Upper Eyelid Surgery

Blepharoplasty is a very well-tolerated procedure with minimal associated pain or discomfort. On the day of your upper eyelid surgery, you will first receive a carefully crafted blend of medications to minimize any pain, anxiety, swelling, bleeding, bruising, inflammation, and infection related to your surgery.  Additionally, Dr. Raggio will carefully administer local injection anesthesia to numb the area and further minimize discomfort. This is a meticulous and precise procedure on a very delicate part of the skin, and Dr. Raggio takes great care using expert skill and precision to make your experience as painless as possible. All that being said, following your procedure, you can expect common but mild after-effects, such as: 

• Bruising
• Swelling
• Redness
• Itchiness
• Dry eyes

Many of these issues can be controlled with over-the-counter medication or topical creams, which Dr. Raggio and his team will guide you on. Remaining upright, limiting strenuous activity, and applying frequent cold compresses to the eyes can also help alleviate pain. In summary, the best Blepharoplasty represents a well-tolerated procedure with subtle yet striking results.

The actual Upper Eyelid Surgery with Dr. Raggio is completed in one appointment at his state-of-the-art medical facility in Homewood, AL (adjacent to Hoover, Birmingham, Mountain Brook, and Vestavia Hills). Following your recovery period, you will return at 1 week for a check-in appointment, where Dr. Raggio can assess your progress, ensure your healing is on track, and remove sutures if applicable. Additional follow-ups can be expected at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery.  These follow-up appointments are a vital component of your recovery, allowing you and Dr. Raggio to address any questions or concerns regarding your procedure in a candid manner. 

One of the most rewarding effects of Upper Eyelid surgery in Birmingham with Dr. Raggio is the subtle yet striking result. After the initial 1-2 weeks of mild swelling and bruising, patients who undergo Blepharoplasty will notice an overall refreshed, youthful, and more vibrant appearance. And while surgery results last a lifetime, in the sense that you will always look better than if you had not done the surgery, you will inevitably experience recurrent droopy eyelids as you continue to age over the next several years. This may mean additional surgical appointments to correct the issue, but often aren’t required until another 10-15 years after your first surgery. Ongoing sun protection, along with other preventive measures, will help maintain your results. Talk to Dr. Raggio about the kind of results you can expect, as well as the lifespan of your surgery, and other modalities you can implement to optimize and maintain your beautiful blepharoplasty results.

One of the most common concerns among patients is the appearance of scars after blepharoplasty. Fortunately, upper eyelid surgery scars are generally minimal and very discreet.

Dr. Raggio carefully places the incisions in the natural creases of the eyelids, which helps hide the scar as it heals. In most cases, the scar becomes nearly invisible over time due to its placement and the thin skin in the eyelid region. With proper care, including sun protection and following post-operative instructions, the appearance of the scar can be significantly minimized.

For patients particularly concerned about scarring, Dr. Raggio may recommend specific topical scar treatments or laser therapies as needed.

While you may feel well enough to resume normal activities relatively soon after your surgery, it’s important to follow Dr. Raggio’s guidelines regarding exercise:

• First Week: No exercise or strenuous activity. Walking indoors is encouraged to maintain circulation.
• Weeks 2–3: You may begin light, non-impact activity (e.g., gentle walking), as long as there’s no discomfort or swelling.
• Weeks 4–6: Gradual return to moderate-intensity exercise, such as biking or yoga, with Dr. Raggio’s approval.
• After six weeks, most patients can resume their full exercise routines, including cardio and weightlifting, provided they are making a good recovery.

Returning to exercise too soon can increase swelling, increase the risk of bleeding, or interfere with healing. Always wait for clearance from Dr. Raggio before resuming strenuous activity.

More often than not, upper eyelid surgery is performed in conjunction with other facial rejuvenation procedures, particularly those that affect the area around the eyes (the periorbital area). Such periorbital rejuvenating procedures include brow lift, facelift, fat grafting, and CO2 laser skin resurfacing. 

Non-surgical modalities are often used to enhance and maintain your results, including medical-grade skincare, wrinkle relaxers (such as Botox, Xeomin, and Jeuveau), facial fillers (like Juvederm, Restylane, and RHA), chemical peels, and RF microneedling.  As every surgery is assessed on an individual basis, when you consult with Dr. Raggio, he will confirm which combinations are possible and whether they are right for you.

While many patients seek Upper Lid blepharoplasty with Dr. Raggio to correct functional or vision-related concerns due to redundant and heavy upper lid skin, Raggio MD Facial Plastic Surgery does not accept insurance. Many patients are relieved to hear, however, that Dr. Raggio takes special care and attention to not only address cosmetic issues, but also ensures that any functional issues are addressed as well. For this reason, many patients who initially seek insurance coverage for their upper lid blepharoplasty ultimately choose to proceed with the elective services Dr. Raggio offers, since this equates to an overall more satisfactory and pleasant surgical experience, whilst eliminating the many issues often associated with health insurance. To that effect, we offer financing options for those interested, and one of our team members can guide you through this process.

As with any surgery, there are risks associated that should be taken into consideration. Dr. Raggio takes great care to openly and honestly discuss all of the risks involved during your consultation. By choosing a highly skilled, fellowship-trained, and double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Raggio, you are taking the necessary steps to minimize risks. 

Some of the risks from upper eyelid surgery may include: 

• Bleeding from the incision lines
• Changes in skin sensation or numbness of the eyelashes
• Difficulty closing your eyes
• Dryness to the eyes
• Infection
• Possible need for revision surgery
• Sensitivity to the sun or other bright light
• Swelling and bruising
• Unfavorable scarring

If you have any concerns about the risks of upper eyelid surgery, be sure to discuss this during your consultation so Dr. Raggio can put your mind at ease. Dr. Raggio will work to ensure you achieve the best possible results. 

Finding the right surgeon is essential to achieving your desired blepharoplasty results. When searching for the best upper eyelid plastic surgeon in Birmingham and its surrounding areas (including Hoover, Homewood, Mountain Brook, and Vestavia Hills), several important factors should be considered. First, ensure the surgeon is board-certified by reputable organizations such as the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, which certifies Dr. Raggio. Board certification demonstrates a high level of training, expertise, and commitment to patient safety.

Experience and expertise are also crucial. Look for a surgeon who specializes in facial plastic surgery and performs eyelid procedures regularly, as this ensures a deeper understanding of the delicate structures around the eyes. Reviewing before-and-after photos of real patients can give you a sense of the surgeon’s aesthetic style and the consistency of their results. Patient reviews and testimonials can offer valuable insights into the surgeon’s bedside manner, surgical skills, and post-operative care experience.

Finally, pay close attention to the consultation process. A qualified and compassionate surgeon will take time to understand your concerns, provide honest recommendations, and answer your questions thoroughly. Dr. Blake Raggio exemplifies all of these qualities and more, offering each patient a personalized experience grounded in precision, artistry, and care. If you’re ready to enhance your appearance (and potentially vision), schedule your consultation with Dr. Raggio and the fantastic team at Raggio MD today. We look forward to taking care of you!