Eyelid Lift
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Chesterfield Valley, O'Fallon and Chesterfield, MO
An eyelid lift, also known as blepharoplasty, is a procedure performed to restore youthful vitality to the eyes by addressing sagging upper eyelids and/or under-eye bags. (1)
When drooping skin, puffiness, or wrinkles develop, the face can take on a tired or aged appearance that might not reflect how you truly feel. Eyelid surgery helps correct these concerns by refining the areas around the eyes, removing and repositioning tissue that contributes to an aged or weary look.
Dr. Robert T. Cristel, a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, combines technical expertise with aesthetic precision to provide natural-looking and long-lasting results. With four locations throughout Missouri, Dr. Cristel and the team at Synergi Facial Surgery have garnered a reputation as one of the state’s best facial rejuvenation practices.
If you are interested in refreshing the appearance of your eyes, contact Synergi Facial Surgery today by calling any of our offices at (314) 523-5738 or reaching out online to schedule a consultation.
Contents
Before and After Photos
About Eyelid Lifts
An eyelid lift targets excess skin, fat, and lax muscles surrounding the eyes. (1) This procedure is performed to rejuvenate the eye area, helping patients look more rested, vibrant, and youthful. Over time, environmental exposure, genetics, and the natural aging process lead to skin laxity, fat displacement, and weakened tissues.
An eyelid lift addresses these concerns by repositioning or removing fat, trimming away loose skin, and tightening supportive structures. The results are natural yet transformative, with eyes appearing brighter, more open, and in better harmony with the rest of the face. For some patients, the procedure improves peripheral vision that may have been obstructed by heavy or drooping eyelids. Eyelid lifts have continued to increase in popularity in recent years. (2)
Types of Eyelid Lift Procedures
Eyelid lifts are highly customizable. Dr. Cristel will recommend the approach that best addresses your concerns after a detailed consultation and examination.
- Upper Eyelid Lift: An upper eyelid lift focuses on removing sagging skin, reducing fat bulges, and tightening the tissues of the upper eyelids. With age, the skin in this area can droop into the lash line, creating a hooded appearance. (3) Dr. Cristel places discreet incisions along the natural eyelid crease to conceal scarring while refining the shape and contour of the upper lids. The result is a more open, youthful, and refreshed expression.
- Lower Eyelid Lift: The lower eyelid lift targets puffiness and loose skin beneath the eyes. This procedure may involve repositioning fat to smooth the regions or removing excess tissue to eliminate sagging. Depending on the patient’s primary concerns, incisions may be placed just below the lash line or inside the eyelid. The goal is to create a smoother transition between the lower eyelids and cheeks, reducing the tired or aged look that under-eye bags can create.
Both upper and lower eyelid lifts can be performed as standalone treatments or combined in a single session for more comprehensive rejuvenation.
Benefits
Eyelid lifts offer numerous advantages. Patients often describe their results as transformative, giving them a brighter, more youthful look and improving their overall confidence. Some of the most common benefits include:
- Restoration of youthful contours around the eyes
- Reduction of under-eye bags and puffiness
- Improved symmetry of the eyelids
- A more alert and refreshed appearance
- Enhanced self-confidence
- Long-lasting improvements compared to non-surgical options
- Better field of vision for patients with sagging skin that interferes with sight
To explore how an eyelid lift can provide these benefits and more, schedule a consultation with Dr. Cristel by calling us today at (314) 523-5738 or contacting us online.
Ideal Candidates
An eyelid lift can appeal to many different potential candidates. You may be an ideal candidate if you are experiencing:
- Drooping upper eyelids that create a hooded look or shift into peripheral vision
- Puffiness or sagging fat pads beneath the eyes
- Wrinkly or loose skin around the eyelids
- A consistently tired or aged appearance despite feeling rested
Ideal candidates should be in good general health, have realistic expectations, and understand the recovery process. Dr. Cristel will determine whether or not you are a good candidate after evaluating your anatomy, lifestyle factors, and overall goals during your consultation.
Personal Consultation
Your consultation with Dr. Cristel is an essential step in planning your eyelid lift. During this visit, he will review your medical history, examine your eyelids, and discuss your concerns in detail. He will then explain your treatment options, including whether an upper, lower, or combined eyelid lift is the best option for achieving your desired results.
Schedule your personal consultation at Synergi Facial Surgery today by calling our Chesterfield Valley, O’Fallon, or Chesterfield locations at (314) 523-5738 or by contacting us online.
Preparation
To achieve optimal results and minimize risks, Dr. Cristel and his staff will provide detailed preoperative guidelines tailored to your specific case. These may include:
- Avoiding medications and supplements with blood-thinning effects
- Discontinuing nicotine use long before surgery (if applicable)
- Arranging for a trusted individual or family member to drive you home after your procedure
- Taking time away from work or daily commitments to allow for rest and recovery
Following these instructions closely will help support a safe surgery and smooth recovery process.
Procedure
Eyelid lift surgery is performed under anesthesia for your comfort. The specific techniques used will depend on whether you are undergoing upper, lower, or combined blepharoplasty. The procedure generally lasts one to three hours, depending on the complexity and whether both upper and lower eyelids are treated. Once Dr. Cristel completes all the necessary adjustments, you will rest in a recovery area before returning home the same day.
Recovery
Recovery from an eyelid lift varies for each patient, and Dr. Cristel will provide you with detailed instructions to navigate your recovery. Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are common in the first week, but these effects gradually improve. Most patients feel comfortable resuming normal activities within one to two weeks, although strenuous exercise should be avoided until Dr. Cristel clears you. Incision lines fade significantly over time, blending naturally into the eyelid creases or lash lines. Follow-up appointments ensure your healing is on track and provide an opportunity to address any concerns.
Results
Results from eyelid lift surgery become increasingly visible as swelling subsides in the weeks following the procedure. Patients typically notice a more refreshed, youthful, and alert appearance, with smoother contours around the eyes and reduced puffiness. The improvements are long-lasting, often remaining for many years, although the natural aging process will continue over time. Eyelid surgery at Synergi Facial Surgery is carefully designed to deliver results that look natural rather than overdone. Patients frequently report increased confidence, satisfaction with their appearance, and, in some cases, improved vision due to reduced eyelid heaviness.
Corresponding Procedures
Many patients choose to complement their eyelid lift with additional treatments for more comprehensive rejuvenation. Dr. Cristel may recommend procedures such as:
- Brow lift to elevate the brows and smooth forehead creases
- Facelift to restore youthful definition to the mid and lower face
- Neck lift to smooth sagging skin beneath the chin and along the neck
- Facial fat transfer to restore lost volume in the cheeks or temples
These treatments can be performed individually or combined with eyelid surgery for harmonized results.
Cost of an Eyelid Lift in St. Louis, MO
The cost of an eyelid lift at Synergi Facial Surgery depends on factors such as whether you undergo an upper, lower, or combined procedure, the complexity of your case, and the inclusion of any complementary treatments. A detailed cost estimate will be provided after your personal consultation with Dr. Cristel.
Schedule your consultation today to explore your options and discover the cost of your treatment. If you have any further questions or would prefer to schedule over the phone, please call our Chesterfield Valley, O’Fallon, or Chesterfield locations at (314) 523-5738.
FAQ
Is eyelid lift surgery painful?
The procedure itself is not painful because of the use of anesthesia. Patients typically experience only mild discomfort after the procedure, which can be managed with prescribed medication and following aftercare instructions.
How long do eyelid lift results last?
Results often last for many years, on average 10 years, although the natural aging process continues. Some patients may choose to undergo follow-up treatments later in life.
Will I have visible scars from an eyelid lift?
Incisions are strategically placed in natural creases or within the inner eyelid, making scars well-hidden and minimally noticeable.
When can I return to work after an eyelid lift?
Some patients can return to non-strenuous work within 7 to 10 days, although recovery timelines vary from patient to patient.
Can an eyelid lift improve vision?
In cases where sagging upper eyelid skin obstructs vision, upper blepharoplasty can lead to functional improvements in vision, making it both a cosmetic and functional procedure.
References
- Rebowe RE, Runyan C. Blepharoplasty. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482381/
- ASPS. American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner.; 2023. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf
- Patel BC, Malhotra R. Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537078/
- Rostami S, de la Torre JI, Czyz CN. Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448181/
