Eyelid Surgery in Charleston, SC

Restore a brighter, more rested appearance with eyelid surgery in Charleston, SC. Dr. Jason Ulm, our double board-certified plastic surgeon, corrects drooping eyelids, puffiness, and excess skin through individualized planning and uncompromising surgical standards.

Rejuvenate the Upper and Lower Eyelids

Eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, is a procedure that improves the appearance and function of the upper and/or lower eyelids by addressing factors like excess skin, muscle laxity, and displaced fat. You may consider eyelid surgery in Charleston, SC, if drooping upper eyelids make you look tired or interfere with vision, or if lower eyelid puffiness gives you a tired, fatigued appearance. Dr. Ulm evaluates your anatomy in detail and designs a surgical plan to restore a smoother, more youthful contour while preserving your natural eye shape and expression.

Eyelid Surgery Overview

What Does Eyelid Surgery Treat?

Eyelid surgery corrects age-related changes around the eyes that can make you look tired, heavy, or older than you feel. Common concerns addressed with this procedure include:

Drooping or heavy upper eyelids
Excess upper-eyelid skin that obscures natural creases
Under-eye bags caused by displaced fat
Puffiness of the lower eyelids
Loose or sagging lower-eyelid skin
Fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes
A tired, aged, or worn appearance

Why Choose Dr. Jason Ulm for Eyelid Surgery?

Dr. Jason Ulm is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with advanced fellowship training in aesthetic and craniofacial surgery at Harvard/Massachusetts General Hospital. This background provides a deep understanding of facial anatomy and the fine technical control required for eyelid surgery, where even millimeters matter and natural expression must be preserved.

You are always treated as an individual. Dr. Ulm takes the time to understand what bothers you, explains your options clearly, and designs a surgical plan tailored to your specific anatomy and goals. Patients consistently describe feeling heard, unrushed, and well-informed, and often note that their results match exactly what was discussed: balanced and appropriate for their face.

Types of Eyelid Surgery

Upper Eyelid Surgery

Upper eyelid surgery focuses on removing or repositioning excess skin, muscle, and fat that create a heavy or drooping appearance. This procedure can restore a more open, alert look and, in some cases, improve vision when sagging skin obstructs the visual field.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

Lower eyelid surgery addresses under-eye bags, puffiness, and loose skin that contribute to a tired or aged appearance. Dr. Ulm may use an incision along the lash line or inside the eyelid to reposition or remove fat and tighten skin, creating a smoother, more refreshed contour.

Eyelid Surgery Before & After

View More Eyelid Surgery Results

Schedule A Consultation

Am I a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

You may be a good candidate for eyelid surgery if you are in good overall health, bothered by drooping upper lids, under-eye bags, or excess skin, and have realistic expectations. During your consultation, Dr. Ulm carefully evaluates your eyelid anatomy, skin quality, eye health, and facial balance. He also discusses your goals in detail and explains which techniques are most appropriate, ensuring any recommendation is based on what will genuinely benefit you.

Words from Our Clients "It has taken me some time to find the words to describe Dr. Jason Ulm."

I cannot say enough amazing things about my breast reduction and brachioplasty with Dr. Ulm. From the very first consultation, I felt completely heard, respected, and cared for. Dr Ulm took the tim...

Melanie

5 star rating

It has taken me some time to find the words to describe Dr. Jason Ulm. He is kind, compassionate, and incredibly talented. His super power is his unique ability to listen to your concerns and desir...

Tabatha

5 star rating

I had lip fillers done by the doctor Jason Ulm and I loved the results! The shape is beautiful and natural, not fake or stiff at all. The doctor was very gentle and gave great advice. After the pro...

Buddhawajana

5 star rating

Dr Ulm took the time listen and provide guidance on what to expect during and after surgery. He was recommended to me by a friend and I am so thankful to him for changing my life for the better! He...

Denise

5 star rating

My experience with Dr. Ulm and his staff was outstanding. Their communication was clear and supportive throughout the entire process, and the results exceeded my expectations. Truly professional, c...

Gina

5 star rating

I had the most amazing experience with Dr. Jason Ulm! He is an amazing surgeon, very professional and gave me exactly what I wanted! My breast augmentation went smoothly and my scars are almost gon...

Hailey

5 star rating

Benefits of Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery offers both aesthetic and functional benefits, helping you look more refreshed while addressing concerns that can affect daily comfort. Potential advantages include:

A more rested and youthful appearance
Reduction of heavy or drooping upper eyelids
Smoother contours of the upper and lower eyelids
Decreased under-eye puffiness or bags
Improved symmetry between the eyes
In some cases, improved visual field
Long-lasting, natural-looking results

Your Complete Eyelid Surgery Experience

Eyelid Surgery

On the day of surgery, you are brought to a fully accredited surgical suite and carefully positioned for the procedure. You receive either local anesthesia with IV sedation or general anesthesia, based on your personalized plan, so you remain comfortable and pain-free. Dr. Ulm marks natural eyelid creases and anatomical landmarks to guide precise incision placement.

For upper eyelids, an incision is made within the natural fold so excess skin can be removed and the stretched muscle tightened. For lower eyelids, Dr. Ulm may use an incision just beneath the lash line or inside the eyelid to access and reposition fat and address loose skin. Fat is then reshaped rather than simply removed whenever possible to avoid a hollow appearance. The incisions are closed with fine sutures to support smooth healing and discreet scars.

Eyelid Surgery Consultation

During your consultation, you meet directly with Dr. Ulm to discuss what you would like to change and what concerns you most about your eyelids. He performs a detailed examination of your eyelid anatomy, skin quality, muscle tone, and eye health. You will review surgical and non-surgical options, where incisions are placed, and what recovery involves. Dr. Ulm then outlines a surgical plan and answers your questions to help you make a decision.

Eyelid Surgery Recovery

After eyelid surgery, you can expect swelling, bruising, tightness, and mild discomfort around the eyes, most noticeably during the first 48 to 72 hours. These side effects gradually improve over the next week or two. Sutures are typically removed within 5 to 7 days. You should plan for several days of rest and avoid strenuous activity for at least 2 weeks. Cold compresses, head elevation, and following Dr. Ulm’s instructions help support a smoother recovery.

Eyelid Surgery Results

You may begin to notice early improvements as swelling subsides within the first few weeks. As healing continues, your eyelids gradually appear smoother and more refreshed, with continued refinement over several months. The results from eyelid surgery are long-lasting, but natural aging will continue over time. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and protecting your skin from sun exposure can help preserve your outcome for years to come.

Possible Alternatives to Eyelid Surgery

While eyelid surgery is an effective way to address excess skin, puffiness, and age-related changes around the eyes, it is not the right solution for everyone. Some concerns may be mild, primarily related to skin quality rather than excess tissue, and may be better addressed with less invasive treatments. Others may require more comprehensive rejuvenation.

Dr. Ulm carefully evaluates your anatomy, goals, and facial structure to determine whether eyelid surgery is the most appropriate option or if an alternative would better meet your needs. Depending on your specific concerns, potential alternatives may include:

Botox for softening crow’s feet and dynamic wrinkles around the eyes
Dermal fillers for restoring lost volume in the tear troughs and upper eyelids
Skin resurfacing for improving fine lines, texture, and skin quality
Facelift for more comprehensive, long-term facial rejuvenation
Fat grafting for natural volume restoration around the eyes and midface

What Is the Cost of Eyelid Surgery?

Cost depends on a multitude of factors, including whether you’re having upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or both, anesthesia and facility fees, and the surgeon. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average surgeon’s fee for blepharoplasty is approximately $3,359 for upper eyelids and $3,876 for lower eyelids nationally.

This figure reflects averages and does not include all associated costs.

Your personalized price will be determined during a consultation with Dr. Ulm, who can assess your anatomy and goals and provide a more accurate estimate.

Eyelid Surgery Frequently Asked Questions

Will eyelid surgery change the natural shape of my eyes?

When performed with proper planning and restraint, eyelid surgery is intended to refresh your appearance without altering who you are. Dr. Ulm focuses on preserving your natural eye shape and expression while addressing excess skin, muscle laxity, or displaced fat.

How long do eyelid surgery results last?

The results from eyelid surgery are long-lasting, and many patients enjoy their outcome for a decade or more. While the procedure turns back the clock, it does not stop natural aging. Protecting your skin and following post-operative guidance can help maintain your results.

Will I have visible scars after eyelid surgery?

Incisions are placed within natural eyelid creases or inside the eyelid whenever possible, which helps keep scars discreet. As healing progresses, scars typically fade and become difficult to detect. Dr. Ulm provides detailed scar-care instructions to support optimal healing.

Can eyelid surgery improve vision?

In some cases, yes. If excess upper-eyelid skin droops into your field of vision, removing that tissue can improve visual obstruction. Dr. Ulm evaluates this carefully during your consultation.

What are the risks of eyelid surgery?

All surgical procedures carry some degree of risk. With eyelid surgery, potential risks include infection, bleeding, delayed healing, dry eyes, asymmetry, or unfavorable scarring. Dr. Ulm takes a meticulous, conservative approach to surgery and provides thorough pre- and post-operative guidance to minimize these risks.

Eyelid Surgery in Charleston, SC

Rejuvenate the Upper and Lower Eyelids

Eyelid Surgery Overview

What Does Eyelid Surgery Treat?

Why Choose Dr. Jason Ulm for Eyelid Surgery?