Face Procedures · Norwalk
Blepharoplasty (Eye Lift)
Refreshing the eyes — the first thing people see.

Illustrative photography. Not a patient result.
Overview
About the procedure.
Blepharoplasty, or eyelift surgery, removes or repositions excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. It can soften hooding, eyelid bags, and a tired appearance while preserving the character of your eyes.
For men, the position of the upper-eyelid scar and the amount of skin removed are planned differently to maintain a natural masculine result. Lower-lid skin excess may be treated with direct skin excision, while lower-lid fat can often be addressed from inside the lid.
An eyelift does not raise the eyebrows or correct true eyelid ptosis. Those concerns require a different evaluation and, when appropriate, a different procedure. Dr. Kirwan will assess the eyelids, brows, and surrounding tissues together.
- Anesthesia
- Local with conscious sedation
- Areas
- Upper lid, lower lid, or both
- Common combinations
- Browlift, facelift, FaceTite, Botox
- Scars
- Thin and positioned in natural creases
General estimates only. Technique, health, and healing affect timing; your surgical plan will be specific to you.

The technique
Considered, not templated.
Upper eyelid.
The incision follows the natural upper-lid crease. Excess skin is removed conservatively and fat is trimmed when needed, keeping the final scar close to the lash line for a natural result.
Lower eyelid.
Lower-lid fat may be trimmed or repositioned through the inside of the eyelid, or through an incision beneath the lashes when extra skin also needs to be removed.
Look beyond the lid.
Brow position, cheek support, skin quality, and true ptosis are evaluated before surgery. Dark circles caused by pigmentation may improve with treatment but may not disappear completely.
Recovery & aftercare
Room to recover.
Healing is a process, not a deadline. This is a general outline to discuss with your surgical team.
- The first days
Expect swelling and bruising.
Cold compresses, head elevation, and careful aftercare help the early recovery. Dr. Kirwan will provide specific instructions for protecting the eyes and incisions.
- The first weeks
Let the lids settle.
Most patients gradually resume normal activities as swelling improves. The thin eyelid scars continue to soften and fade as healing progresses.
- The months ahead
See the refreshed result.
The eyes become more open and rested-looking while retaining their natural expression. Final scar and contour maturation takes time.
A little clarity
Good questions.
Honest answers.
There is no question too small to bring to your consultation.
Ask us a questionDoes an eyelift raise my eyebrows?
No. Blepharoplasty treats the eyelids. Brow drooping requires a separate evaluation and may call for a browlift or another treatment.
Can eyelid surgery correct dark circles?
It can improve shadows caused by protruding lower-lid fat. Dark circles caused by pigmentation or thin skin may need additional treatments and may not completely disappear.
Will I meet Dr. Kirwan personally at my consultation?
Yes. Every patient is a VIP. From your first consultation through your last follow-up visit, you see Dr. Kirwan himself at every single appointment. He is available to you before, during, and after your procedure.
Where is surgery performed?
Most procedures are performed under local anesthesia with conscious sedation in Dr. Kirwan’s AAAASF-accredited surgical suite in Norwalk, Connecticut. Patients whose medical history makes office-based surgery unsuitable are treated at Greenwich or Norwalk Hospital on a same-day, ambulatory basis.
How do I know whether I am a candidate?
Candidacy depends on your health, anatomy, and goals, not a specific age. The only way to know for certain is a one-on-one consultation, where your medical history and aesthetic goals are reviewed and the appropriate options are explained.
How do I schedule a consultation?
Use the form on this page or call the practice at (203) 838-8844. Every consultation is a one-on-one evaluation with Dr. Kirwan.
Related procedures
More in face.
Facelift and Neck Lift
Rejuvenation of the lower face and neck — structure repositioned, not skin pulled.
FaceTite / AccuTite
Radiofrequency skin tightening of the face through tiny incisions.
Browlift
Raises a heavy or sagging brow and softens frown lines.
Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)
Reshapes the nose for balance with the rest of the face.
Lip Lift
Shortens the space between nose and lip to reveal a fuller lip.
Fat Injections
Restores facial volume using your own purified fat.
The next step is a conversation
No need to have
all the answers.
Bring your questions, your hopes, and your hesitations. Start with a private consultation with Dr. Kirwan.
