Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Evansville, IN

Eyelid Surgeon Serving Newburgh, Henderson, & Vanderburgh County

Brighter Eyes. Timeless Results.

If you are tired of encountering an angry, sad, or fatigued appearance in the mirror each day, you may be a good candidate for eyelid surgery if you are in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the results.

Eyelid surgery revitalizes the upper face and restores self-confidence. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. J. Michael Conkright in Evansville, Indiana, performs upper and lower eyelid surgery to combat sagging skin, wrinkles, muscle laxity, puffiness, and under-eye bags, all of which can cause self-consciousness. Dr. Conkright’s focus and expertise in eyelid and facial procedures ensure you receive specialized care. He utilizes today’s most sophisticated techniques to preserve your natural beauty and facial spontaneity while eliminating troublesome imperfections.

Woman with short blonde hair examining her face in mirror checking for signs of aging and wrinkles - Eyelid surgery in Evansville, IN

What is a Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)?

Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic procedure designed to refresh the appearance of your eyelids, addressing concerns caused by aging, gravity, and weakened supporting muscles. It can correct:

  • Drooping upper eyelids: Reducing a tired look and potentially improving peripheral vision.
  • Puffy eyes or “bags”: Caused by excess fatty deposits.
  • Loose skin: Eliminating folds and fine wrinkles.
  • Drooping lower eyelids: Correcting a hollow or aged appearance.

The procedure can target the upper, lower, or both eyelids, removing or repositioning excess skin and fat to achieve a smoother, more youthful contour. Eyelid surgery can create a more youthful, refreshed appearance, making patients look more rested and alert, and is often performed in combination with other cosmetic procedures, such as CO2 laser resurfacing or BOTOX® treatments, to further enhance aesthetic results.

EYELID SURGERY TYPES

Upper eyelid surgery involves tiny incisions made in the natural folds of the upper eyelids, near the eyelashes, to minimize visible scarring. Through these incisions, Dr. Conkright can remove loose skin, firm the underlying muscle and tissue layers, eliminate excess fat, and create a smoother, more youthful-looking appearance.

What Sets Dr. Conkright Apart as the Premier Eyelid Surgery Practice in Evansville, IN?

  • Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties to certify plastic surgeons.
  • An active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the Aesthetic Society
  • Completed a competitive five-year residency specializing in general surgery, trauma, and intensive medicine at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine
  • Works alongside oculoplastic surgeons, whose specialized expertise in eye-related plastic and reconstructive procedures ensures high-quality, personalized surgical care.
  • Surgeons with high procedure volumes are often better equipped to manage complex cases and have fewer complications.
  • Employs the latest sophisticated and advanced surgical techniques
  • Offers a compassionate, personalized approach to care

Eyelid Surgery Quick Facts

  • Surgery Time: The procedure typically takes 1-3 hours and can be performed under local, general, or sedation, depending on your needs and your surgeon’s recommendation.
  • Incision Closure: Incisions are closed with fine sutures to promote healing and minimize scarring; sutures are usually removed during a follow-up appointment.
  • Price: Pricing can vary based on the specifics of your treatment plan. For an accurate quote, please speak with our team during your consultation in Evansville, IN.
  • Recovery: Significant swelling and bruising typically subside within 3-7 days. Full recovery can take several weeks.
  • Results: The full benefits of the procedure can be seen within 2-3 months.
Doctor James Micheal Conkright MD in black scrubs consulting with patient across desk in clinical setting - in Evansville, IN

Who Are the Best Candidates for Eyelid Surgery?

Good candidates for eyelid surgery in Evansville, IN, are individuals in good overall health, with realistic expectations, and a suitable medical history. Reviewing your medical history and assessing your overall health are essential steps in determining candidacy and ensuring a safe procedure. Ideal candidates often experience:

  • Excess skin obscuring the upper eyelid’s natural fold or impeding vision.
  • Puffiness in the upper or lower eyelids from fat.
  • Bags or dark circles under the eyes.
  • Drooping lower eyelids, exposing the white below the iris.

What Are the Benefits of Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery is one of several facial rejuvenation treatments available at our practice. When performed with precision, artistry, and experience by Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Conkright in Evansville, eyelid surgery comes with the following impressive advantages:

  • Restores taut, youthful skin
  • Eliminates drooping
  • Restores the field of vision
  • Firms the underlying muscle and tissue layers
  • Eliminates unwanted fat
  • Corrects the appearance of puffiness and under-eye bags
  • Creates a more inviting, energized facial expression
  • Restores self-confidence and self-esteem
  • Long-lasting, natural-looking results
Female healthcare professional in white coat consulting with patient at desk in medical office - first step in Evansville, IN

How to Begin Your Eyelid Surgery Journey

To begin your unique eyelid surgery journey in Evansville, Indiana, you will first attend an in-depth consultation with Dr. Conkright, which includes the following key steps:

  • A thorough medical evaluation involving a review of your current medications, allergies, and existing conditions
  • A physical assessment of your upper facial anatomy, taking into account brow position, eyelid ptosis, lower eyelid position, and cheek projection.1
  • A discussion regarding your goals for the surgery and the concerns that cause you self-consciousness, ensuring you fully understand the procedure, its risks, and expected outcomes
  • Transparent, accurate answers to all your questions
  • Information on the procedure’s risks, downtime, costs, and potential outcomes
  • The formation of a customized surgical plan that meets your needs
  • Details regarding preoperative preparation

Once Dr. Conkright approves you and you decide to move forward, our team can schedule your surgery at a time most convenient for you.

 

5 Steps to Prepare for Eyelid Surgery With Dr. Conkright

There are a few important steps patients can take to prepare for their eyelid surgery in Evansville, IN, properly:

  1. Achieve Medical Clearance: Dr. Conkright may ask you to schedule lab tests to ensure medical clearance for blepharoplasty and confirm that you are in good overall health for surgery.
  2. Discontinue Certain Medications: The doctor will ask you to avoid blood thinners, certain supplements, and anti-inflammatory medications, as these can increase your risk of bleeding.
  3. Quit Smoking: If you smoke, you will need to quit around 4-6 weeks before and after surgery, as smoking can negatively impact your safety and results.
  4. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Prior to surgery, it is essential that you maintain a healthy diet, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, and focus on your overall health. Good health is important for optimal surgical outcomes and recovery.
  5. Prepare Your Recovery Space: Make your home more comfortable by stocking up on pillows, towels, books, movies, snacks, and everything you need for a peaceful, seamless healing journey.

What to Expect On the Day of Eyelid Surgery

The procedure is performed on an outpatient or in-office basis under local anesthesia with sedation. Ophthalmologists, who have specialized training in eye and eyelid procedures, are particularly qualified to perform blepharoplasty.

  • Upper Blepharoplasty: An incision along the natural eyelid crease allows removal of excess skin and fat. The surgical site is carefully monitored throughout the procedure, and the incision area is closed with fine sutures to promote optimal healing and achieve a defined, youthful contour.
  • Lower Blepharoplasty: Incisions are made either just below the lashes or inside the lower lid. Excess fat is removed or redistributed, sagging skin is tightened, and the surgical site is closely observed before being closed with fine sutures.
Woman with auburn hair in black dress smiling at camera in natural light portrait - Fat transfer in Evansville, IN

Combining Eyelid Surgery With Other Procedures

To achieve the most harmonious and flattering results, Dr. Conkright may perform your eyelid surgery in combination with other cosmetic procedures, such as laser skin resurfacing and BOTOX® treatments, to enhance aesthetic outcomes. Options include:

A facelift/neck lift can address sagging skin, jowls, nasolabial folds, submental fullness, prominent vertical neck bands, and other imperfections that undermine confidence.

Your Guide to Post-Eyelid Surgery Care

Eyelid Surgery Recovery

Most patients experience swelling and bruising for 7-10 days after eyelid surgery, with most able to resume normal activities within about a week. Rest and ice are beneficial for healing during the first few days. Expect mild discomfort, temporary blurred vision, watering eyes, light sensitivity, and some puffiness, swelling, and bruising post-op. Over-the-counter pain relievers manage discomfort, and eye drops may be prescribed. Swelling typically subsides within 1-2 weeks, allowing a return to public activities. Complete healing and scar fading can take several months.

Post-operative care involves cold compresses, head elevation, prescribed eye drops/ointments, and avoiding strenuous activities, eye rubbing, contact lenses, sun exposure, and eye makeup for at least two weeks. It is important to monitor the surgical site for proper healing and to recognize any signs of complications. Follow-up appointments monitor progress. Initial results are visible within weeks, with final outcomes improving over up to 1 year following the procedure.

Most health insurance plans do not cover cosmetic eyelid surgery, but procedures performed for functional reasons, such as when excess skin obstructs vision, may be covered.

7 Tips for Recovery From Eyelid Surgery 

To heal well after eyelid surgery in Evansville, IN, Dr. Conkright suggests the following:

  • When resting or sleeping, keep your head elevated. This can help mitigate postoperative swelling.
  • During the first few days, use a cold compress to help minimize swelling and soreness.
  • Steer clear of strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for 4-5 weeks.
  • Follow Dr. Conkright’s medication usage and aftercare instructions to the letter.
  • Monitor the surgical site closely—care for the incision areas as directed, and watch for signs of infection or complications such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge.
  • Keep yourself properly hydrated and follow a healthy diet as you heal.
  • Don’t smoke or drink alcohol during your initial recuperation period.
  • Be aware that potential complications of blepharoplasty can include infection, temporary blurred or double vision, and dryness of the eyes during the healing phase.
  • Remain patient, as the healing process takes time, and you don’t want to rush things. All bruising and swelling will resolve with time, leaving you with a more youthful, inviting appearance and heightened confidence.

How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost in Evansville, IN?

Pricing for eyelid surgery in Evansville can vary based on the specifics and complexity of your treatment plan, as well as your personal aesthetic goals. Most cosmetic eyelid surgeries are not covered by insurance, but functional procedures—such as ptosis repair or eyelid correction for medical reasons—may be eligible for insurance coverage if deemed medically necessary. Adding additional procedures, such as fat grafting or a facelift, can also impact the cost.

You will receive customized pricing once Dr. Conkright completes your preliminary medical review and consultation process in Indiana. Patients are encouraged to ask about financing options and payment plans, as many practices offer solutions to help manage the costs associated with eyelid surgery.

Why choose us?

Dr. J. Michael Conkright offers a full range of facial plastic surgery services, including eyelid surgery trusted by Evansville patients. With over two decades of experience delivering elegant, natural-looking aesthetic results, Dr. Conkright is passionate about fat transfer, facial rejuvenation, body contouring, breast surgery, and body sculpting, especially for patients undergoing massive weight loss. He is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the Aesthetic Society.

Plastic surgeons generally complete five years of general surgery training followed by two years of specialized training in plastic surgery, which includes a variety of procedures beyond eyelid surgery. Board certification indicates that surgeons like Dr. Conkright have completed this extensive training and passed rigorous examinations in their specialty.

Dr. Conkright received his medical degree from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and then embarked on a prestigious five-year residency specializing in general surgery, trauma, and intensive medicine at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine. He also pursued an additional two years at the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, training in plastic, cosmetic, and reconstructive surgery. Additionally, Dr. Conkright refined his surgical skills in pediatric, breast, burn, and trauma reconstruction, as well as cosmetic surgery.

Eyelid Surgery FAQ'S

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In 2022, blepharoplasty was the fifth most commonly performed cosmetic surgery in the United States, with more than 115,000 procedures completed.2 Today, it continues to be a popular and sought-after solution for emerging signs of aging at Dr. Conkright’s practice in Evansville. To begin your unique cosmetic journey, please speak with our friendly team right away to book your consultation.

Dr. Conkright is a Board-certified plastic surgeon and aesthetic authority in Indiana who will sit down with you, discuss your goals, answer any questions, and design an individualized treatment plan that accomplishes your desired results.

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Sources

Naik, M., Honavar, S., Das, S., Desai, S., & Dhepe, N. (2009). Blepharoplasty: An overview. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 2(1), 6. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-2077.53092

Gimenez, A. R., Rohrich, R., Borab, Z., Fisher, S., Fagien, S., & Rohrich, R. J. (2025). Safety and complications in lower eyelid blepharoplasty: a systematic review. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Global Open, 13(9), e7102. https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000007102