Close-up of woman's face with surgery incisions marked

Restore Your Vision and Appearance with Advanced Eyelid Surgery

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Are drooping or puffy eyelids making you look older or interfering with your vision? Call us at (623) 975-2020 or request an appointment online

The delicate skin of the eyelids and eyebrows is particularly susceptible to gravity and a loss of elasticity, which can lead to drooping eyelids.

At the Arizona Eye Institute & Cosmetic Laser Center in Phoenix, AZ, Dr. Emilio Justo can remove sagging skin and fat deposits to reshape the eyelids and help you appear youthful and healthy.

So why should you consider this procedure?

woman with silver hair

Raise Your Confidence

Targeting signs of aging can have a dramatic effect on your appearance and confidence.

clear vision

Improve Your Vision

When your upper eyelids droop, it can interfere with your vision. Dr. Justo can tighten muscles to address this issue.

smiling woman

Benefit from Versatility

As a cosmetic surgeon as well as an ophthalmologist, Dr. Justo can combine your eyelid surgery with other procedures, such as a brow lift or laser skin resurfacing, for more dramatic results.

Change Your Life Today

Experience the many benefits of blepharoplasty with the Arizona Eye Institute & Cosmetic Laser Center in Phoenix, AZ. We serve patients from all over the Valley, including Scottsdale, Sun City, Sun City West, and beyond. To request an appointment, contact us online or call:

(623) 975-2020

Book an Appointment Online

Patients Love Dr. Justo

1

Petra Metz

2020

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Dr. Justo and staff are amazing. He performed both upper and lower eyelid surgery on my eyes with excellent results. Entire office was professional and ensured I was comfortable with procedures. If I could give them 10 stars I certainly would.  Highly recommend Dr. Justo and entire staff for your eye and cosmetic needs!

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1

Sherrie Sims

2018

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I met Dr Justo and his wonderful staff eight years ago and I have never been disappointed. Dr Justo and his staff are always upbeat and willing to go the extra mile for me.  

I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE my eyes since I had my eyelid surgery.  Before the surgery everyone would always asked me if I was tired because my eyes were so droopy...not anymore!! ...

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You Can Look Rested and Refreshed

before eyelid surgery
Before
after eyelid surgery
After

Take a look at how a blepharoplasty works...

A Procedure with Multiple Benefits

This animation demonstrates how the procedure can produce both practical and cosmetic benefits.

What Can Blepharoplasty Correct?
 

Droopy Eyelids

Droopy Eyelids

If your upper lids are droopy, a blepharoplasty can provide a more alert, energetic look.

Bags under the Eyes

Bags under the Eyes

A lower blepharoplasty can have a dramatic effect on your appearance and eliminate under-eye bags.

Poor Vision

Poor Vision

With an upper blepharoplasty, Dr. Justo can target the excess skin interfering with your peripheral vision.

Wrinkles and Lines

Wrinkles and Lines

This surgery can also improve the appearance of visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles and lines around the eyes.

"Absolutely Painless."

I cannot say enough good things about my experience with Dr. Justo and his marvelous caring staff.
I had upper eyelid surgery done and now I see so much better, my night driving is more confident as well. But I especially appreciate how much better I look and how 
ABSOLUTELY PAINLESS my entire experience was from start to finish!

Kelly Kenfield - 5-Star Google Review - 2018

We Use Advanced Techniques to Address a Range of Concerns

At Arizona Eye Institute & Cosmetic Laser Center in Phoenix, AZ, we offer several forms of eyelid surgery. Dr. Justo can tailor your blepharoplasty to your unique needs and concerns. One of the most common reasons patients seek an eyelid lift is due to sagging.

In some cases, this issue is caused by muscle weakness, a condition known as "true blepharoptosis." However, more often, patients suffer from "pseudo-blepharoptosis" due to excess skin and fatty tissue. Whatever the reason for your concerns, Dr. Justo can perform advanced, minimally invasive blepharoplasty to improve your vision and appearance.

At our practice, Dr. Justo completes blepharoplasties on the lower and upper lids, as well as surgeries to address muscle weakness in the eyelid region. 

Is This Surgery Right for Me?

Good Overall Health

Good Overall Health

As with any surgery, patients should be free of health concerns which could lead to complications.

No Tobacco Use

No Tobacco Use

Since nicotine can interfere with healing, we strongly recommend quitting at least several months before surgery.

Realistic Expectations

Realistic Expectations

While an eye lift can provide a significantly more youthful appearance, it cannot completely reverse aging.

Eyelid Surgery Techniques

Dr. Justo discusses why blepharoplasty is performed, what patients can expect during surgery, and how their lives will benefit in different ways, from upper and lower eyelid procedures.

Laser Eyelid Surgery

We are proud to offer laser eyelid surgery, an advancement on traditional blepharoplasty, to patients in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sun City, Sun City West, and beyond. This state-of-the-art procedure involves the use of a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser to remove excess skin and fatty tissue.

After making small incisions (sometimes on the inside of the lid, other times within the natural crease to camouflage them), the UltraPulse Encore laser instantly and precisely ablates tissue around the upper and lower eyelids. The laser beam tightens loose, sagging skin, and eliminates bags beneath the eyes. Since the laser beam cauterizes the blood vessel as it reshapes the tissue, it prevents bleeding during the procedure and allows Dr. Justo to visualize exactly how much tissue to remove. This makes the surgery quicker, safer, and more effective than traditional blepharoplasty.

Benefits of Laser Blepharoplasty

The benefits of laser eyelid surgery include:

  • No scalpels or knives
  • Greater precision
  • Greater access to small and delicate areas
  • Reduced chance of post-operative swelling
  • Quicker recovery than the traditional procedure
  • Less risk than with traditional blepharoplasty
  • Quicker and more effective when compared to traditional methods
  • Simultaneous laser skin resurfacing for the treatment of lines, wrinkles, and crow's feet around the eyes

Learn More About Laser Eyelid Surgery

Dr. Emilio M. Justo explains the benefits of laser blepharoplasty. Laser therapy offers several advantages over traditional blepharoplasty.

"I Am Beyond Happy!"

1

Donna Meyer

2015

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I had cataract surgery on both eyes in February.  I am amazed how much better I can see.  The results have been wonderful.  In March I had eyelid surgery with great results.  Both surgeries were much easier than I had anticipated.  Everyone in the office was so nice and helpful and knew what they were doing.  It is a great office and well managed.  I highly recommend Dr. Justo and his staff..

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1

Jennifer Donald

2014

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Just had my eyelid surgery done 2 weeks ago and it looks amazing already! I am beyond happy with my results!  Dr. Justo is a wonderful, compassionate surgeon and has an excellent team behind him.  Everyone I have been in contact with since my first phone call has been great and helpful.  I would highly recommend Dr. Justo and his team!

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Eyelid Lift Results

A pre-eyelid surgery photo of a female patient
Before
A post-eyelid surgery photo of a female patient
After
*actual patient photos

Eyelid Surgery Results & Testimonials

If you are considering blepharoplasty, we encourage you to view Before & After photos and read our patient testimonials, gathered from men and women throughout Sun City, Sun City West, and throughout Arizona.

Before and After ImagePatricia's Story

Patricia Mealy got the scare of her life.

Driving roads she had driven for years, she realized she was crossing into other people's lanes.

"I was on the freeway! When I realized. I stopped driving the freeway and began to lose my independence. Thankfully, I learned about eyelid surgery and I gained my vision and my independence back." 

Like many, Patricia did not realize that upper eyelid surgery is often authorized by insurance, due to its success in repairing vision constraints caused by drooping skin.

Read More of Patrcia's Story and Other Eyelid Surgery Stories

Watch a Live Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery

A four lid blepharoplasty eliminates the excess droopy skin on the upper eyelid as well as eliminating bags under the eyes. Watch as Dr. Justo explains the procedure and shows each step. Portions of real surgery are included in this video.

How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost?

The cost of your blepharoplasty will depend on several factors, including the extent of the surgery required to achieve your goals, and whether we can have your upper eyelid surgery authorized by your insurance company.

To find out exactly what blepharoplasty will cost you, call us for a consultation today! We welcome patients from Sun City, Sun City West, and throughout the state.

Insurance Coverage

Like many patients, you may want to eliminate drooping skin to improve your vision. However, you may be worried that you will not be able to afford the surgery. Fortunately, functional upper eyelid surgery is often covered by insurance. We will take extra steps to help you obtain the coverage you deserve.

Before beginning treatment, Dr. Justo will conduct a visual field test to determine if your drooping lids have significantly impaired your eyesight. If he establishes that blepharoptosis is affecting your vision and quality of life, he will submit your test results and photos to your insurance company to obtain treatment authorization.

Upper eyelid surgery is often authorized by insurance providers as medically necessary because droopy lids can impair your peripheral vision, lead to eye fatigue, and cause brow strain.

Global Fee

Because we operate our fully accredited surgery center right here on site, you can always count on the Arizona Eye Institute & Cosmetic Laser Center to quote you one global fee for any cosmetic procedure not covered by insurance, with no surprises or additional fees. Any cosmetic procedures provided by Dr. Justo have one single global fee which includes the professional surgery fee, the facility fee (operating room, nurses, surgical supplies) and the anesthesia fee all bundled together so as to minimize any confusion for the patient.

Unlike many plastic surgeons in the area, there are no hidden fees at our practice serving patients from Phoenix, Scottsdale, and throughout the Valley.

You Can Afford It

Even if you do not have health insurance, we offer CareCredit® financing to help you afford your surgery. To start planning your blepharoplasty, call us at:

(623) 975-2020

Book an Appointment Online

"The Staff Are Wonderful"

I very highly recommend Arizona Eye Institute for all of their amazing services. The staff are wonderful. They really make you feel like part of their family. Dr Justo is a top notch doctor and surgeon. I know that I am in the best hands and receiving the best care. I would recommend them to everyone I know!

Cris Brown - 5-Star Google Review - 2017

Muscle Tightening Eyelid Surgery

Many adults notice that the skin above their eyes has slowly drifted down to cover part or most of the pupil. Common causes of this issue include the aging process, muscle weakness of the elevating muscle of the upper eyelid, or in some cases, familial or genetic predisposition.

Droopy eyelid skin caused by muscle weakness is known as “true blepharoptosis.” More commonly, drooping lids are caused by the overhang of excess upper eyelid skin and fatty tissue, which is known as “pseudo-blepharoptosis.”

If we determine that muscle weakness is causing your droopy eyelids, two separate surgeries can be utilized to correct this issue: a muellerectomy or a levator resection.

Natural-Looking Results

Before Muller Surgery
Before
After Muller Surgery
After
Meet patients who have undergone muscle tightening surgery by Founder & Medical Director, Emilio M. Justo, M.D., and love their results.

Benefits of Muscle Tightening Eyelid Surgery

Sagging eyelid skin can make you appear old, unhealthy, fatigued, and even depressed. However, tighter, firmer skin can make you look years younger, not to mention healthier and refreshed. All of these traits can have a significant impact on a person's demeanor and self-esteem. By performing eyelid surgery, we can not only improve the appearance of our patients from Phoenix, Scottsdale, and beyond, but also their self-confidence.

The Difference Between Muellerectomy and Levator Surgery

Emilio M. Justo, M.D., invites you to learn the difference between the two eyelid tightening surgeries that relieve patients from limited vision and a tired appearance.

Muellerectomy Procedure

Dr. Justo performs the large majority of his upper eyelid “muscle tightening” procedures using a procedure known as conjunctival-muellerectomy surgery. This 15-minute outpatient procedure is performed under local anesthesia with minimal discomfort. The procedure involves a small, hidden incision underneath the upper eyelid, followed by placement of an absorbable suture that dissolves in approximately 10 days.

The primary advantages of such a procedure are:

  • Short operation time
  • Minimal post-operative bruising and swelling
  • High degree of accuracy, reproducibility, and symmetry
  • Avoidance of post-operative “notching” of the upper eyelid
  • Avoidance of any skin incision or scar

The main disadvantages of a muellerectomy are:

  • Limited degree of elevation of the eyelid in cases of severe eyelid droop (blepharoptosis)
  • Does not correct any skin sagging that may co-exist with the muscle weakness
  • During your initial consultation, Dr. Justo will discuss your options in detail and help you decide on your best course of action.

Muellerectomy (Eyelid Tightening Surgery)

Watch as Dr. Emilio M. Justo demonstrates on a live patient the Muellerectomy surgery, which tightens the patient's eyelids to dramatically improve their vision and appearance. This video contains clips of an actual surgery.

Levator Resection

If you show signs of marked muscle weakness with the eyelid clearly falling below the level of the pupil, or you require a secondary (repeat) muscle-tightening procedure, Dr. Justo will recommend a traditional levator aponeurosis advancement and tightening procedure. This procedure is also performed using local anesthesia although it is more time-intensive and requires a skin incision through the natural crease of the upper eyelid. The main advantages of the levator resection procedure are:

  • It can elevate the upper eyelid to a much higher degree than a muellerectomy procedure
  • An upper eyelid blepharoplasty (removal of skin and fat) can be performed simultaneously using the same external skin incision through the upper eyelid crease

The primary disadvantages of the external levator resection approach are:

  • Requires longer surgical time, approximately 20-40 minutes per eyelid
  • Typically results in greater post-operative bruising and swelling than the muellerectomy procedure
  • Small risk of “lid notching” of the upper eyelid which can sometimes result in a slightly less than natural lid contour

Levator Repair Surgery

At times, a patient may require a procedure called Levator Repair to tighten their eyelid muscle successfully. In this video, our Founder & Medical Director Emilio M. Justo, M.D., explains the procedure and showcases his work on a real patient. This video contains real video of surgery. Another option that Dr. Justo uses to repair ptosis and tighten the eyelid muscle to improve vision and appearance.

Hear from Dr. Justo

Dr. Justo has performed hundreds of muscle-tightening eyelid surgeries for Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sun City, and Sun City West residents and surrounding communities since 1989, making him more experienced than many plastic surgeons in the area. He states:

“An eyelid lift is really a misnomer as most of the public views an 'eyelid lift' as the same term as a blepharoplasty for removing excess baggy skin and fat. However, performing a blepharoplasty does NOT truly elevate the position of the upper eyelid. The only real way of 'lifting' the eyelid is to tighten the muscle(s) of the upper lid so as to elevate lid position away from the pupil. Hence, in reality the true 'eyelid lift' is really a muscle-tightening procedure.”

Lower Eyelid Surgery Results

Before and after lower eyelid surgery
Outpatient lower eyelid surgery removes excess bagginess under your eyes for comfort, quality of life and improved appearance. This patient had lower and upper eyelid surgery.

"Highly Recommend!"

1

Joy Osborn

2018

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Where do I start? Amazing! Hands down one of the most perfessonal doctors I’ve dealt with. Dr. Justo has wonderful bedside manner. Dawn and Stephanie are amazing, along with their surgical team. I could have not asked for a better experience. I highly recommend!!!

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1

Ilse Kremer

2020

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Dr Justo and his team were amazing. Everyone was friendly and helpful and took the time to thoroughly examine my procedure and options. Highly recommend!

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The Basics of Lower Eyelid Surgery

Do your lower eyelids appear baggy or puffy? Do you look tired all of the time, or even swollen? Or, do you have loose, wrinkled skin below your eye? Lower eyelid bagginess can cause a lot of stress that can impact your life in a big way.  Baggy lower eyelids can influence how you feel, both physically and mentally, and how others see you.

sagging lower eyelid

Fortunately, there is a relatively simple outpatient procedure that can eliminate lower eyelid bags and improve texture of your eyelid skin, resulting in a smoother, more youthful appearance that will improve your comfort and quality of life: lower lid blepharoplasty.

Why Choose Us for Lower Eyelid Surgery?

Improved Appearance

You don't have to live with bags under your eyes any longer when you undergo lower lid blepharoplasty at our Phoenix area practice.

Impressive Experience

Emilio M. Justo, M.D., was one of the first surgeons in Arizona to perform the lower lid blepharoplasty using the state-of-the-art Ultra Pulse Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Laser for better results and improved healing.

High-End Facility

Dr. Justo performs the procedure in his Medicare-certified and Arizona state-accredited outpatient Surgical Center located conveniently in our Sun City West medical office building.

Do You Qualify for Lower Lid Blepharoplasty?

Much like upper eyelid surgery, Dr. Justo can sit down with you for a detailed consultation to determine whether you are a candidate for this procedure. He can also customize your surgical plan to meet your individual needs, ensuring the most desired and natural results. Dr. Justo will ensure that your every question is answered during your consultation.

We Are the Best Choice for Blepharoplasty

If you are looking for a plastic surgeon in the greater Phoenix area to expertly perform blepharoplasty, look no further. Dr. Justo has three decades of experience in this field. To request a consultation with our surgeon, please contact us online or call: 

(623) 975-2020

Request a Consultation 

Types of Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Trans-Conjunctival (Internal) Incision Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty

For Dr. Emilio Justo, approximately nine out of ten of his lower eyelid blepharoplasty procedures are performed using the trans-conjunctival or internal technique. With the patient having IV sedation such that he/she is under a deep twilight anesthesia, Dr. Justo uses the Ultrapulse CO2 Laser to make a small cut on the inside of the lower eyelid thru the conjunctiva, which is a mucous membrane tissue. Dr. Justo then teases out and removes the protruding fat pockets causing the external puffy appearance. This internal incision does not require any sutures as it heals very quickly in a matter of days.

In general, this technique results in minimal bruising and swelling. In the vast majority of such cases, Dr. Justo will at the same time use the Ultrapulse CO2 Laser to perform a “laser peel” or laser resurfacing technique over the skin surrounding the eyes (peri-ocular) to help provide gentle tightening of the skin and to texturize any fine lines or wrinkles. The patient is discharged home the same day after this 30-minute procedure.

Sub-Ciliary (External) Incision Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty

In a much smaller percentage of his lower eyelid blepharoplasties, Dr. Justo will use an external incision beneath the lash line extending from the inner corner of the eyelid and ending just beyond the outer corner of the eyelid. Using this technique, Dr. Justo will excise and remove a thin strip of skin from the lower eyelids for those patients in whom he feels that the internal incision technique in combination with the laser peel may not be sufficient to create the desired appearance.

With the external incision technique, the procedure takes at least twice as long, and the patient is subject to more bruising and swelling compared to the internal technique. Also, Dr. Justo does not perform a laser peel of the “peri-ocular” skin at the same time the external incision is performed so as to avoid creating skin which is too tight and not natural looking. This external incision technique is very beneficial for those patients who clearly demonstrate a significant amount of baggy or loose skin in the lower eyelids.

Benefits 

  • Diminish or eliminate baggy fat pockets underneath the eye resulting in a more youthful and "less tired" appearance.
  • Reduce any excess skin or tissue that is creating baggy lids or skin.
  • Can smoothen and texturize fine lines and wrinkles both beneath the eyes and around the “crow’s feet” area.

Watch a Lower Eyelid Surgery

Dr. Emilio M. Justo performs a lower eyelid surgery to eliminate baggy eyes that make the patient feel and look older and tired. Watch as Dr. Justo explains each step of the procedure. This video contains actual surgery on a patient.

Upper and Lower Eyelids

While you may only have lower eyelids that are troubling you, it is not uncommon for the upper eyelids to be impacted by droopy skin or excess tissue at the same time. During your consultation, Dr. Justo will examine both your upper and lower eyelids.  If you are a candidate for blepharoplasty on both your upper and lower eyelids, Dr. Justo will review with you the option of having both procedures completed during a single surgery. 

Close-up of an eye

Find Out How We Can Help You

It is recommended that you schedule a consultation with Dr. Justo to confirm your candidacy for upper and/or lower eyelid blepharoplasty, as well as to review corrective options that fit your needs. Patients from throughout the state, including Sun City and beyond, can request a consultation right now by contacting us online or calling:

(623) 975-2020

Request a Consultation

Laser Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid Surgery using lasers allows for less bleeding and better patient comfort. Dr. Justo was one of the first to adopt this technique and has performed thousands of these procedures. Patients discuss their positive results following eyelid surgery.

Double Eyelid Surgery

Double eyelid surgery, also referred to as Asian blepharoplasty, is a specialized technique used to create a crease in the upper eyelid. During this procedure, some excess skin, muscle, and fat may be removed, and the remaining skin on the upper eyelid is carefully tightened and reshaped. Each procedure is highly personalized to create the most natural-looking results and a flattering shape in order to complement facial features. 

double eyelid surgery

What to Expect During Eyelid Surgery Recovery

Patients and staff explain what to expect during eyelid surgery recovery. Stitches are removed about nine days after surgery. Patients discuss their results and the benefits they experience after eyelid surgery.

The Typical Blepharoplasty Recovery Timeline

Close-up of a closed eye

First Week

It is normal to experience swelling and bruising during this time. Typically, patients can return to work within the first week as long as there is no strenuous labor involved.

Patient administering eye drops

Two Weeks

Side effects may persist but should begin to subside with proper management, such as eye drops and antibiotics. For proper healing, follow the doctor's recommendations.

Patient cleaning eyelid with cotton swab

First Few Months

Over the next several weeks and months, you will watch as your eyelids heal and you see your final, natural-looking results take shape. During this period, we may schedule you for follow-up post operative consultations to watch your progress.

Your Satisfaction Matters

"I would recommend Dr. Justo and wonderful staff to everyone!  And the best part is that my eyes look completely natural, just the way I wanted!  I am so pleased with the results!"

Theresa S.

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Arizona Eye Institute & Cosmetic Laser Center

Ophthalmologist and plastic surgeon Emilio Justo founded Arizona Eye Institute & Cosmetic Laser Center in 1989. With locations in Sun City West, Sun City, and Wickenburg, AZ, we help patients from the Phoenix area and beyond improve and maintain their vision through quality eye care. Our doctors are affiliated with prestigious organizations, including:

  • The American Board of Ophthalmology
  • The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery
  • The American Academy of Ophthalmology
  • The Arizona Medical Association
  • The Arizona Ophthalmological Society
  • The Phoenix Ophthalmological Society

To request a consultation, please fill out our online form or call (623) 975-2020.

Contact Us Today






Over the years, many people have asked me my secret… The answer is simple – I listen carefully and attentively.
Dr. Emilio Justo

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