Understanding the Eyelid Lift

Eyelid surgeries are a very delicate surgical procedure.  This must be done with great care and balance to give a good result to the patient. Patients that come to Dr. Jacobsen for correction generally of the upper eyelid where there is too much skin that tends to dangle down, and cause the appearance of advanced age or can also inhibit the vision of the patient by blocking some of the field of view with your eye.

Removal of this extra skin in the upper eyelid for the most part can be removed under local anesthesia in the office of Dr. Jacobson, in a comfortable suite. This skin removal of the upper eyelid is called a blepharoplasty, and can be performed safely usually in less than an hour.

Sometimes insurance will cover the removal of the skin if the skin is physically blocking greater than 50% of your visual field in one direction.  This can be measured by your optometrist or ophthalmologist with a “field of vision view”.  Your insurance company will have a policy with regard to what they cover and what they do not cover. If your insurance company does not cover this procedure Dr. Jacobsen and his staff have a reasonable fee for this to be done in the office under local anesthesia.

At times however, the operation must be done under general anesthesia in the Hospital if there is extensive skin to be removed or additional bulging of fat that requires removal. Normally the upper eyelid incision heals very well and is hidden very nicely, as the upper eyelid gets tucked back into the orbit when you open your eyes.

The lower eyelids are more complicated and usually require a general anesthesia to perform safely.  These required incisions are designated directly under the eyelash of the lower lid and dissection of the fat, bulging underneath the eyeball and causing the eyelid to bulge out.  Typically, the reason the lower eyelid looks too bulky is because the fat around the orbit is beginning to bulge out as you age. Sometimes, however, there is additional skin that requires removal as well.  The lower eyelid is more complicated to perform but can be performed safely under anesthesia.

The incisions are finally closed with very fine suture material. Usually Dr. Jacobsen uses 7-0 Vicryl absorbable suture material. The suture material is dissolvable and usually falls out on its own after about 2 weeks. The incisions are sealed with a fine layer of DermaBond a cyanoacrylate that is most like superglue except is flexible and is sterile. This seals the incision and prevents bleeding and allows you to shower after the surgery immediately. The incisions after the surgery required no creams or ointments or any specific care other than keeping them clean and dry with antibacterial soap and water. You may shower directly after the incision as well. It is best to treat the eyelids after surgery with ice taking care not to freeze the skin with direct icing but using indirect icing with frozen peas in thin Ziploc bags or masks that can be obtained at the pharmacy that are filled with gel that can be frozen and interchange throughout the first day or 2 after surgery. After the first 24 or 48 hours ice or cold packs will no longer help alleviate swelling. In the first day this can be very comforting and prevent additional bruising and minimize the swelling. The best way to minimize the swelling however, is to avoid lifting and straining after the operation. Even bending over to load the dishwasher can often allow your face to fill up with blood and feel congested, causing potential bruising or bleeding.  It is best not to bend over or lift and to allow your family to help you with car doors and heavy doors wherever you are. You should sleep with the head of your bed elevated at least 30°, with an extra pillow which helps a great deal as well. Your blood pressure should be maintained in a normal range as well. Bruising always goes away with time and is always disappointing when patient skin bruising around her eyelids. This always goes away with time. it is best to avoid this is much as possible with your own postoperative care. If you are considering an eyelid lift in Phoenix feel free to contact Dr. Jacobsen’s Office with any questions or to schedule an appointment today!

Step 1 – Anesthesia

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include oral orintravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you. The upper eyelids are often done in the office but the lower eyelids need to be done in the hospital.

Because the lower eyelid incisions when the lift is performed he is directly along the margin of the eyelashes rather than above or below the eyelashes it is very close then to the globe of your eyeball which must be protected with a corneal protector which is a plastic device that is inserted over your eye much like a shield to protect your eye during the surgery. This is uncomfortable while you are awake. He will be much more comfortable being asleep and allows me to do the surgery more safely for you so that you are exquisitely comfortable and exquisitely still so the fine details of your eye the lift can be done efficiently and perfectly. Once the surgery is completed you will see that you will be very comfortable as the eye ball itself is irrigated very carefully with sterile ophthalmologic solution before you wake up.

Step 2 – The incision

The incision lines for eyelid surgery are designed so the resultant scars will be well concealed within the natural structures of the eyelid region.

The upper eyelid can be corrected through an incision within the natural crease on the eyelid. This allows for removal or repositioning of fat deposits, tightening of muscles, and removal of excess skin.

Conditions of the lower eyelid may be corrected with an incision just below the lower lash line. Through this incision, excess skin in the lower eyelid is removed. Again, the excess fat can be repositioned or removed.

A transconjunctival incision, created on the inside of the lower eyelid, is an alternate technique to correct lower eyelid conditions and redistribute or remove excess fat. With this technique, no skin is removed.

Eyelid Lift PhoenixStep 3 – Closing the incisions

Eyelid incisions typically are closed with:

  • Removable sutures
  • Skin adhesives
  • Surgical tape

Upper Eyelid “Lift” Phoenix Pricing

Total All-Inclusive Fees$ 3,000
Dr Js Surgical Fees -Office under local ANES$ 3,000

Note: This is a pre-examination estimate that is appropriate for most patients wishing this service.  The fees may change slightly based on your personal needs.

Lower Eyelid “Lift” Phoenix Pricing

Total All-Inclusive Fees$ 5,470
Dr Js Surgical Fees$ 4,000
Payment to Dr Jacobsen$ 4,000
Estimated Anesthesia Fee$ 720
Payment to St Joe’s SurgiCenter$ 750
Total Payments$ 5,470

Note: This is a pre-examination estimate that is appropriate for most patients wishing this service.  The fees may change slightly based on your personal needs.

Upper & Lower Eyelid “Lift” Phoenix Pricing

Total All-Inclusive Fees$ 8,255
Dr Js Surgical Fees$ 6,000
Payment to Dr Jacobsen$ 6,000
Payment to Valley Anesthesia$880
Payment to St Joe’s SurgiCenter$ 1,375
Total Payments$ 8,255

Note: This is a pre-examination estimate that is appropriate for most patients wishing this service.  The fees may change slightly based on your personal needs.

Dr J and his staff look forward to understanding the details of your unique case, desires and aspirations, and to providing you with realistic, safe and attainable results that leave you looking beautiful, and truly feeling like yourself. Take the first step toward your healing or rejuvenating procedure with Dr J by filling out our contact form to request a consultation, or to inquire about any of the services we offer. We look forward to treating you!


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  • Dr. J has an amazing personality and the surgery was quick, painless, and perfect. I didn’t even need to take any painkillers after I woke up. I look and feel so much better. Would highly recommend him to anyone considering surgery. The staff was also incredibly easy to work with. All around great office energy and the medical staff at the surgery center are so sweet.

    Crystal Greer Avatar Crystal Greer
    July 12, 2021
  • I’m 9 days post op and I’m very happy with the results so far (still healing). Dr. J is easy to talk to. I went in for a consult and was able to schedule the procedure for the very next week. All went very well. I was so afraid to remove the bandages - I was expecting a bloody/bruised mess. I was pleasantly surprised to see tiny incisions with no scabbing or bruising. I’m very impressed.

    Olimpia Garner Avatar Olimpia Garner
    April 24, 2021
  • Enjoyed meeting and working with Dr. J. I had an eye lift and it was a pleasant experience from start to finish. Dr. J’s bed side manner is very personable and genuine. He explained everything step by step and made the procedure very painless. Even though I’m from Minnesota - I will be coming to Dr. J for any future cosmetic surgical needs. I cannot recommend Dr. J enough.

    Trudy Hart Petersen Avatar Trudy Hart Petersen
    April 24, 2021
  • What a brilliant human! I’m so thankful for finding this amazing genius. I’ve struggled with skin sagging since my weight loss surgery. My arms were my nemesis, I have other skin removal surgeries to have in the future but my arms were really my starting point and I had went to try to freeze the remaining stubborn fat and skin to hopefully shrink. Yeah that didn’t work. Then I found this guy, he’s awesome, his staff is awesome and professional and I cannot say thank you enough to this life changing leap into the rest of my journey. I truly and blessed to have had the opportunity to be able to experience the joy he has for his craft. He has truly changed my life. Thank you Dr. J.

    Sholeena Gable Avatar Sholeena Gable
    January 8, 2021
  • I, Theresa Buschbacher, prepared this review and submitted it on my husband,s account. Superb, Excellent, Caring, Compassionate, Knowledgeable, Experienced, these are all descriptive terms that one must earn. Dr.J has completely filled the requirements of each and every of these terms and they can all equally be applied to him. His knowledge immediately puts you at ease (and when what he says will happen does actually happen, you get a big smile inside and you know you have a relationship with an excellent doctor)! Now for the support staff, they relate to you and express a genuine concern for what you are going through. They work with you and put you at ease while accomplishing what is needed for the “business end” of the doctor’s office. This is a WINNER!!

    Mike Buschbacher Avatar Mike Buschbacher
    December 16, 2020
  • Dr. Jacobsen and his staff did such an amazing job taking care of me. Went in for my consultation on Tuesday and they were able to get me in surgery by Thursday. By far the best prices in the valley after searching everywhere! Incredible care! I have referred all my friends to Dr. Jacobsen!

    C D Avatar C D
    November 13, 2020
  • I got in right away. I felt very reassured that I was in very professional caring hands. I highly recommend Dr. Jacobsen. The staff was very friendly. The office was very nice and comfortable. My experience was beautiful. I’m very thankful to have been his patient today. ❤️

    Aimee Beth Avatar Aimee Beth
    November 6, 2020
  • This will be a long review but worth the read! I'm beyond impressed with the overall quality, cleanliness, prices, customer service and results. First impressions, their branding of their classy theme provided an elegance that I felt right at home. I felt like a king who was going to get the best treatment! Secondly, very clean... I mean this place was immaculate! You can tell these folks worked hard to build their business and put in the work to upkeep it! As a business owner myself I applaud the way they conduct their business and never loose their family values, that caring, compassionate, family oriented value that most businesses start off with but loose over time. I can tell that money is not their passion. Their customers results are, the smiles and cries one has when they see their results. I was terrified of anesthesia, and when I expressed my concerns about my PTSD the surgeon, anesthesiologist and staff all took the time to sit with me and listen to me then proceed with a break down of how well they were going to take care of me and make sure I have the best experience possible. In which I certainly did! And best part I didn't wake up out of it, scared, panicking or anything like that. I was a little tired of course, but I went live for my fans soon as I got in the car. I felt comfortable the entire time I was waiting and when my nerves were really high I was honest and told them. They put in the extra love to make sure I was ok. When I went back and they gave me whatever magical cocktail, I felt as my procedure was 4 seconds. I didn't wake up during surgery, didn't hear anything nor wake up in pain! Everything they could have possibly done right they absolutely did! I felt safe too. And when I had questions after they were great about responding and following up. The cleanliness was great, and they took all precautions during this time of COVID-19. I knew the day I met Dr. Jacobson during my consultation that he had to be my surgeon! I hope this review helps viewers make that final decision on choosing Dr. Jacobson as their surgeon and if anyone has questions you are more then welcome to ask and I will answer to the best of my abilities? Thank you Dr. Jacobson and your staff?? my results are incredible! And I'm not even fully healed yet and I can't stop staring at my chest! It's a dream come true and it wouldn't have be possible without you and your staff. God bless!

    Darian Terrell Avatar Darian Terrell
    October 12, 2020
  • Got my breast augmentation and lift done here so amazed and pleased with the results hands down a wonderful surgeon and gentleman 5stars all the way around

    Jessica Shipman Avatar Jessica Shipman
    October 3, 2020
  • Dr J is absolutely brilliant. His office and staff are out of this world and his demeanor is so friendly and up beat. He makes you feel like you are in the best possible hands... And you are! The Surgeon I met with before I saw Dr J told me I would need a general anesthetic for my surgery and likely a skin graft. I was terrified. Went to Dr J for a second opinion and he was totally nonchalant about what needed to be done. He did it a week later in his office with just some local freezing and it was amazing! No problems at all. I would never see another Dr for surgery. Dr J is truly above the rest! Even his peers give him awards. His office is full of them! Big hugs to him and his staff for turning this in a happy ending from a scary start.

    Michelle Suzuki Avatar Michelle Suzuki
    October 2, 2020

Get started today!

Dr J and his staff are committed to providing you with exceptional and compassionate care. On behalf of our entire team, we invite you to request a consultation to talk to Dr J about your goals, expectations and aspirations. We can’t wait to find out how our 20-plus years of experience in cosmetic and functional plastic surgery can help change your life, and make you a happier, healthier person.

Dr. William Jacobsen
Plastic Surgery
2525 East Arizona
Biltmore Circle, Suite C236
Phoenix, AZ  85016

Phone: 602-212-0100
Fax: 602.279.1701
[email protected]

Our Procedures & Treatments

Dr J considers every surgery an opportunity to express his vision with his patients, and believes in natural, beautiful results that leave you feeling confident and beautiful, but most importantly, feeling like yourself. From extremely rare and complex surgical cases, to cosmetic surgery, Dr J has the experience, compassion and understanding to help you achieve your surgical goals.

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