 hour
- Lower eyelids only: Done in ambulatory surgery center; takes between 1 to 2 hours
- Upper and lower eyelids: Performed in an ambulatory surgery center; takes around 2 hours
Dr. Sepulveda says that people can opt to do both at once for a single recovery period, which is something that can be discussed during your consultation. Recovery is usually smooth but requires care:
- Plan for 7–12 days off work
- Sutures removed after 1 week
- Avoid intense activity for 10–14 days
- Limit screen time and keep well hydrated
“In the recovery stage, it is desirable to keep your blood pressure stable, avoid eye strain, and stay hydrated,” said Dr. Sepulveda.
Results are long-lasting, especially for patients in their late 40s. Since aging continues after the surgery, it’s important to still take care of your skin. Dr. Sepulveda recommends staying hydrated, moisturizing, and protecting your skin from the sun.
Safety First: Risks and Precautions
While blepharoplasty is generally safe, Dr. Sepulveda is careful about who he operates on. Two main concerns he looks out for are:
- Hypertension, which can lead to more bruising or bleeding, especially during lower eyelid surgery.
- Coughing or vomiting, which can spike pressure in the eye socket and complicate healing.
“When you cough once, the pressure in the orbit can spike five or six times its normal level,” Dr. Sepulveda explains.
If a patient is ill—whether it’s a cold or a stomach bug—he won’t hesitate to delay surgery.
“I would rather reschedule than risk a patient’s healing or outcome,” he said.
Schedule A Consultation Today!
Many patients say they not only look more rested after surgery, but feel more confident, too. In some cases, upper eyelid surgery can also improve your field of vision.
If you’re interested in learning more about the procedure, Premier Medical Group offers a supportive consultation process:
- Submit your health history online via the patient portal
- At least two medical professionals from Premier will review your information
- The $100 consultation fee is applied toward your procedure if you move forward
- You’ll leave with everything you need to make an informed decision
“There are no guarantees in surgery,” Dr. Sepulveda says, “but I will always do my absolute best to deliver the best possible results.”
Ready to feel more confident in your own skin? Call the Premier Medical Group Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Division at 845-471-0800 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Sepulveda today.