Whether you need eyelid reconstruction or revision blepharoplasty depends on what’s driving the problem: reconstruction rebuilds eyelid tissue lost to skin cancer removal, trauma, or injury, while revision blepharoplasty corrects an unsatisfactory result from a prior cosmetic eyelid surgery.
At Southeastern Plastic Surgery, P.A., our surgeons determine which approach fits your case based on your anatomy, surgical history, and goals. Below, we walk through candidacy for each, the techniques our surgeons use, and what to expect during recovery.
Can Botched Eyelid Surgery Be Corrected?
In most cases, yes, it’s possible to improve even complex or previously “over-corrected” eyelids with the right surgical approach. Board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Ben Kirbo and Dr. Laurence Rosenberg are renowned in the region for correcting undesirable results from prior plastic surgery, and eyelid revision is one area where this experience matters most.
Every case differs, which is why the right fix depends on identifying what went wrong during the original procedure—something our surgeons carefully evaluate during your consultation at Southeastern Plastic Surgery.
Who’s a Good Candidate for Eyelid Revision or Reconstruction?
Some candidates need elements of both categories at once. For example, a patient with a history of prior eyelid surgery who later requires lower eyelid reconstruction after Mohs surgery may need reconstructive tissue support and revision of the earlier cosmetic result.
Working with local and regional ophthalmologists and optometrists for over 25 years, the surgeons at Southeastern Plastic Surgery have built the region’s most experienced oculoplastic practice. Their robust patient photo gallery reflects the surgeons’ depth of expertise. The before-and-after cases featured above depict Dr. Kirbo’s patients with varying concerns.
The first case demonstrates a 37-year-old patient who presented with several failed surgeries at an outside institution for her ptosis (drooping eyelid). A successful reconstructive surgery was accomplished in both eyes, giving her beautiful eyes symmetry in the upper eyelid shape and position
The second case features a 42-year-old patient who desired a more rested appearance. This was accomplished with an upper eyelid blepharoplasty, taking care to maintain a youthful eyelid crease and volume.
In the third example, a 49-year-old patient was unhappy with the bags under her eyes. Dr. Kirbo helped her achieve a more youthful, rested look by performing a transconjunctival blepharoplasty, leaving no scar on the outside, and fat transfer to add volume.
The last example features a 67-year-old patient who was referred for visual field obstruction caused by drooping upper eyelid skin. Insurance covered her upper eyelid surgery, which improved her field of vision while also giving her a more naturally youthful appearance.
The first patient of Dr. Rosenberg underwent a lower eyelid blepharoplasty. Notice the smooth lower eyelids with correction of her tear trough.
The second patient of Dr. Rosenberg underwent ptosis repair. This involves excision of the upper eyelid skin and tightening of one of the muscles that raise the eyelid.
What Eyelid Reconstruction Techniques Do Our Surgeons Use?
At Southeastern Plastic Surgery, techniques may include flaps, skin grafts, and spacer grafts, and the approach is selected based on the patient’s specific needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Eyelid Reconstruction Techniques
Depending on how much tissue needs to be rebuilt, our surgeons may use:
- Flaps and skin grafts to replace lost tissue
- Midface repositioning to provide structural support for a reconstructed lid
- Spacer grafts to rebuild the eyelid’s internal structure
Dr. Kirbo and Dr. Rosenberg have collectively performed more than 300 eye surgeries each year. Additionally, Dr. Rosenberg brings published, peer-reviewed research on periorbital and midface rejuvenation to our practice, including his work on endoscopic forehead lift techniques, case outcomes, and complications. This research directly informs how our surgeons approach cases requiring extra structural support. His background reconstructing eyelids after Mohs skin cancer surgery adds another layer of expertise, since these cases call for rebuilding the eyelid while prioritizing aesthetics and function.
Revision Blepharoplasty Techniques
Depending on what went wrong anatomically in the prior procedure, our surgeons may address:
- Lid malposition or ectropion, where the lower lid has been pulled down
- Over-resected skin or muscle imbalance from the original surgery
- Scar tissue affecting lid mechanics or eyelid closure
Dr. Kirbo and Dr. Rosenberg are sought out by patients in Tallahassee and surrounding Florida communities for their advanced revision blepharoplasty and eyelid reconstruction techniques. Our surgeons’ approach starts with identifying anatomical concerns before selecting the right aesthetic and functional “fixes” tailored to each patient’s needs.
How Much Does Revision Eyelid Surgery Cost?
The cost of revision eyelid surgery is typically higher than that of a primary blepharoplasty, largely because these cases require more surgical time and may require grafting materials. The cost of eyelid reconstruction varies further depending on how much tissue needs to be rebuilt and whether it’s classified as medically necessary (which may make it eligible for insurance coverage) versus elective.
Review our broader breakdown of factors that affect blepharoplasty costs and explore our convenient financing options. At Southeastern Plastic Surgery, every revision or reconstruction quote is customized after a thorough in-person evaluation.
What Should I Expect During Revision Blepharoplasty Recovery?
Recovery from revision or reconstructive eyelid surgery generally takes longer than a first-time blepharoplasty due to the additional tissue manipulation involved. You may experience more pronounced swelling and bruising in the first 1 to 2 weeks, with follow-up visits to monitor lid position and healing.
If your revision involves correcting drooping eyelids (ptosis) caused by a weakened or improperly repaired levator muscle, healing follows a path similar to that of ptosis surgery recovery. If addressing hooded or heavy lids is part of your treatment plan, it’s worth understanding what treatment options exist for hooded eyelids before committing to your revision procedure and its recovery expectations.
What’s Next?
If you’re unhappy with the results of a previous eyelid surgery or need reconstruction after eye-related trauma or skin cancer treatment, request a consultation with Dr. Kirbo or Dr. Rosenberg to discuss which approach—or combination—is right for you. Please complete the online form or call Southeastern Plastic Surgery at (850) 219-2000 to begin exploring your options.
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