Shepherd Eye Center
Eyelid Surgery & Cosmetic Services in Las Vegas
As skin loses elasticity with age, the eyelids are often the first to show it. Shepherd Eye Center offers surgery for drooping, baggy, or misdirected eyelids, along with care for eyelid skin cancer.
- Procedures ranging from cosmetic to medically necessary
- Vision-impairing conditions like ptosis are often covered by insurance or Medicare
- Oculoplastic care for eyelid disorders, tumors, and malpositions
Symptoms
Signs You May Benefit From Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid concerns range from purely cosmetic to conditions that affect vision or overall eye health.
Drooping Upper Eyelids
Also known as ptosis, this can affect appearance and, in some cases, interfere with vision.
Puffy or Baggy Eyelids
Excess skin and fatty deposits can create a tired or aged appearance in the upper or lower lids.
Eyelid Turning In or Out
Entropion and ectropion can cause constant tearing, irritation, or a burning sensation.
Unusual Growths on the Eyelid
New or changing lesions on the eyelid should be evaluated promptly, since skin cancer commonly occurs here.
When to See a Specialist: If drooping eyelids are affecting your vision, insurance or Medicare often covers corrective surgery, since it’s considered medically necessary rather than purely cosmetic. Any new or changing growth on the eyelid is also worth having examined, since skin cancer on the eyelid is treatable when caught early.
About the Procedure
What Is Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery?
Cosmetic eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, improves the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, giving a more rested and alert appearance around the eyes. It’s one of several procedures Shepherd Eye Center offers for the eyelid area, alongside ptosis repair for drooping lids, correction of entropion and ectropion, and treatment of eyelid skin cancers.
Because these conditions can overlap, a proper evaluation helps determine which procedure, or combination of procedures, fits your specific situation.
Your Options
Choose the Right Treatment Path
Treatment depends on whether your primary concern is cosmetic, functional, or medical.
Aesthetic Option
Cosmetic Blepharoplasty
- Addresses puffiness, bagginess, and fine wrinkles around the eyes
- Removes excess skin and fatty deposits from the upper or lower lids
- Elective procedure focused on a refreshed, rested appearance
- Typically not covered by insurance
Medically Necessary Option
Functional & Medical Eyelid Care
- Ptosis repair for drooping eyelids that interfere with vision, often insurance-covered
- Correction of ectropion or entropion to relieve chronic irritation and tearing
- Removal of eyelid skin cancers, including basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma
- Combination surgery available when more than one condition is present
If both cosmetic and functional concerns are present, addressing only one can leave a disappointing result, so a combined approach is often recommended. Learn more: Upper Eyelid Ptosis Surgery, Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery, Ectropion & Entropion, and Skin Cancers of the Eyelids.
The Process
Your Eyelid Surgery Journey
From consultation to final results, here's what to expect.
Consultation
- Evaluation of your goals and overall eye health
- Screening for conditions like glaucoma, dry eye, thyroid disorders, or circulatory issues that could affect healing
- Identification of whether cosmetic, functional, or combination surgery is the right fit
Surgery Day
- Local anesthesia with a mild sedative for comfort
- Incision typically hidden within the natural eyelid crease
- Excess skin and fat removed, with the lid lifted or repositioned as needed
Recovery
- Swelling is common in the days following surgery
- Full results may not be visible until swelling resolves, which can take up to six weeks for ptosis repair
- Follow-up visits to monitor healing
Long-Term Results
- Full effects of the surgical repair become visible once swelling has resolved
- Ongoing monitoring recommended for any skin cancer removal, since some types can recur
Results
What to Expect From Treatment
Outcomes vary depending on which condition is being treated.
A Refreshed Appearance
Cosmetic blepharoplasty can reduce puffiness and bagginess for a more rested look.
Improved Vision
Ptosis repair lifts eyelids that have been drooping into the field of vision.
Relief From Irritation
Correcting ectropion or entropion can resolve chronic tearing and burning caused by the eyelid rubbing against the eye.
Skin Cancer Treatment
Eyelid basal cell carcinoma is often treated with surgical excision. It can recur, so follow-up matters.
What to Expect During Recovery
- Swelling is common in the days after surgery and is a normal part of healing
- Full results from ptosis repair may not be visible until most of the swelling has resolved, which can take up to six weeks
- Possible complications include over-correction, under-correction, or slight differences in appearance between the two eyes
- If both baggy and drooping eyelids are present, addressing only one can leave a less complete result
Informed Care
Safety & Risk Considerations
A few things worth knowing as you consider eyelid surgery.
Who's a Good Candidate
- Healthy individuals without a life-threatening illness or condition that could impair healing
- Non-smokers with realistic expectations for improvement
- Individuals without serious, unaddressed eye conditions
- Be sure to disclose glaucoma, dry eye, a detached retina, thyroid disorders, heart or vascular disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes
Possible Risks & Complications
- Ptosis repair can occasionally result in over-correction, under-correction, lid irregularities, or eyelids that don't perfectly match.
- Eyelids may not perfectly match in appearance after surgery
- Ectropion caused by scarring may require a skin graft in addition to standard repair
- Entropion caused by scarring may require release of the scar tissue and a mucous membrane graft
Our Team
Meet Our Cosmetic Specialists
Our mission is to provide the highest quality eye care for you and your family, with an emphasis on personalized service.
Cosmetic
Frequently Asked Questions
What is blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is cosmetic eyelid surgery that improves the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, addressing loose skin, puffiness, and under-eye bags for a more rested, alert look.
What's the difference between ectropion and entropion?
Ectropion is an outward turning of the eyelid, often linked to aging, while entropion is an inward turning that causes the eyelashes to rub against the eye. Both can cause tearing and irritation, though the surgical correction differs depending on the cause.
Is ptosis surgery covered by insurance?
When drooping eyelids interfere with vision, the repair is often covered by medical insurance or Medicare, since it’s considered a functional rather than a purely cosmetic procedure.
What causes skin cancer on the eyelids?
Eyelid skin cancer develops the same way skin cancer does elsewhere on the body, most often linked to UV exposure. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type, followed by squamous cell carcinoma and, less frequently, malignant melanoma.
How long does recovery take after eyelid surgery?
Swelling is common in the days following surgery, and full results from ptosis repair may not be visible until the swelling resolves, which can take up to six weeks.
Am I a good candidate for eyelid surgery?
Good candidates are generally healthy non-smokers with realistic expectations and no serious, unaddressed eye conditions. Certain conditions, like glaucoma, thyroid disorders, or circulatory issues, should be discussed with your doctor beforehand, since they can affect healing.
Ready to Get Started?
Schedule A Consultation
If you're ready to experience exceptional eye care, contact us today to schedule your evaluation at any of our Southern Nevada locations.