Earlier this week, Amanda Bynes posted a video on Tik Tok revealing that she had undergone blepharoplasty — a procedure to remove excess eyelid skin. The former child star, 37, told her followers on social media that the final product boosted her confidence.
“It was one of the best things I could ever do for my confidence and it made me feel so much better in my skin so I just wanted to post about it just to clear up this rumor as to why they have a new look”, the Hair spray said the actress. “I feel so much better about myself now and I’m so glad I had the blepharoplasty. It was one of the greatest things I could ever do.”
Bynes’ “new look” has since sparked a lot of curiosity about the process. PEOPLE recently spoke with plastic surgeon Dr. Peter Lee, eyelid specialist and managing director at Wave Plastic Surgeryto learn more about it.
“I think her results are great!” Lee, who did not confront Bynes, tells PEOPLE. “It looks natural and has definitely given her a fresher look. The important thing is that it doesn’t change who you are, it just restores the youthful version of yourself.”
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Frank Trapper/Corbis via Getty. Amanda Bynes/Instagram
What is blepharoplasty?
“As we age, the skin of the upper eyelid loosens and falls over the eyes. This is especially true in the outer corners of the eye, resulting in a more tired and sad look,” explains Lee. “Upper blepharoplasty, commonly referred to as blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure aimed at rejuvenating the upper eyelid area. It involves removing excess skin, fat and sometimes muscle to create a more youthful and alert appearance.”
How is the process done?
“The procedure usually begins with an incision along the natural crease of the upper eyelid and removing excess skin, visible fat, and muscle,” says Lee. “The goal is to naturally restore the upper eyelid to a youthful state. Typically, the surgery takes about an hour to perform, with a recovery time of 2 weeks, the stitches are removed anywhere from 5 to 10 days after surgery.
What are some of the risks?
“Upper blepharoplasty is generally well tolerated,” Lee tells PEOPLE. “Although rare, some risks and complications may occur, such as bleeding, infection, dry eye, corneal irritation, squint or difficulty closing the eyelids, asymmetry, skin changes, scarring, impaired vision, or the need for additional or revision surgery ».
What is the average cost of an eyelid surgery?
According to American Society of Plastic Surgeonss, the average cost of an blepharoplasty is $3,339, not including anesthesia, operating room facilities, or other related costs.
“The cost of upper blepharoplasty varies depending on the region, the expertise of the surgeon, the patient’s individual situation/condition, and the complexity of the procedure required,” explains Lee.
