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FACIAL REJUVENATION

BLEPHAROPLASTYRefresh Your Natural Expression

Expert eyelid surgery by board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Clayton Crantford, MD and Dr. Louis E. Costa, DMD, MD. Remove excess upper and lower eyelid skin and fat to reveal brighter, more youthful eyes.

Schedule Your Consultation Or call (843) 350-5356
Eyelid Surgery at a Glance
💉
Anesthesia
Local or General
⏱️
Surgery Time
1-2 Hours
🌅
Recovery
1-2 Weeks
✓
Results
Long-Lasting
✓ Medically reviewed by Dr. Clayton Crantford, MD | Last updated: 2026-02-24

What Is Blepharoplasty?

Key Takeaways
  • Removes excess skin and fat from upper and/or lower eyelids
  • Restores a refreshed, alert, and more youthful eye appearance
  • Upper blepharoplasty may improve obstructed peripheral vision
  • Minimal downtime — most patients return to activities in 7–10 days
  • Incisions hidden in natural eyelid creases for invisible scarring

Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic and functional procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids. This refined facial procedure can dramatically improve your appearance by eliminating drooping eyelids, under-eye bags, and tired-looking eyes. Beyond aesthetics, blepharoplasty can also improve vision when excess upper eyelid skin is obstructing sight.

At Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery + Skin Clinic in Charleston, SC, Dr. Clayton Crantford, MD and Dr. Louis E. Costa, DMD, MD bring their combined expertise in facial plastic surgery to deliver natural, rejuvenating results. Whether you’re seeking to address one eyelid or both, our surgeons tailor each procedure to enhance your unique facial features and restore a brighter, more youthful appearance.

Are You a Candidate for Blepharoplasty?

Ideal candidates for eyelid surgery share these common concerns. Dr. Crantford and Dr. Costa will assess your candidacy during your consultation.

Common Concern

Drooping Upper Eyelids

Excess upper eyelid skin that makes you appear tired, older, or affects vision. Many patients experience this naturally with age.

Common Concern

Under-Eye Bags

Puffy bags below the eyes from excess fat deposits. These can make you look fatigued regardless of how well you’ve slept.

Functional Concern

Impaired Vision

Severely drooping eyelids can obstruct your line of sight. Blepharoplasty can restore both appearance and functional vision.

Cosmetic Goal

Tired Appearance

A tired, aged, or sad-looking facial appearance caused by eyelid changes. Blepharoplasty restores a brighter, more refreshed look.

Upper vs. Lower Blepharoplasty

Dr. Crantford and Dr. Costa can address one or both eyelids based on your specific concerns and goals.

Most Common

Upper Blepharoplasty

Lifting Drooping Eyelids

Upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids, lifting drooping lids and creating a more youthful, alert appearance.

  • Removes drooping upper eyelid skin

  • Creates more awake, alert appearance

  • May improve vision if skin obstructing sight

  • Scars hidden in natural eyelid crease

  • Results appear natural and refreshed

Ideal For

Patients with excess upper eyelid skin, drooping lids, or vision obstruction who want to look more awake and youthful.

Targeted Approach

Lower Blepharoplasty

Reducing Under-Eye Bags

Lower blepharoplasty removes excess fat and skin from below the eyes, eliminating bags and creating a smoother, more youthful lower eyelid contour.

  • Eliminates puffy under-eye bags

  • Smooths lower eyelid contours

  • Reduces tired, aged appearance

  • Can be combined with fat repositioning

  • Results look natural and refreshed

Ideal For

Patients with under-eye bags, puffiness, or hollowness who want smoother, brighter-appearing lower eyelids.

Your Safety and Precision Care

At Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery, your safety and satisfaction are paramount in every blepharoplasty procedure.

100%
Joint Commission
Accredited
20+
Years Combined
Experience
2
Board-Certified
Facial Surgeons

Board-Certified Surgeons

Both Dr. Crantford and Dr. Costa are board-certified plastic surgeons with extensive facial surgery expertise and proven track records of beautiful results.

Precise Technique

Our surgeons use meticulous technique and advanced methods to create natural-looking results that enhance your unique facial features.

ERAS Protocol

Our Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocol minimizes discomfort and supports rapid healing for faster return to normal activities.

Accredited Facility

Surgery is performed in a Joint Commission-accredited facility meeting the highest standards of patient safety, sterility, and quality care.

What Should I Expect From the Procedure?

Understanding what to expect helps you feel confident and prepared for your blepharoplasty journey.

Your Consultation

Dr. Crantford or Dr. Costa will listen to your goals, examine your eyelids, discuss your concerns, and explain the best approach to achieve your desired outcome.

Your Surgery

Your procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia in our accredited surgical facility. The surgery typically takes 1-2 hours depending on whether you’re addressing upper, lower, or both eyelids.

Your Recovery

Our ERAS protocol guides your healing. Most patients experience minimal discomfort managed with prescribed medication. Swelling peaks around day 2-3 and gradually resolves over 1-2 weeks.

Blepharoplasty Recovery

Recovery from blepharoplasty is generally well-tolerated. You can expect mild swelling and bruising in the first week, which gradually subsides over 1-2 weeks. Most patients return to light activity by day 5-7 and to normal exercise by week 3-4. Using cool compresses and keeping your head elevated helps minimize swelling. Our detailed post-operative instructions and ERAS protocol support optimal, comfortable healing.

Results become increasingly visible as swelling subsides, with final results appearing by 4-6 weeks. The benefits of blepharoplasty are long-lasting, with many patients enjoying their rejuvenated appearance for 5-10 years or more. Throughout your recovery, our team remains available to answer questions and support your healing journey.

How Much Does Blepharoplasty Cost in Charleston, SC?

The cost of blepharoplasty varies based on several factors unique to your procedure.

Personalized Pricing
Contact Us for a Quote
Includes surgeon fee, anesthesia, facility fee, and follow-up visits. Pricing is customized based on whether you’re addressing upper, lower, or both eyelids.

Eyelid area: Upper only, lower only, or both eyelids affects procedural complexity and time

Anesthesia type: Local vs. general anesthesia affects overall procedural costs

Facility fees: Joint Commission-accredited facility with private operating room

Financing options: We offer flexible payment plans to make your procedure accessible

Blepharoplasty Before & After Results

View real results from our surgeons’ blepharoplasty patients. Each gallery photo shows actual patients who consented to share their transformation.

View Our Gallery

Considering comprehensive facial rejuvenation? Many patients pair blepharoplasty with a facelift, brow lift, or neck lift for comprehensive results.

Discuss Your Options

Why Choose Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery for Blepharoplasty?

Dr. Clayton Crantford, MD and Dr. Louis E. Costa, DMD, MD are board-certified plastic and facial surgeons dedicated to creating beautiful, natural-looking results. With over 20 years of combined experience, they understand the nuances of facial aesthetics and the importance of precise surgical technique for eyelid rejuvenation.

When you choose Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery + Skin Clinic in Charleston, SC, you’re choosing surgeons who listen to your goals, respect your concerns, and guide you toward results that enhance your unique facial features. Located in historic downtown Charleston at 247 Calhoun Street, we serve patients from throughout the Lowcountry and across South Carolina with excellence and care.

Board-certified surgeons with extensive experience in facial and eyelid rejuvenation procedures

Voted Best Plastic Surgeon and Best Plastic Surgery Practice in 2025 Best of Charleston Awards

Joint Commission-accredited facility with state-of-the-art surgical equipment and private operating suite

ERAS Rapid Recovery protocol for faster healing and minimal downtime with dedicated post-operative support

Blepharoplasty Serving Charleston and the Lowcountry

Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery + Skin Clinic is proudly located in historic downtown Charleston at 247 Calhoun Street, providing expert blepharoplasty services to patients throughout the Lowcountry region. Whether you’re in Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, James Island, West Ashley, Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, Daniel Island, Goose Creek, or anywhere across South Carolina, Dr. Crantford and Dr. Costa provide board-certified expertise and compassionate, professional care. Our convenient downtown location makes it easy to schedule consultations and follow-up appointments while experiencing the charm of Charleston’s historic district.

Frequently Asked Questions About Blepharoplasty

What exactly is blepharoplasty, and is it right for me?
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids. It’s right for you if you experience drooping eyelids, under-eye bags, impaired vision, or a tired appearance that affects your confidence. Dr. Crantford and Dr. Costa will assess your individual needs during your consultation.
What’s the difference between upper and lower blepharoplasty?
Upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids, lifting drooping lids and creating a more awake appearance. Lower blepharoplasty removes excess fat and skin below the eyes, eliminating bags and smoothing the lower eyelid contours. You can have one or both procedures based on your needs.
How much does blepharoplasty cost in Charleston, SC?
Blepharoplasty costs at Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery vary depending on whether you’re addressing upper, lower, or both eyelids, your chosen anesthesia, and other factors. We offer flexible payment and financing options. Contact us for a personalized quote during your consultation.
Will blepharoplasty be painful?
During surgery, you’ll be under anesthesia and feel no pain. After surgery, you may experience mild discomfort and tightness, manageable with prescribed pain medication. Most patients report minimal pain that improves significantly within the first week. Our ERAS protocol includes pain management strategies to maximize your comfort.
How long is the recovery period after blepharoplasty?
Most patients resume light activities within 1 week and return to normal activities by 2-3 weeks. You can return to exercise by week 3-4. Swelling resolves over 1-2 weeks, with final results visible by 4-6 weeks. Complete healing occurs over 8-12 weeks.
Will blepharoplasty affect my vision or tear production?
Properly performed blepharoplasty should not negatively affect vision or tear production. In fact, if excess upper eyelid skin was obstructing your vision, the procedure typically improves sight. Our surgeons use precise techniques to preserve normal eyelid function.
How noticeable will scarring be after blepharoplasty?
Dr. Crantford and Dr. Costa use meticulous surgical technique to minimize visible scarring. Upper eyelid incisions are hidden in the natural eyelid crease. Lower eyelid incisions may be placed inside the eyelid or just below the lash line where they’re well-concealed. Following our detailed post-operative care further optimizes healing.
Can I combine blepharoplasty with other facial procedures?
Yes. Many patients combine blepharoplasty with complementary procedures like a facelift, brow lift, or neck lift for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Dr. Crantford and Dr. Costa will discuss combination options during your consultation.
What is the ERAS protocol, and how does it help my recovery?
ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) is our protocol designed to minimize post-operative discomfort and support rapid healing. It includes specialized anesthesia techniques, pain management strategies, activity guidelines, and detailed post-operative care instructions to get you back to normal activities faster.
How long do blepharoplasty results last?
The benefits of blepharoplasty are long-lasting. Many patients enjoy their rejuvenated appearance for 5-10 years or more. While aging continues, the improvements you gain from blepharoplasty typically remain permanent because excess skin that was removed won’t grow back.
Am I too young or too old for blepharoplasty?
There is no strict age limit, though candidates are typically at least 18 years old. Dr. Crantford and Dr. Costa assess each patient individually. The most important factors are your motivation, realistic expectations, overall health, and specific concerns about your eyelids.
What should I do to prepare for my blepharoplasty consultation?
Before your consultation, think about your goals for your appearance and any concerns about your eyelids. Write down questions you’d like to ask. Bring photos showing eyelid areas that bother you. During your consultation, our surgeons will examine your eyelids, discuss options, and answer all your questions to help you make an informed decision.

Ready to Refresh Your Eyes? Schedule Your Consultation Today

Dr. Clayton Crantford, MD and Dr. Louis E. Costa, DMD, MD are ready to help you achieve brighter, more youthful-looking eyes. Contact Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery + Skin Clinic in Charleston, SC for your personalized blepharoplasty consultation.

Book Your Consultation (843) 350-5356
Contact (843) 396-2125
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