Eyelid Surgery in Fairfax, VA
Eyelid Surgery Fairfax, VA
If you are concerned about tired-looking eyelids, excess skin that weighs on your upper eyelids, or puffiness beneath the lower eyelids, eyelid surgery may be a meaningful step toward feeling more confident and empowered in your own skin. At Sanctuary Cosmetic Center, our approach to blepharoplasty is rooted in precision, artistry, and a deep respect for each patient’s natural features. Dr. Rostami brings over 25 years of surgical experience and a rare double board-certified background to every consultation.
To explore whether this procedure is right for you, call us at (703) 596-4603 or schedule a consultation online.
What Is Eyelid Surgery?
Blepharoplasty (or eyelid surgery/eyelid lift) is a surgical procedure that addresses cosmetic and, in some cases, functional concerns affecting the upper and lower eyelids. As the skin around the eyes ages, it can lose elasticity, leading to loose skin, drooping eyelids, and the appearance of fatigue even when you feel rested. For some patients, excess skin on the upper eyelids can even impair vision by narrowing the peripheral vision field, making surgery both an aesthetic and a practical consideration.
During an eyelid lift, Dr. Rostami will carefully remove or reposition excess skin, fat, and sometimes muscle to create a smoother, more refreshed contour. Upper eyelid surgery focuses on removing the excess tissue that weighs down the lid, while lower eyelid surgery addresses puffiness beneath the eye and loose skin that contributes to a hollowed or aged appearance. The result is a more youthful appearance that still looks natural and balanced.
Dr. Rostami is double board-certified in both cosmetic surgery and ophthalmology, with specialized training in oculoplastic surgery. This highly uncommon combination means she understands the delicate anatomy of the eye and eyelid from both a reconstructive and an aesthetic perspective, allowing her to achieve balanced results that honor each patient’s unique facial structure.
Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery and Addressing the Full Picture
Upper Eyelid Surgery
Upper eyelid surgery targets the excess skin that accumulates along the upper eyelids over time. For patients whose drooping eyelids have begun to affect their field of vision, this procedure may also offer functional benefits in addition to cosmetic improvement. Incisions are typically placed within the natural crease of the upper eyelid, allowing for discreet healing. Most patients notice a refreshed, more open appearance as swelling resolves and healing progresses.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
Lower eyelid surgery is designed to reduce puffiness beneath the eye and smooth the transition between the lower lids and the upper cheek. Dr. Rostami will address excess fat deposits, loose skin, or a combination of both, depending on your anatomy and goals. Incisions for lower eyelids are placed just below the lash line or, in some cases, on the inner surface of the lid to minimize visible scarring. The goal is always natural-looking results that complement your overall facial appearance.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty may be appropriate for healthy individuals who are non-smokers or willing to pause smoking around the time of surgery, and who have realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve. Good candidates are typically concerned about one or more of the following:
- Excess skin folding over the upper eyelids, creating a heavy or tired appearance
- Drooping eyelids that affect comfort or visual clarity
- Puffiness beneath the lower eyelids caused by excess fat or loose skin
- A perpetually fatigued or aged look that does not reflect how you feel inside
- Tightness or difficulty wearing eye makeup due to excess skin
During your initial consultation, Dr. Rostami will evaluate your eyelid anatomy, overall facial structure, skin quality, and medical history to determine whether blepharoplasty aligns with your goals. Some patients benefit from upper eyelid surgery alone, while others achieve more harmonious outcomes by addressing both the upper and lower eyelids together. Your treatment plan will be personalized to your specific needs.
What to Expect from Consultation to Recovery
Your Initial Consultation
Your journey begins with a thorough consultation with Dr. Rostami. She will review your concerns, assess your eyelids and surrounding anatomy, and discuss the surgical approach best suited to your goals. This is also the time to ask questions about eyelid surgery cost, recovery, and what realistic outcomes may look like for your individual anatomy.
The Surgical Procedure
Blepharoplasty is typically performed using local anesthesia with sedation, though the type of anesthesia used will be determined based on the extent of your surgery and your comfort preferences. The procedure is performed in our private, spa-like surgical setting, where your safety and comfort are the priority. Incisions are placed strategically to minimize visible scarring, and Dr. Rostami carefully addresses skin and fat as indicated by your treatment plan.
Recovery and Healing
Most patients experience some degree of swelling, bruising, and tightness in the first week following surgery. These effects are a normal part of the healing process and typically improve progressively. Most patients find they can return to light activity within one to two weeks, though individual recovery timelines vary. Post-op follow-up appointments allow Dr. Rostami to monitor your healing and address any questions that arise. Sun protection and careful attention to the incision areas are important during recovery.
You can expect noticeable improvement as swelling subsides, with results continuing to refine over several weeks. Most patients describe a refreshed and more rested appearance that feels natural to them and to others around them.
Expert Eyelid Surgery Near Fairfax, VA
Patients searching for expert eyelid surgery in Fairfax, VA and the broader Northern Virginia area consistently choose Sanctuary Cosmetic Center for the depth of experience and the personalized care they receive. Dr. Rostami is the founder of Sanctuary Cosmetic Center, and her surgical focus is from the neck up. This concentrated expertise in facial and oculoplastic surgery means your eyelids are in the hands of a surgeon who has dedicated her career to this specific region of the face.
Her dual-board certifications from the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and the American Board of Ophthalmology, combined with her fellowships as a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (FAAO) and Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (FAACS), reflect a standard of training that is exceptionally rare in the field of plastic surgery. This background informs every incision, every technique decision, and every conversation she has with her patients.
We welcome patients from Fairfax and neighboring communities, including Reston, Vienna, Falls Church, McLean, and Herndon. Whether you are a busy professional in the Tysons corridor preparing to look as capable as you feel, or someone who has been quietly concerned about aging around the eyes for years, our team is here to help you explore your options in a welcoming and private environment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blepharoplasty in Fairfax, VA
Have more questions? Call us at (703) 596-4603 or contact our team online to speak with a member of our staff.
What is blepharoplasty, and how does it differ from a regular eyelid lift?
Blepharoplasty is the medical term for eyelid surgery, commonly referred to as an eyelid lift. The procedure involves removing or repositioning excess skin, fat, and sometimes muscle around the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both to create a more refreshed and youthful appearance. The specific technique used depends on your anatomy and goals, which Dr. Rostami will discuss during your consultation.
How much does eyelid surgery cost in Fairfax, VA?
Eyelid surgery cost varies depending on whether you are having upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or both, as well as the complexity of your anatomy and the extent of the surgical procedure. During your initial consultation at Sanctuary Cosmetic Center, you will receive a personalized cost estimate. Financing options may also be available to help make your treatment plan accessible.
Is blepharoplasty covered by insurance?
In some cases, upper eyelid surgery may be covered by insurance when excess skin on the upper eyelids is documented to impair vision. Lower eyelid surgery performed for cosmetic purposes is typically not covered. Coverage often varies by plan and insurer, and our team can help guide you through the process of understanding your options.
What is recovery like after eyelid surgery?
Most patients experience swelling, bruising, and some tightness during the first week of recovery. These effects are temporary and part of the normal healing process. Most patients are able to return to light daily activities within one to two weeks, though complete healing takes longer. Dr. Rostami will provide detailed post-op instructions and follow-up care to support your recovery.
Will I have visible scars after blepharoplasty?
Incisions for eyelid surgery are placed within the natural creases of the eyelid, which helps minimize the visibility of any scarring. As healing progresses, incision lines typically fade and become difficult to detect. Proper post-op care, including sun protection, supports the best possible healing outcome.
Can eyelid surgery improve my vision?
For patients whose upper eyelids carry enough excess skin to affect peripheral vision, upper eyelid surgery may help restore a clearer line of sight. This is a functional benefit that, when documented by a physician, may also support an insurance claim. Dr. Rostami will assess your specific situation during your consultation to determine whether functional concerns apply to your case.
What type of anesthesia is used for blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is most commonly performed under local anesthesia with sedation, which is generally well-tolerated by most patients. The anesthesia approach is determined based on the scope of your surgery and your personal preferences. Your safety and comfort throughout the procedure are a top priority, and all options will be discussed during your pre-surgical consultation.
How long do the results of eyelid surgery last?
Results from blepharoplasty are long-lasting for most patients, though the natural aging process continues over time. Many patients find that the improvements to the upper and lower eyelids remain visible for many years. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and protecting your skin from sun exposure can help support lasting results.
Am I a candidate for both upper and lower eyelid surgery at the same time?
Many patients are candidates for upper and lower eyelid surgery performed during the same surgical session. Combining both procedures can create a more harmonious and balanced result across the entire eye area. During your consultation, Dr. Rostami will evaluate your goals and anatomy to determine whether a combined approach is appropriate for you.
Take the Next Step Toward Feeling Like Yourself Again
If you have been living with tired-looking eyelids, excess skin that weighs on your upper eyelids, or puffiness beneath the lower eyelids, blepharoplasty may help you feel more confident and empowered in your own skin. Sanctuary Cosmetic Center offers expert eyelid surgery to patients throughout Fairfax and Northern Virginia. Call us today at (703) 596-4603 or request your consultation online to begin your journey toward a more refreshed, natural-looking appearance.