Residents of Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona, place their trust in Dr. Todd Hobgood for blepharoplasty—commonly known as eyelid surgery—to tackle some of their most bothersome aesthetic issues. The skin around the eyes is notably thin and delicate, making it one of the first areas to show signs of drooping, sagging, and wrinkling. Many people believe their eyelids cause them to look older, fatigued, or sad. In some cases, sagging skin can even lead to visual impairments. Dr. Hobgood applies his refined expertise to address the aspects of your upper and lower eyelids that contribute to your self-consciousness.
This patient came to facial plastic surgeon Dr. Todd Hobgood for safe and natural rejuvenation. She wanted a softer and well-rested appearance. She underwent a combined upper and lower blepharoplasty, deep plane facelift, platysma plication, carbon dioxide laser, and forehead lift. We love the natural results. Read More
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Are You a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
The best candidates for blepharoplasty are nonsmokers in overall good health who wish to rejuvenate the appearance of their eyes. Prospective patients should not have existing health conditions that might interfere with the procedure, such as bleeding disorders, diabetes, heart diseases, compromised immune systems, active infections, or certain eye disorders. These conditions can increase the risk of infection, slow healing, cause excessive bleeding, and lead to other complications related to surgery and anesthesia.
Blepharoplasty can address several common aesthetic issues of the upper and lower eyelids, including:
Fatty deposits or “bags”
Sagging or drooping skin
Wrinkles, creases, or crepey skin
How Much Does Blepharoplasty Cost?
The price of eyelid surgery in Scottsdale, Chandler, and the Phoenix region varies based on the patient’s individual needs. More intricate cases generally cost more, and combining eyelid surgery with other procedures like a brow lift will increase the overall price. During your consultation, Dr. Hobgood will go over your potential costs to help you make an informed decision.
Prior to undergoing eyelid lift surgery, Dr. Hobgood will schedule a consultation to assess your suitability for the procedure. During this appointment, he will examine your eyes, discuss your surgical goals, and review your medical history. He will also inquire about your use of contact lenses and evaluate your tear production. This information helps him identify any issues that might increase the risk of complications or disqualify you as a good candidate for eyelid lift surgery. Factors like skin type, age, ethnic background, and any vision impairment can influence the outcome of the procedure.
Dr. Hobgood will share his findings with you, address any questions or concerns, collaborate with you to develop a treatment plan, and explain the details of the surgery so you know what to expect.
Dr. Todd Hobgood
Dr. Hobgood combines his down-to-earth, personable demeanor with an artistic eye and technical expertise honed through thousands of surgeries, including more than 1,000 facelifts. He's recognized nationally for his leadership and has been honored by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery for his ongoing commitment to quality.
For simple upper and lower blepharoplasty procedures, like removing excess fat or skin, Dr. Hobgood can use local anesthesia. More extensive procedures will require general anesthesia.
How Do You Perform Upper Eyelid Surgery?
Dr. Hobgood starts by measuring your eyelids and marking the planned incision sites. He makes the incision within the natural crease of your upper eyelid, ensuring any scars remain as inconspicuous as possible. Through these precise incisions, he removes excess fat and skin and tightens the remaining tissue. After completing these steps, he closes the incisions with ultrafine sutures to minimize scarring.
Lower eyelid surgery can be quite complex, so Dr. Hobgood takes the time to educate patients about various factors he considers during planning, such as:
Your natural anatomy
Skin changes due to aging
Loss of facial volume
Protruding fat bags
Wrinkling
After evaluating these factors, he suggests the most conservative and safest surgical approach. Dr. Hobgood may recommend the highly technical transconjunctival method, where the incision is made internally on the inner surface of the lower eyelid. If skin removal is necessary, external incisions hidden under the eyelashes are required. He often advises preserving the natural fat volume and repositioning it to fill hollow areas known as tear troughs. Additionally, many patients have wrinkled skin under the eyes that may benefit from tightening with a laser or chemical peel.
Lower Blepharoplasty w/Fat Transfer At A Glance
Price Range:
Varies
Recovery Time:
2 to 6 Weeks
Average Procedure Time:
1.5 Hours
Post-op Follow-up:
1 Week, 2 Months
Recovery Location:
Outpatient
*Includes surgical, anesthesia, and OR fees
What Should You Expect After Eyelid Surgery?
Keep your eye on the goal. Bruising, slight tenderness, and swelling are normal and usually subside within 10 to 14 days. Be patient as this sensitive area heals.
Tired eyes. Many patients report dry, itchy, or heavy sensations in the eyes post-surgery. Dr. Hobgood will prescribe eye drops to help relieve these symptoms.
Stitches. If your surgery was limited to the upper eyelids, your stitches will likely be removed about six days after the procedure. For lower eyelids, Dr. Hobgood uses dissolvable sutures that will disappear on their own.
Upper/Lower Combined At A Glance
Price Range:
Varies
Recovery Time:
2 to 6 Weeks
Average Procedure Time:
2 Hours
Post-op Follow-up:
1 Week, 2 Months
Recovery Location:
Outpatient
*Includes surgical, anesthesia, and OR fees
You will receive information regarding places or activities to avoid during the recovery process.
What Can You Do to Speed Up Recovery After Eyelid Surgery?
Dr. Hobgood strongly advises his patients to follow the post-operative instructions he provides to minimize the risk of complications and promote optimal healing and results. Here are some steps you can take to accelerate healing and reduce swelling:
Apply ice packs to your eyes as frequently as possible during the first 72 hours. You can create ice packs by soaking a soft washcloth, cotton pad, or 4×4 gauze pad in a bowl of melting ice water, wringing it out thoroughly, and applying it. Alternatively, you can use frozen peas in a plastic bag, placing a thin washcloth between the plastic and your skin. Never apply ice directly to your face.
Keep your head elevated while lying down for the first three days.
Maintain cleanliness of the eye area for a week after surgery to help prevent infection. Use Q-tips to clean the incision line with hydrogen peroxide and apply antibiotic ointment three times daily.
Follow all guidelines provided regarding activities and places to avoid during the recovery period.
Sign Up to Receive News & Special Offers
Frequently Asked Questions About Eyelid Surgery
How long does eyelid surgery take?
Upper eyelid surgery can take between one and three hours, depending on the amount of work needed. In most cases, it takes about an hour. A procedure focusing on the lower eyelids can last between one and two hours.
How long is the recovery period after eyelid surgery?
Most of our blepharoplasty patients are able to return to work about two weeks after surgery, though some prefer to wait longer for side effects to diminish further.
When can you drive after eyelid surgery?
You may drive when your vision is clear, swelling has reduced, and you are no longer taking prescription pain medication.
Does insurance cover blepharoplasty?
Our emphasis is on natural, gentle, and safe rejuvenation of the eye area. Unfortunately, we do not provide the more limited procedures covered by insurance companies and recommend these patients consult with our trusted oculoplastic surgery colleagues.
What are the risks associated with eyelid surgery?
All surgeries come with some risks, but blepharoplasty is generally considered a safe and effective procedure. Potential complications include excessive bleeding, infection, dry or irritated eyes, difficulty closing the eyes, scarring, damage to eye muscles, and temporary blurred vision. However, these are rare, and most of Dr. Hobgood’s patients experience a smooth recovery and are very satisfied with their results.
Ready To Consult With Dr. Hobgood?
Discover more about eyelid surgery and why people from Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, and surrounding areas trust Dr. Hobgood for blepharoplasty. Request a consultation online or call our office at
(480) 214-9955 to schedule your appointment.
Eyelid surgery is consistently one of our practice's most requested facial plastic procedures. Whether you’re concerned that sagging upper eyelids make you appear tired and older than you are or you’ve inherited fat bulges below…
Most of the eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) patients we see at our Scottsdale, AZ, practice want to address age-related changes that affect their appearance. But there are other reasons to consider eyelid surgery, even for patients…
You've waited years to get that facelift (or brow lift, or eyelid surgery), so the last thing you want to hear when you call to schedule your surgery is "The doctor's next surgery date is in [ ] months."…