The Best Eyelid Surgery Options with Dr. Small: What You Need to Know

Eyelid surgery is not a one-size-fits-all procedure; achieving the best results requires a personalized strategy that carefully considers each option.

At Ocean Plastic Surgery, Dr. Stephen E. Small takes a precise, measured, and customized approach to eyelid surgery. As a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 18 years of experience in cosmetic, laser, and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Small offers various blepharoplasty procedures, including upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, and combined upper and lower eyelid procedures. His extensive training in reconstructive and burn surgery allows him to safely address the delicate structures of the eyelids, preserving both function and expression.

In this guide, we will explore the best eyelid surgery options that Dr. Small offers, how each approach works, and what you need to know to choose the option that is right for you.

What Is Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)?

Blepharoplasty—commonly known as eyelid surgery—removes and repositions excess skin, fat, and tissue from the upper and/or lower eyelids. In some cases, upper eyelid surgery can also improve peripheral vision impaired by droopy skin.

Upper and lower eyelid surgery addresses different concerns and can be performed individually or together, depending on your anatomy and goals.

Upper Eyelid Surgery: Restoring a Brighter, More Awake Look

Upper blepharoplasty focuses on sagging or heavy upper lids that can make you appear tired, stern, or older than you feel.

During the procedure, excess skin—and when appropriate, small amounts of fat—is carefully removed through an incision hidden within the natural eyelid crease.

Benefits of upper eyelid surgery include:

• A more open, youthful eye appearance
• Improved symmetry and eyelid contour
• Relief from heaviness or visual obstruction
• Results that look refreshed, not “operated on”

Lower Eyelid Surgery: Addressing Puffiness and Under-Eye Bags

Lower blepharoplasty is ideal for patients bothered by under-eye bags, puffiness, or laxity that doesn’t improve with skincare or injectables. Dr. Small may place the incision either inside the eyelid or discreetly along the lash line, depending on your anatomy and the correction required.

This approach allows him to:

• Smooth bulging fat deposits
• Tighten loose skin when necessary
• Preserve a natural lower lid shape

Modern lower eyelid techniques emphasize fat repositioning rather than aggressive removal, helping prevent a hollow or overcorrected look.

When Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty Work Best Together

Dr. Stephen E. Small frequently recommends a combined approach when both the upper and lower eyelids contribute to a fatigued or closed-off appearance. By addressing excess skin, fat, and tissue across the entire eye area in a single procedure, he can help the eyes appear brighter, smoother, and more youthful without looking overcorrected.

This approach allows Dr. Small to:

• Create symmetry between the upper and lower eyelids
• Smooth puffiness and eye bags while preserving natural contours
• Avoid a mismatched or “half-corrected” appearance
• Achieve comprehensive rejuvenation with one recovery period

Because the eyelids play a critical role in both facial expression and eye function, combining procedures requires advanced surgical judgment and restraint. Dr. Small’s extensive reconstructive background ensures that every detail is carefully considered, prioritizing eye health, comfort, and long-term results.

Why Expertise Matters—Especially Around the Eyes

The eyelids are among the most complex and unforgiving areas of the face; even minor miscalculations can affect eye comfort, function, and appearance. Dr. Small’s background in reconstructive and burn surgery provides an added layer of expertise, enabling him to prioritize both aesthetics and safety.

Patients consistently note that he:

• Explains every step clearly
• Takes a conservative, detail-oriented approach
• Focuses on results that look natural and timeless

Choosing the Best Eyelid Surgery Option Starts with the Right Surgeon

Choosing the right eyelid surgery option begins with a surgeon whose training supports thoughtful, confident decision-making.

After earning his medical degree with honors from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), Dr. Stephen E. Small completed a demanding five-year general surgery residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Stratford, followed by an intensive burn and reconstructive surgery fellowship at New York Medical College, Valhalla.

He then refined his aesthetic judgment and technical precision through advanced plastic surgery training as a resident and chief resident at Ohio University within the Cleveland Clinic Health System.

This comprehensive background allows Dr. Small to evaluate eyelid concerns with exceptional insight—balancing anatomy, safety, and long-term facial harmony while protecting eye comfort, vision, and natural expression. For patients navigating their eyelid surgery options, that level of expertise makes all the difference.

If you are considering eyelid surgery and want guidance rooted in experience and integrity, a private consultation at Ocean Plastic Surgery is the ideal place to begin. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Small today.