Eyelid surgery isn't just cosmetic. It can also restore clear vision.
At Holcomb - Kreithen Plastic Surgery & Medspa, serving Tampa and Sarasota, many patients are surprised to learn that blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, offers both aesthetic and functional benefits. While it's often associated with rejuvenating tired or sagging eyelids, blepharoplasty can also significantly improve your field of vision, especially if drooping upper eyelids are interfering with your sight.
If you’re experiencing a heavy or hooded eyelid appearance, difficulty applying makeup, or a reduced ability to see overhead, this procedure may be both medically necessary and cosmetically beneficial.
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin, muscle, and sometimes fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids. It can be performed for cosmetic enhancement, functional improvement, or a combination of both.
There are two main types:
- Upper eyelid blepharoplasty: Removes sagging skin that can impair peripheral vision or create a hooded look.
- Lower eyelid blepharoplasty: Reduces puffiness, under-eye bags, and skin laxity for a smoother, more rested appearance.
At our Tampa and Sarasota surgical centers, blepharoplasty is one of the most commonly requested procedures for both men and women, often chosen to restore a youthful eye contour and improve daily comfort.
How Can Eyelid Surgery Improve Vision?
With age, the skin around the eyes loses elasticity, and gravity causes it to droop. In some cases, excess upper eyelid skin can hang over the eyelashes and partially obstruct vision.
Symptoms of functionally impaired eyelids may include:
- Difficulty seeing in the upper visual field
- Fatigue or headaches from raising the brows to compensate
- Trouble driving, reading, or using a computer
- Eye strain from constant adjustment to poor visibility
In these cases, upper blepharoplasty is not just cosmetic. It’s reconstructive. Many patients in Tampa and Sarasota who undergo functional eyelid surgery report immediate improvements in both vision and comfort.
Cosmetic Benefits: Look Refreshed, Not Overdone
From a cosmetic standpoint, blepharoplasty can dramatically improve the appearance of tired, aged, or puffy eyes. Our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. David Holcomb and Dr. Marc Salzman, take a conservative, precise approach to ensure results that look natural, not surgical.
Aesthetic improvements include:
- Reduced sagging or drooping upper lids
- Smoother, tighter lower eyelid skin
- Less puffiness or under-eye bags
- Brighter, more open-looking eyes
- Restored facial harmony
Whether you’re addressing functional issues or simply want a more youthful appearance, blepharoplasty can refresh your entire face without changing your expression.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
You may benefit from blepharoplasty if you:
- Have excess skin on the upper eyelids interfering with vision
- Experience under-eye bags or puffiness that won’t go away
- Want to reduce signs of aging in the eye area
- Are in good overall health and a non-smoker
- Have realistic expectations for surgery and recovery
Our Tampa and Sarasota offices offer personalized consultations where your eyelid anatomy, concerns, and goals will be carefully evaluated.
In some cases, insurance may cover upper eyelid surgery if vision is compromised. Our team can assist with evaluations and any documentation needed.
What to Expect from Surgery and Recovery
Blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure performed in our private, accredited surgical facilities in both Tampa and Sarasota.
Surgical overview:
- Local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia
- Procedure duration: 1 to 2 hours
- No visible scarring, as incisions are hidden in natural creases
- Stitches removed within 5 to 7 days
- Minimal downtime for most patients
Recovery:
- Mild swelling and bruising for 7 to 10 days
- Return to work or light activities in about a week
- Makeup can typically be worn after 10 to 14 days
- Final results become more visible over 4 to 6 weeks
Patients often say they feel more alert and confident, with vision that is noticeably clearer.
Why Choose Holcomb - Kreithen for Blepharoplasty?
At Holcomb - Kreithen Plastic Surgery & Medspa, we bring over 40 years of combined experience in facial rejuvenation. We’re trusted across Tampa, Sarasota, and the Gulf Coast for delivering results that are subtle, effective, and uniquely tailored to each patient.
What sets us apart:
- Double board-certified facial plastic surgeons
- Advanced 3D imaging to preview your results
- Medically informed aesthetic approach for safety and satisfaction
- Full support from consultation through post-op care
Schedule Your Eyelid Surgery Consultation in Tampa or Sarasota
If drooping eyelids are affecting your appearance or your ability to see clearly, it may be time to consider blepharoplasty. Our expert surgeons in Tampa and Sarasota are here to help you achieve results that are both beautiful and beneficial.
Contact Holcomb - Kreithen Plastic Surgery & Medspa today to schedule your personalized consultation and discover how eyelid surgery can help you see, and be seen, more clearly.