Call Us

Contact Us

Upper & Lower Blepharoplasty in the Rio Grande Valley

Eyelid Surgery

McAllen, TX

Dr. Carlos Ayala is a double board-certified otolaryngologist and facial plastic surgeon serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley and across the South Texas region. He performs eyelid surgery for patients in McAllen, Edinburg, Brownsville, Corpus Christi and beyond.

Your eyes do more than help you see. They can brighten your smile or sharpen a glance, helping people read your mood in an instant. But when heavy lids, excess skin or under-eye bags get in the way, the eyes can make you look older or more tired than you feel. Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that addresses visible changes in the upper and lower eyelids, restoring a more open, refreshed appearance that still looks like you.

At Ayala ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Carlos Ayala performs eyelid surgery for patients across South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley. His approach combines precision with an eye for natural facial balance, helping patients achieve a rejuvenated appearance without looking overdone.

Request Consultation Learn More

Procedure At a Glance

Eyelid Surgery

Procedure

Surgical

Anesthesia

General or local with sedation

Techniques

Upper, lower or combined

Surgery Time

1 to 2 hours

Return to work

1 to 2 weeks

Final results

4 to 6 weeks

Cost

Upper: $5,000

Lower: $5,000

Financing

Prosper, CareCredit, In-office Layaway Plan

What is Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty or an eye lift, is a surgical procedure that removes and tightens excess skin, muscle and fat in the upper or lower eyelids to address the signs of aging. Loose skin that drapes over the lashes can give the eyes a heavy, hooded or tired appearance, while shifting fat pads can lead to bags or puffiness in the lower eyelids. Blepharoplasty targets these changes at the structural level to instantly restore a more vibrant, refreshed appearance.

What Can Eyelid Surgery Address?

Upper and lower blepharoplasty each target distinct concerns, and in some cases, Dr. Ayala recommends both approaches for a more cohesive result.

Upper eyelid surgery is typically performed if you have excess skin that weighs down the upper lids, partially obscures the natural eyelid crease or creates a hooded appearance. In more pronounced cases, the drooping can limit peripheral vision, which may make the procedure partially functional rather than purely cosmetic.

Lower eyelid surgery addresses fullness and puffiness beneath the eye, including under-eye bags caused by shifting fat pads, and loose skin that creates a soft or drawn look in the lower lid area. Unlike topical eye creams or fillers, which can improve the appearance of the area temporarily, surgery corrects the underlying anatomy that drives these changes.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

Most men and women concerned about visible changes in the upper or lower eyelids are good candidates for blepharoplasty. If you’re considering eyelid surgery, you should be in good overall health, a nonsmoker (or willing to quit before surgery) and have realistic expectations.

There is no universal age requirement for this procedure. Some patients are in their late 30s, while others are in their 60s or 70s. During your consultation, Dr. Ayala will determine candidacy by evaluating your eyelids, brow position, skin elasticity and other factors. He will also review your health history and goals. Dry eye and any unmanaged medical conditions may need to be discussed before surgery to ensure eyelid surgery is a safe and appropriate choice.

Common candidates

  • Excess upper eyelid skin that folds, droops or creates a hooded appearance
  • Puffiness or fullness beneath the lower lash line
  • Loose or crepey skin around the upper or lower eyelids
  • Upper lid heaviness that affects makeup application
  • Under-eye bags or shadows that make you look tired, even when you’re well-rested
  • Sagging upper eyelids that obstruct your vision

The Surgery

What Happens During Blepharoplasty?

At Ayala ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery, blepharoplasty is performed at an accredited surgical facility using general or local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. The procedure typically takes one to two hours to complete, depending on whether you’re having upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery or both.

1

Upper Eyelid Surgery

For the upper lids, Dr. Ayala places the incision within the natural crease above the eye, called the supratarsal fold. This location heals well and hides visible scarring once fully recovered. Through this incision, he removes the excess skin and, where appropriate, addresses the underlying fat and muscle to produce more youthful, defined contours. He closes the incisions using fine sutures, which are removed after one week.

2

Lower Eyelid Surgery

For the lower lids, the approach depends on the anatomy involved. When excess skin is the primary concern, Dr. Ayala makes an incision just below the lower lash line to remove or tighten the tissue. When puffiness from fat displacement is the main concern, a transconjunctival approach may be used instead. In this technique, the incision is placed inside the lower lid, leaving no external scar. The fat is then repositioned to smooth the under-eye contour.

3

Combined Upper & Lower Eyelid Surgery

Some patients benefit from addressing the upper and lower lids in a single surgical session. Dr. Ayala will discuss which approach makes sense based on your anatomy and the degree of change you want to achieve. In some cases, combining blepharoplasty with a facelift or brow lift produces a more balanced result for patients with signs of aging that extend beyond the eyes.

What Is Eyelid Surgery Recovery Like?

Recovery from blepharoplasty is manageable for most patients, though the first few days require rest and limited activity. Plan to have someone stay with you during the first 48 to 72 hours, particularly if you’ve had work done on the upper lids, as your vision will be temporarily affected by swelling. A general recovery timeline looks like this:

  • Days 1 to 3: Swelling and bruising are at their peak. Cold compresses help keep swelling down. Most patients spend this period resting at home with their head elevated.
  • Days 4 to 7: Sutures are typically removed at the end of this window. Bruising begins to shift and fade. Many patients feel well enough to move around the house but are not yet ready for work or public outings.
  • Weeks 1 to 2: Most patients return to desk work and light daily activities. Most patients are cleared to resume wearing makeup and contact lenses at this time.
  • Weeks 2 to 4: Bruising has largely resolved. Residual swelling continues to settle. Most patients feel comfortable going out and resuming social activities.
  • 4 to 6 weeks: The eyelids look and feel close to their final result. Minor residual swelling may persist, particularly in the morning, but the overall change is visible.

Dr. Ayala sees all blepharoplasty patients at scheduled follow-up appointments after surgery. Every follow-up is included at no additional cost, because a good outcome depends as much on what happens during recovery as what happens in the operating room.

Why Patients Choose Dr. Ayala for Eyelid Surgery

Dr. Ayala is a double board-certified otolaryngologist and facial plastic surgeon with advanced training from some of the world’s most respected institutions: UCLA School of Medicine, where he graduated with honors; Harvard Medical School, where he completed his otolaryngology residency; and the Lasky Clinic in Beverly Hills, where he deepened his expertise with a fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery under Dr. Andrew Frankel.

That depth of training is especially important in eyelid surgery, where a difference of just a few millimeters can affect symmetry and expression. Dr. Ayala’s background in both otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery gives him a detailed understanding of periorbital anatomy, while his experience performing complex facial reconstruction as a military surgeon at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan helped shape the precision and judgment he brings to every cosmetic procedure.

His goal is not to change the way you look, but to create a balanced, natural-looking outcome that fits your face. Fluent in English and Spanish, Dr. Ayala provides specialized ENT and facial plastic surgery care in McAllen, Texas, for patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley who want the expertise of a fellowship-trained surgeon without traveling to Houston or San Antonio.

Follow Us

See Why Patients Trust Ayala

BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY

Start Your Facial Transformation

Whether you are seeking aesthetic refinement, improved breathing, or advanced skin rejuvenation — Dr. Ayala and his team are here to guide your journey with expertise, precision, and care.

Give us a call

FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY (956) 688-3223
ENT (956) 631-4515

Visit us in person

800 E. DOVE, STE. F & G
MCALLEN, TX 78504
Name(Required)
Name(Required)
Opt-in

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need eyelid surgery or a brow lift?

Upper eyelid surgery and a brow lift can both improve heaviness around the eyes, but they address different causes. Upper eyelid surgery removes excess skin and, when needed, fat from the upper lids. A brow lift raises a low or heavy brow that may be pushing skin downward over the eyes. During your consultation, Dr. Ayala evaluates your eyelid skin, brow position and overall facial anatomy to determine whether blepharoplasty, a brow lift or a combination approach will create the most natural result.

Will upper eyelid surgery change my eye shape?

Upper eyelid surgery should not dramatically change the natural shape of your eyes when it is performed with a conservative, anatomy-based approach. Dr. Ayala plans blepharoplasty around your natural features for a result that looks more rested, not overdone or unfamiliar.

Can eyelid surgery improve my vision?

In some cases, yes. When excess skin on the upper eyelid droops low enough to obstruct peripheral vision, upper blepharoplasty can expand the visual field by removing the overhanging tissue. If this applies to you, it is worth discussing at your consultation, as functional blepharoplasty may be covered by insurance, depending on the degree of obstruction. Eyelid surgery will not improve nearsightedness, farsightedness or other refractive errors.

Does lower eyelid surgery help dark circles?

Lower blepharoplasty can improve some types of dark circles, but not all. If darkness is caused by puffiness or under-eye bags, lower eyelid surgery smooths away bulges that cast shadows. If dark circles are caused by pigmentation, thin skin, allergies or visible blood vessels, other treatments may be more appropriate. Dr. Ayala can evaluate what is actually causing dark circles beneath the eyes before recommending the right approach for you.

Is blepharoplasty permanent?

The changes made during surgery are permanent. That said, the face continues to age naturally after any procedure. Most patients find that the results of blepharoplasty hold up well for many years because the underlying anatomy has been addressed rather than just the surface appearance.

Can blepharoplasty be combined with other procedures?

Yes. It is frequently performed alongside a brow lift when brow descent is contributing to drooping of the upper eyelids, or alongside other procedures as part of a broader facial rejuvenation plan. Dr. Ayala will evaluate your anatomy during the consultation and discuss which combination, if any, would produce the most balanced result.

What are the risks of eyelid surgery?

Eyelid surgery is considered safe when performed by an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon, but all surgical procedures carry some risk. Potential complications that could arise after surgery include:

  • Bruising or swelling
  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Scarring
  • Asymmetry
  • Dry eye or temporary changes in tear production
  • Reoperation

Do I need to travel to a larger city for eyelid surgery?

No. Dr. Ayala is a double board-certified otolaryngologist and facial plastic surgeon offering advanced care right here in the Rio Grande Valley. Patients who were previously making the trip to Houston or San Antonio for specialty facial procedures now have that same level of expertise available locally, with a surgeon who will be at every follow-up appointment and is genuinely accessible when questions arise after surgery.

How much does eyelid surgery cost?

At Ayala ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery, blepharoplasty starts at $5,000, but your final cost may vary depending on which lids are treated and whether the procedure is combined with anything else. Detailed pricing is provided following your consultation. Ayala ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery offers financing through Prosper® and CareCredit®, as well as an in-office layaway plan that allows patients to make flexible payments leading up to their procedure date.

How does the in-office layaway plan work?

Once your surgical quote is provided, a minimum deposit of $500 secures your surgery date. You can make payments directly to the office on a flexible schedule from there. The remaining balance must be paid in full at least two weeks before your surgery date. Cancellation or rescheduling fees may apply in accordance with office policy.

Request Your Consultation

Name(Required)
Name(Required)
Opt-in
This site is registered on wpml.org as a development site. Switch to a production site key to remove this banner.