Blepharoplasty in Franklin, TN | Eyelid Surgery Near Me
Posted April 03, 2026 in Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)
Eyelid surgery is one of the most sought-after facial plastic surgery procedures for patients who notice drooping eyelids, under-eye bags, or a tired or aged appearance that no longer reflects how vibrant they feel. Whether the concern involves your upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, Dr. David Gilpin brings dual board-certified precision and fellowship-trained skill to every procedure. To find out whether you are a good candidate, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Gilpin Facial Plastics.
What Is Eyelid Surgery?
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to address excess skin, excess fat, and loose skin around the eyelids that can create a heavy, fatigued look. The natural aging process causes the delicate tissue surrounding the eyelids to lose elasticity over time, leading to sagging skin or puffiness that can make you appear older than you feel. In some cases, drooping eyelids may even contribute to visual impairment by obstructing peripheral sight.
Dr. Gilpin performs both upper blepharoplasty and lower blepharoplasty, tailoring each approach to your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals. Upper eyelid surgery typically involves a discreet incision within the natural crease of the upper lid, allowing careful removal of excess skin and repositioning of fat. Lower blepharoplasty addresses under-eye bags, dark circles, and excess fat through incisions placed just below the lash line or inside the lower lid, keeping incision lines virtually imperceptible.
Upper and Lower Eyelid Lift: Understanding Your Options
Not every patient needs surgery on both the upper and lower eyelids. During your consultation, Dr. Gilpin will evaluate your medical history, skin texture, the degree of eyelid sagging, and your overall facial anatomy to recommend the most appropriate plan. Some patients benefit from addressing both upper and lower eyelids together for a cohesive, balanced result, while others may only require a targeted upper or lower blepharoplasty.
Upper blepharoplasty focuses on removing excess skin and, when present, excess fat from the upper lid to open up the eye area and reduce a heavy or hooded appearance. Lower blepharoplasty targets the puffiness and loose skin beneath the eye that contributes to an aged appearance. In select cases, a brow lift may be recommended alongside eyelid surgery to address brow descent that can contribute to droopy eyelids.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
The ideal candidate for eyelid surgery is in good overall health, does not smoke, and has realistic expectations about what the procedure can accomplish. You may be a good candidate if you experience one or more of the following:
- Sagging skin or excess skin on the upper eyelids that creates a heavy appearance
- Droopy eyelids or drooping eyelids that make you look fatigued or older
- Under-eye bags or puffiness caused by excess fat beneath the lower eyelids
- Dark circles accentuated by hollowness or displaced fat in the lower lid area
- Loose skin on the lower eyelids contributes to wrinkles or crepiness
- Visual impairment related to severely drooping upper eyelids
The Blepharoplasty Procedure
Eyelid surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis, meaning most patients return home the same day. Depending on the extent of the procedure and your individual circumstances, Dr. Gilpin may use local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. The use of local anesthetic ensures your comfort throughout the procedure while minimizing systemic effects.
During upper blepharoplasty, a precise skin incision is made within the natural crease of the upper lid. Excess skin and fat are carefully removed or repositioned before the incision is closed with fine sutures. Lower blepharoplasty may involve an incision placed just below the lash line or a transconjunctival approach on the inside of the lower lid, depending on whether skin removal is needed. Most surgical procedures in our fully accredited in-house surgical suite take 1 to 3 hours.
Recovery After Eyelid Surgery
The recovery period following blepharoplasty is generally manageable for most patients. You can expect some temporary swelling, bruising, and sensitivity in the days following surgery. Keeping your head elevated, applying cold compresses as directed, and avoiding strenuous activities and lifting heavy objects will support a smoother recovery. Dr. Gilpin will remove sutures within the first week and provide clear aftercare instructions at every stage.
Most patients feel comfortable returning to light activity within seven to ten days, though individual recovery varies. You should plan to avoid contact lenses for a short period following surgery and refrain from heavy objects and strenuous activities until Dr. Gilpin confirms it is safe to resume. Final results continue to refine over several weeks as residual swelling resolves.
Why Choose Gilpin Facial Plastics
When it comes to eyelid surgery in Nashville and the surrounding communities, the surgeon you choose matters enormously. Dr. David Gilpin is one of a rare group of surgeons who holds dual board certifications from both the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. His entire practice is dedicated exclusively to the face, meaning his training, skill, and focus are never divided across the full body.
Dr. Gilpin completed fellowship training under one of the world’s foremost experts in facial plastic surgery, and he has been recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for six consecutive years, a peer-nominated honor that reflects sustained excellence in patient care and surgical outcomes. He has been featured in Nashville Lifestyles and regularly presents to surgical peers as a national speaker, reflecting a commitment to staying at the forefront of facial rejuvenation.
What sets the experience at Gilpin Facial Plastics apart extends beyond credentials. Dr. Gilpin personally calls patients or their caregivers the night following surgery and offers home or hotel visits to check on recovery, a level of physician-led aftercare that reflects exceptional patient care rarely found in this field.
Complementary and Other Procedures
Blepharoplasty is often combined with other procedures to achieve more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. A brow lift, for example, can address descending brows that contribute to the appearance of heavy or droopy eyelids. Non-surgical procedures, such as injectable treatments, may also complement surgical results for patients looking to address fine lines, volume loss, or skin quality alongside their eyelid surgery. Dr. Gilpin will discuss all relevant options during your consultation so you can make a fully informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blepharoplasty in Franklin, TN
Am I a good candidate for eyelid surgery?
You may be a good candidate if you have droopy eyelids, under-eye bags, sagging skin, or excess fat around the eyelids that affects your appearance or, in some cases, your vision. Ideal candidates are in good overall health and have realistic expectations.
What is the difference between upper and lower blepharoplasty?
Upper blepharoplasty focuses on the upper eyelids, addressing excess skin and fat that can create a hooded or heavy appearance. Lower blepharoplasty targets the lower eyelids to reduce under-eye bags, dark circles, and loose skin. Many patients choose to address the upper and lower eyelids together for a balanced result, though this depends on your individual concerns and goals.
How long does recovery from eyelid surgery take?
Recovery time varies by patient, but most are comfortable resuming light activities within 7 to 10 days. Keeping your head elevated, using cold compresses, and avoiding strenuous activities support a smoother recovery.
Will my eyelid surgery scars be visible?
Incision lines are strategically placed within the natural crease of the upper lid or just below the lash line on the lower lid to minimize visibility. Over time, most incision lines fade significantly and become very discreet.
Can blepharoplasty improve vision?
When severely drooping upper eyelids obstruct peripheral vision, upper eyelid surgery may improve vision by removing excess skin that creates the obstruction. This functional aspect of blepharoplasty can sometimes be addressed alongside cosmetic goals. During your consultation, Dr. Gilpin will assess whether your concerns include a functional component.
Is eyelid surgery typically performed under general anesthesia?
Eyelid surgery is typically performed using local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the scope of the procedure and your individual preferences. Dr. Gilpin and his team will discuss the most appropriate anesthesia plan to ensure your comfort and safety during the consultation.
How do I choose a board-certified surgeon for blepharoplasty in Franklin, TN?
Choosing a board-certified facial plastic surgeon with a subspecialty focus is one of the most important decisions in your surgical journey. Dr. Gilpin holds dual board certifications and dedicates his entire practice to facial procedures, enabling patients to benefit from a depth of expertise that general plastic surgeons may not offer.
What should I avoid during recovery after eyelid surgery?
During your recovery period, you should avoid lifting heavy objects, strenuous activities, and wearing contact lenses until cleared by Dr. Gilpin. Keeping your head elevated and applying cold compresses as directed can help manage temporary swelling.
Schedule Your Blepharoplasty Consultation at Gilpin Facial Plastics
If drooping eyelids, under-eye bags, or sagging skin around your eyes have been affecting your self-confidence, blepharoplasty in Franklin, TN, may be the right next step. Dr. David Gilpin, dual board-certified facial plastic surgeon and Castle Connolly Top Doctor for six consecutive years, provides personalized eyelid surgery with an uncompromising commitment to natural-looking results and exceptional patient care. Contact us online to schedule your consultation; individual results may vary.
Dr. David Gilpin is Nashville’s most accomplished dual board-certified facial plastic surgeon and the founder of Gilpin Facial Plastics, the city’s largest facial plastic surgery and medspa practice. With advanced fellowship training under one of the world’s leading experts in facial plastic surgery, Dr. Gilpin brings extensive knowledge, skill, and experience to every procedure he performs. He is particularly recognized for his expertise in facelift plastic surgery, delivering natural-looking facelifts that enhance facial harmony while preserving each patient’s unique features. Committed to continual learning and innovation, Dr. Gilpin stays at the forefront of facial rejuvenation techniques to provide patients with the most advanced and cutting-edge facelift procedures available.
Renowned for his personalized approach to both surgical and non-surgical facial procedures, Dr. Gilpin is known for achieving refined, long-lasting, and natural results. He has been featured in Nashville Lifestyles, recognized as a RealSelf Top Doctor, and regularly serves as a national speaker, sharing his expert knowledge with peers across the country. Handpicked by his peers as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for the past six years and selected by Allergan to host the official Allergan Botox Day celebration two years in a row, Dr. Gilpin is trusted by A-list clients and respected colleagues alike. His leadership, experience, and compassionate care firmly establish him as one of the most sought-after facial plastic surgeons in Nashville, TN, and the eastern United States.Dr. David Gilpin is Nashville’s most accomplished
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