What Is Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty, commonly referred to as eyelid surgery or an eyelid lift, is a delicate surgical procedure that rejuvenates the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. The goal is to remove excess skin and reposition or reduce underlying fat, addressing concerns that make the eyes appear tired, heavy, puffy, or aged.

Dr. Rodriguez approaches blepharoplasty with meticulous artistry and precise surgical techniques, carefully restoring brightness and openness to the eyes while maintaining natural contours and symmetry.

Is Blepharoplasty Right For You?

You are a likely candidate for blepharoplasty if you:

  • Have loose or sagging eyelid skin
  • Notice wrinkles around the eyelids
  • Have puffiness or bags under the eyes
  • Look tired or older than you feel
  • Maintain good overall health
  • Have no untreated eye issues
  • Do not smoke or use nicotine

If creams, fillers, and nonsurgical treatments can’t sufficiently camouflage your concerns, or if you’re seeking comprehensive, long-lasting results, blepharoplasty may be the ideal solution.

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Types of Eyelid Surgery

Dr.  Rodriguez is an experienced eyelid surgeon who has been named “America’s Best Plastic Surgeon” for eyelid surgery by Newsweek. She expertly performs both upper and lower blepharoplasty, combined, or as stand-alone procedures:

Upper Blepharoplasty

Over time, the thin skin of the upper eyelids can lose elasticity, resulting in sagging or excess skin. This may create a heavy appearance and, in some cases, impair vision.

How Is Upper Blepharoplasty Performed?

Upper blepharoplasty is typically performed under local or general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure.

  • Dr. Rodriguez makes precise measurements and markings on the upper eyelid.
  • She injects a combination of numbing medicine and tranexamic acid (a medication that reduces bruising and bleeding) to support comfort and a smoother recovery.
  • Excess skin is removed through an incision placed along the natural eyelid crease.

The result is a smoother, lighter-looking upper eyelid with minimal visible scarring.

Lower Blepharoplasty

The lower eyelids are a frequent source of under-eye bags, puffiness, and tear troughs, which can make you look tired even when you’re well-rested. Lower blepharoplasty addresses prominent under-eye bags, excess lower-lid skin, and puffiness caused by fat protrusion.

How Is Lower Blepharoplasty Performed?

You’re typically placed under general anesthesia, and tranexamic acid is administered to minimize swelling and bruising.

Depending on your anatomy, Dr. Rodriguez may use:

  • An incision just below the eyelashes to remove excess skin and fat
  • A transconjunctival incision inside the eyelid when only fat removal is needed (a preferred method, when possible, for avoiding external scars)

This tailored approach helps achieve smoother, refreshed under-eye contours while preserving eyelid support and natural expression. If skin laxity is present, a small incision is made just below the lash line for optimal smoothing. In some cases, tightening of the lower eyelid (canthopexy) is performed simultaneously to support the eyelid position.

Upper vs. Lower Blepharoplasty Comparison

FeatureUpper BlepharoplastyLower Blepharoplasty
Primary Area TreatedUpper eyelidsLower eyelids
Main Concerns AddressedExcess or sagging upper eyelid skin that can create a heavy appearance or interfere with visionUnder-eye bags, puffiness, tear troughs, and excess lower eyelid skin
Ideal CandidatesPatients with loose or heavy upper eyelid skinPatients who look tired due to under-eye bags, puffiness, or lower eyelid laxity
Incision PlacementAlong the natural crease of the upper eyelidJust below the eyelashes or inside the lower eyelid (transconjunctival approach)
Scar VisibilityMinimal; well hidden within the natural eyelid creaseMinimal; external scars heal discreetly or no visible scar with internal approach
RecoverySutures are typically removed within 1 week; most patients feel socially comfortable in 10–14 daysSimilar recovery timeline, with most patients socially comfortable in 10–14 days
Dr. Rodriguez

Why Choose Dr. Rodriguez?

Dr. Abigail Rodriguez blends advanced surgical expertise with refined artistry to create results that look natural, balanced, and enduring. Known for her compassion, transparency, and commitment to patient education and safety, she provides individualized care supported by a state-of-the-art facility, enhanced recovery protocols, and comprehensive follow-up—all designed to ensure you feel cared for, confident, and understood throughout your transformation.

Widely regarded as a top board-certified plastic surgeon in Houston and beyond, Dr. Rodriguez's excellence has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America's Best Plastic Surgeons and by Texas Super Doctors multiple times. She is trusted for her meticulous precision and genuine dedication to helping patients look and feel their most authentic and confident.

What Is Your Accelerated Eyelid Lift Recovery Timeline Like?

With Dr. Rodriguez’s enhanced recovery protocols, patients recover more comfortably and quickly after eyelid surgery. Her refined approach minimizes tissue trauma, swelling, and downtime.

While everyone’s experience is unique, typical blepharoplasty recovery takes about 2 weeks and includes:

  • Applying ice packs to reduce initial swelling
  • Using eye drops or ointment to keep the eyes hydrated
  • Removal of sutures within 1 week
  • Refraining from wearing contacts for 2 weeks (glasses are OK)
  • Experiencing blurry vision, dry eyes, light sensitivity, and eye fatigue (if present), which resolve over several days
  • Resuming exercise and other activities 3 weeks after surgery

Most blepharoplasty patients feel socially comfortable within 10 to 14 days. Adhering to Dr. Rodriguez’s detailed recovery plan contributes to smooth healing and optimal results.

A Reputation Built on Results

Had a little surgery on my ear to stitch up a tear. Dr Rodriguez and her staff made me feel so relaxed...
Janet James
Awesome experience !! Just like I read all those reviews dr Abigail makes you feel so comfortable and...
Romina Lopez
I had an amazing experience during my consultation with Dr. Abigail Rodriguez and her patient care coordinator,...
Britney Alexander
Tuve la bendición de ponerme en manos de la Dra. Abigail Rodríguez para mi abdominoplastia y liposucción,...
Any Ramirez

How Much Does Blepharoplasty Cost in Houston?

The cost of eyelid surgery in Houston varies depending on whether upper, lower, or combined eyelid surgery is performed, as well as the type of anesthesia and surgical complexity. During your consultation, Dr. Rodriguez provides a personalized treatment plan and detailed pricing information. We offer convenient financing options to help make treatment more accessible.

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Flexible Financing For Every Budget

Paying for your procedure shouldn't stand in the way of feeling confident and comfortable in your skin. We offer flexible financing options, including CareCredit® and PatientFi®, to help make your treatment more manageable and accessible.

Our team will guide you through your options and support you during every step of your transformation.

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Blepharoplasty FAQs

Are scars visible after surgery?

Eyelid scars typically heal very well and are almost imperceptible after several months. Dr. Rodriguez recommends scar therapies and emphasizes the importance of sun protection, especially during the early postoperative period.

Will eyelid surgery change how my eyes look?

Blepharoplasty doesn’t change your eye shape, but it can help you look more rested and refreshed.

Can blepharoplasty be combined with other procedures?

Yes, Dr. Rodriguez often recommends combining blepharoplasty with a facelift, neck lift, or brow lift for cohesive facial rejuvenation results that look natural and seamless.

How long do results last?

Blepharoplasty results are long-lasting. While the aging process continues, many patients enjoy their youthful, rejuvenated look for many years.

Dr. Rodriguez | Abigail Rodriguez M.D. Plastic Surgery

Look as Refreshed as You Feel

If your eyes make you look tired or older than you feel, blepharoplasty with Dr. Rodriguez is a subtle yet powerful solution. She and her team are dedicated to delivering thoughtful, personalized care.

Request a consultation with Dr. Rodriguez using our online form or call the office at (713) 352-3199 to take the next step toward achieving a more youthful and alert appearance.

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