Eyelid Surgery in Charlotte, NC

Understanding Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure that addresses drooping upper lids, puffiness, under-eye bags, and excess skin around the eyes. Depending on your concerns, Dr. Marks makes careful adjustments to the skin, muscle, and fat of the upper lids, the lower lids, or both.

Incisions are placed in the natural creases of the eyelids whenever possible, so they tend to blend in as they heal. The result is a more open, rested appearance that still looks like you on your best day.

It also helps to know what eyelid surgery does not do. Blepharoplasty is not designed to lift sagging brows, erase crow’s feet, or remove dark circles. That is one reason a thoughtful consultation matters so much. Sometimes the heaviness you notice around your eyes is actually coming from the brow, and a different or combined approach makes more sense.

Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery: What Each Can Address

Every set ages a little differently, which is why Dr. Marks tailors your plan to your own anatomy rather than offering a one-size-fits-all procedure.

• Upper eyelid surgery. Removes or repositions excess skin and fat that can make the upper lids look heavy, hooded, or crowded. For some patients, upper blepharoplasty may also improve the field of vision when skin hangs over the lash line.
• Lower eyelid surgery. Focuses on under-eye bags, puffiness, and loose skin that can make you look tired or older than you feel.
• Upper and lower eyelid surgery together. Many patients have concerns in both areas and choose to address them in a single procedure and a single recovery.

During your consultation, Dr. Marks will look closely at your lids, brows, and overall facial balance before recommending the approach that fits you best.

Why Patients Choose a Female Plastic Surgeon for Eyelid Surgery in Charlotte

Eyelid surgery is a small procedure with a big impact on how your whole face reads. Many patients tell us they feel more at ease working with a female plastic surgeon who understands the subtle details they care about, like keeping the natural shape of their eyes and still looking like themselves in photos.

Dr. Marks believes facial rejuvenation should highlight your features, not change who you are. That philosophy shapes every eyelid surgery plan she creates, from the first conversation through your final follow-up visit.

Am I a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

You may be a good candidate for eyelid surgery if you:

• Have heavy, drooping, or hooded upper lids
• Notice puffiness or bags under your eyes that do not improve with rest
• Have excess skin on the upper lids that makes applying makeup difficult or affects your vision
• Are frequently told you look tired, even when you feel rested
• Are in good overall health and have realistic expectations for a natural-looking result

Certain health conditions, such as dry eye, thyroid conditions, diabetes, or high blood pressure, can affect whether eyelid surgery is right for you. Be sure to share your full health history so Dr. Marks can put your safety first. Candidacy is always confirmed during an in-person consultation.

What Happens During Your Eyelid Surgery Procedure

Eyelid surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, which means most patients go home the same day. You will need a trusted adult to drive you home and stay nearby for the first part of your recovery.

For upper eyelid surgery, Dr. Marks places the incision within the natural crease of the lid, then removes or adjusts excess skin and fat to create a smoother, more open contour. For lower eyelid surgery, she addresses under-eye bags and loose skin while keeping the transition between the lid and cheek soft and natural.

Anesthesia options depend on your plan and your comfort level. Dr. Marks will walk you through what she recommends and why, so you know exactly what to expect on the day of your procedure.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

Your eyelid surgery consultation with Dr. Marks is an open conversation. Here is what it typically includes:

• A discussion of your goals and what bothers you most when you look in the mirror
• A review of your health history, including any eye conditions or medications
• A close evaluation of your upper lids, lower lids, brows, and facial balance
• A personalized recommendation, including whether a brow lift or other treatment could help
• Time to ask questions about recovery, results, and cost

You should leave your consultation with a clear picture of your options and no pressure to decide on the spot.

Eyelid Surgery Recovery: What to Expect

Every patient heals at her or his own pace, but most eyelid surgery recovery follows a general pattern:

• First few days. Swelling, bruising, and tightness are normal. Keeping your head elevated, using cold compresses, and applying lubricating eye drops or ointment as directed can help you stay comfortable.
• First week. Any sutures that need removal are usually taken out within about 5 to 7 days.
• About 5 to 10 days. Many patients feel ready to return to social activities and lighter routines.
• Two to four weeks. Remaining bruising fades, and you can gradually return to exercise and contact lenses once Dr. Marks clears you.
• Several months. Incisions continue to soften, and your final, refreshed result settles in.

Dr. Marks will give you a personalized recovery plan based on your procedure and your health, along with clear instructions for each stage of healing.

What Determines the Cost of Eyelid Surgery in Charlotte

The cost of eyelid surgery in Charlotte depends on a few key factors:

• Whether you are treating the upper lids, the lower lids, or both
• The type of anesthesia used
• Whether eyelid surgery is combined with another procedure, such as a brow lift or facelift
• Surgical facility fees

Because every plan is personalized, Dr. Marks provides an individualized quote after your consultation rather than a flat published rate. Cosmetic eyelid surgery is generally not covered by insurance, but if drooping lids are affecting your vision, let us know so we can talk through your options. Our team can also walk you through financing options to help make your procedure fit your budget.

Eyelid Surgery, a Brow Lift, or Injectables? Finding the Right Fit

Not every concern around the eyes comes from the eyelids themselves. If your brows have descended over time, they can push skin down onto the upper lids and create a heavy, tired look that eyelid surgery alone will not fully correct. In that case, a brow lift may be the better choice, or the two procedures may be combined for balanced results in one recovery window.

Fine lines and crow’s feet, on the other hand, often respond well to non-surgical treatments. Our injectable options can soften expression lines around the eyes without surgery. Eyelid surgery can also be paired with a facelift or neck lift as part of a broader facial rejuvenation plan. You can learn more about those procedures on our face and neck surgery page.

Men are welcome too. Many of our male patients choose eyelid surgery to look more alert and rested at work, and you can explore more options on our men’s face and body procedures page.

Serving Charlotte and the Surrounding Communities

Our boutique practice welcomes patients from across Charlotte, including Ballantyne, Steele Creek, South Charlotte, and the Lake Norman area. Whether you live nearby or are traveling in for your procedure, you will receive the same unhurried, one-on-one care with Dr. Marks from consultation through recovery.