Our eyes are probably the most noticeable feature on our faces. When your eyelids are droopy, wrinkled, or have loose, sagging skin, they have a strong effect on your appearance. Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, performed by a skilled plastic surgeon, can restore a more youthful, alert appearance to the eyelids and can help correct many eyelid problems. Because of the marked results, eyelid surgery is a frequently requested aesthetic procedure.
At McCue Plastic Surgery, Dr. Jonathan McCue provides personalized eyelid surgery procedures designed to help patients achieve a more refreshed, rested, and youthful appearance. Serving patients throughout Minneapolis and St. Paul, Dr. McCue combines advanced surgical expertise with a patient-centered approach to create natural-looking results tailored to each individual’s facial features and goals.
What Does Eyelid Surgery Treat?
Eyelid surgery can be used to treat several conditions that affect the appearance of the eyelids, including:
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Fatty deposits in the upper eyelids that cause them to look puffy.
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Loose skin and sagginess of the upper eyelid that can sometimes interfere with vision.
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Excess skin and wrinkles on the lower eyelid.
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Bags under the eyes.
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Lower eyelids that droop.
The Consultation Process
If you are concerned about the appearance of your eyelids and think eyelid surgery might be an answer, a personal consultation with Dr. McCue can help you make the best decision. During the consultation, Dr. McCue will ask you to describe your goals for eyelid surgery. He’ll ask about your current health and medical history. He will also ask if you have a history of glaucoma, dry eye, or retina problems, as well as thyroid disorders or other conditions that could affect this surgery.
He will evaluate not only the eyelids themselves but also their relationship to your brow position, eye shape, and overall facial balance. In some cases, heaviness in the upper eyelid may be influenced by brow descent, while under-eye fullness may relate to fat distribution and skin elasticity. A careful assessment helps determine whether upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or both is appropriate.
Dr. McCue will examine your eyelids closely, assessing the quality of your skin, muscle tone, and fat prominence. He will also evaluate tear production and eyelid position to help minimize the risk of postoperative dryness or irritation. Based on this evaluation, he will recommend a course of treatment and explain what results you can realistically expect, along with any associated risks. He will review the surgical plan in detail, discuss anesthesia and recovery expectations, and answer all of your questions so you feel fully informed before making a decision.
Types of Eyelid Surgery
The term “eyelid surgery” can describe two types of cosmetic procedures: upper blepharoplasty and lower blepharoplasty.
Upper blepharoplasty focuses on “hooding”, or droopy upper eyelids. To ensure your eyes can open more fully, Dr. McCue tightens the muscles to increase strength and performance, while also removing excess skin and fat above the eye that can weigh down the upper eyelid.
Lower blepharoplasty addresses the hollows or “bags” beneath the eyes that make your face look older and more tired. By removing or repositioning fat and tissue, Dr. McCue can give you a smoother under-eye area, refreshing your appearance.
These surgeries can be combined or performed separately, depending on your unique cosmetic needs.
Eyelid Blepharoplasty Procedures
Eyelid surgery is performed on very delicate tissues with great precision and care. Your surgery will be scheduled and a Twin Cities surgical facility chosen once you make a decision to go ahead. Typically, eyelid surgery is done on an outpatient basis, and you’ll return home on the day of the surgery.
Your surgeon will discuss anesthesia with you and let you know about any preparations you need to make before surgery. Incisions will be carefully made to be concealed in natural creases and folds. Fatty tissue may be removed or relocated, and excess skin will also be removed to tighten the skin and reduce fine wrinkles. Fine sutures will be used to close the incisions.
Recovery from Eyelid Surgery
After your surgery, dressings, cold compresses, and ointments may be applied. You may be given or prescribed medications to prevent infection, relieve discomfort, and promote healing. You may experience some blurry vision following the surgery, but that will go away before long. Discomfort is usually mild following eyelid surgery. You’ll also receive detailed instructions for self-care and sun protection during the healing process. Follow-up visits will also be scheduled. You’ll see the improvements as healing continues over the following weeks, and incision lines will fade over time. The results from eyelid surgery are usually permanent, but normal aging will still occur.
Why Choose Dr. McCue For Eyelid Surgery
Choosing a plastic surgeon means choosing someone who combines skill, ethics, and thoughtful communication. Dr. Jonathan McCue is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and provides care to patients throughout the Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area from his practice in Plymouth. His work spans aesthetic enhancements and advanced reconstructive surgery, including intricate breast reconstruction procedures.
Beyond the operating room, Dr. McCue has contributed to medical research and has published extensively on reconstructive techniques. That academic foundation supports his focus on safe, scientifically supported treatments rather than trends. He outlines every available option, including when surgery may not be necessary, so patients understand the full picture before moving forward. His approach centers on clarity, accountability, and individualized surgical planning.
Eyelid Surgery FAQs
You are not alone if your eyelids do not match on both sides. It is common for one lid to hang a bit lower or for one undereye area to be hollower than the other. The more dramatic the difference, the more likely you are to want to make adjustments. Fortunately, eyelid surgery is an effective way to achieve greater symmetry and harmony in your face. In most cases, Dr. McCue performs surgery on both eyelids so that they appear equally rejuvenated, but it may be possible to correct one eyelid to match the other.
Eyelid surgery is usually intended to rejuvenate your appearance and should therefore not have a significant impact on your vision. However, if your eyelids droop particularly low, lifting them can help expand your field of vision. This has no impact on your vision prescription, so you will still need to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses as you have previously.
Yes, blepharoplasty is very popular among male patients. Results achieved with eyelid surgery tend to be more subtle, which is good for men who do not want it to be obvious that they have had work done. Refreshing the eyelids can make a man appear more vibrant while taking years off his perceived age. This can positively impact a man’s dating prospects and professional opportunities.
The price of your eyelid surgery will depend mainly on whether you have upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or both. During your consultation, Dr. McCue can devise a customized surgical plan that includes a quote. Since blepharoplasty is usually an elective procedure, it is rarely covered by insurance, except in cases where eyelid ptosis significantly affects the field of vision. Most patients do qualify for financing.
Lower eyelid surgery achieves results that last indefinitely. Although upper eyelid surgery can reverse signs of aging, it cannot stop the aging process altogether. After a decade or so, eyelid sagging may start again. If you remain a good candidate for elective surgery, you have the option of repeating the surgery to re-elevate your eyelids once again.
For upper blepharoplasty, incisions are typically placed within the natural crease of the upper eyelid so they remain well concealed once healed. For lower blepharoplasty, incisions may be placed just below the lower lash line or inside the lower eyelid, depending on the surgical plan. Careful placement allows scars to fade discreetly over time.
Blepharoplasty focuses on removing excess skin and repositioning fat, not altering the basic shape of your eyes. The goal is to restore a refreshed, alert appearance while preserving your natural features.
Most patients can resume light eye makeup within 10-14 days after the incisions have sufficiently healed. Contact lenses can typically be worn again after a week or two, depending on comfort level and swelling. Dr. McCue provides specific guidance based on your healing progress.
As with any surgical procedure, blepharoplasty carries potential risks. These may include temporary swelling, bruising, dry eye symptoms, or mild asymmetry. Serious complications are uncommon but can include infection or changes in eyelid position. Careful surgical planning and close follow-up help reduce these risks.
Refresh Your Appearance and Brighten Your Eyes with Eyelid Surgery in Minneapolis, MN
Eyelid surgery can help reduce sagging skin, puffiness, and signs of aging around the eyes, creating a more rested and youthful appearance. At McCue Plastic Surgery, Dr. Jonathan McCue provides personalized eyelid surgery procedures designed to enhance your natural features while helping you look refreshed and feel more confident.
To learn more about eyelid surgery or to schedule your consultation, contact McCue Plastic Surgery, serving Minneapolis and St. Paul, today at (952) 830-0089.
