Oculoplastics & Facial Aesthetics
Specialized Care for the Eyes, Eyelids & Upper Face
The eyes are one of the first features people notice and one of the most delicate areas of the face. At Ideal Eye Surgery, our oculoplastic services combine advanced ophthalmic expertise with specialized surgical training to address conditions affecting the eyelids, tear system, and surrounding facial structures.
Whether you are experiencing drooping eyelids that interfere with vision, chronic dry eye symptoms, eyelid irritation, or are interested in cosmetic rejuvenation, our team offers personalized treatment plans designed to improve both function and appearance.
With a focus on precision, artistry, and patient-centered care, we help patients achieve healthier eyes, greater comfort, and natural-looking results.
What Is Oculoplastic Surgery?
Specialized Surgery Where Ophthalmology Meets Plastic Surgery
Oculoplastic surgery — also called ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery — is a specialized field focused on the delicate structures surrounding the eye, including the eyelids, tear drainage system, and upper face. Because these structures directly affect vision, eye health, and comfort, they require a level of surgical precision that goes beyond general cosmetic surgery.
An oculoplastic surgeon is an ophthalmologist — a medical doctor specializing in the eye — with additional training in plastic and reconstructive surgery of the eyelids and surrounding tissues. This dual expertise means procedures are planned not only for how the eyes look, but for how they see and function.
Oculoplastic care addresses both functional concerns, such as drooping eyelids that block vision, eyelid malposition, and misdirected eyelashes, and cosmetic goals, such as refreshing tired-looking eyes with an eyelid lift. At Ideal Eye Surgery, every treatment plan is built around protecting your vision first — and achieving natural-looking results.
What Are You Noticing?
Start with what you’re experiencing — we’ll point you to the right place on this page.
01
My eyelids look heavy, puffy, or tired
Excess skin and under-eye bags can create a tired, aged look.
02
My eyelid droops into my vision
Drooping lids can make reading, driving, and everyday tasks harder.
03
My eyes water, or something rubs against them
Eyelids turned inward or outward stop protecting the eye properly.
04
My eyes feel dry, gritty, or fatigued
Burning, stinging, and fluctuating vision are common signs of dry eye.
05
My eyelashes scratch my eye
Lashes growing toward the eye cause ongoing irritation and redness.
06
I have a bump or growth on my eyelid
Cysts, skin tags, and other lesions deserve expert evaluation.
Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Lift)
Look More Rested. Feel More Confident.
Blepharoplasty, commonly known as an eyelid lift, is designed to improve excess eyelid skin, puffiness, and under-eye bags that can create a tired or aged appearance. As we age, the skin around the eyes naturally loses elasticity, causing the upper eyelids to appear heavy and the lower eyelids to develop puffiness or bags.
Our oculoplastic specialists perform customized eyelid lift procedures designed to refresh the eye area while preserving your natural features and expression.
Blepharoplasty May Help Improve:
- Heavy or drooping upper eyelids
- Excess eyelid skin
- Under-eye bags and puffiness
- A tired or aged appearance
- Vision obstruction caused by excess upper eyelid skin
Every treatment plan is tailored to your anatomy, goals, and overall eye health to achieve natural-looking, long-lasting results.
ZipLyft™ Eyelid Lift
A Simpler Way to Refresh Tired, Heavy Eyelids
Your eyes are often the first feature people notice. Over time, excess upper eyelid skin can make you look tired, older than you feel, or even interfere with your vision. If you’ve been considering eyelid surgery but are concerned about downtime, ZipLyft™ may be the solution.
At Ideal Eye Surgery, ZipLyft offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional upper eyelid surgery for the right patients. Performed in the office under local anesthesia, this innovative procedure removes excess upper eyelid skin without traditional sutures, helping reduce bruising and recovery time while delivering natural-looking results.
What Is ZipLyft™?
ZipLyft is an innovative upper eyelid procedure designed to remove excess skin through a minimally invasive approach. Using specialized Compression Skin Contouring (CoCo™) technology, the procedure minimizes bleeding while eliminating the need for traditional sutures. The procedure is performed comfortably in our office using local anesthesia and typically takes about 15 minutes.
For many patients, this means:
- Less bruising and swelling
- No stitches to remove
- A quicker recovery
- A comfortable in-office experience
- Natural-looking results
Is ZipLyft Right for Me?
You may be a candidate if you:
- Have loose or excess skin on your upper eyelids
- Feel your eyes always look tired or heavy
- Notice your eyelids make applying makeup more difficult
- Have upper eyelid skin that interferes with your peripheral vision
- Want a less invasive alternative to traditional upper eyelid surgery
Not every patient is a candidate for ZipLyft. During your consultation, we’ll carefully evaluate your eyelids, discuss your goals, and recommend the procedure that will give you the safest, most effective result. If another procedure—such as traditional blepharoplasty or ptosis repair—is a better fit, we’ll explain why and help you make an informed decision.
ZipLyft™ vs. Traditional Eyelid Surgery
Both procedures improve excess upper eyelid skin. The right choice depends on your anatomy, goals, and medical needs.
ZipLyft may be ideal for patients who:
- Prefer an in-office procedure
- Want to avoid stitches
- Desire less downtime
- Are good candidates based on their eyelid anatomy
Traditional blepharoplasty may be recommended if:
- More extensive skin removal is needed
- Additional eyelid correction is required
- Another functional eyelid procedure should be performed at the same time
We’ll recommend the option that’s right for you—not simply the newest one.
ZipLyft Frequently Asked Questions
Will I still look like myself? Yes. Our goal is to create a refreshed, rested appearance while preserving your natural features. Friends and family may notice you look more awake—but not that you’ve “had work done.”
Does the procedure hurt? ZipLyft is performed under local anesthesia, so most patients experience little discomfort during the procedure.
Will I have stitches? No. ZipLyft uses specialized compression technology that eliminates the need for traditional sutures.
How long do results last? Results are long-lasting, although the natural aging process continues. During your consultation, we’ll discuss what you can realistically expect based on your anatomy and goals.
What if ZipLyft isn’t right for me? Not everyone is an ideal candidate, and that’s okay. If another eyelid procedure will provide a better outcome, we’ll explain your options and recommend the treatment that’s best suited to your needs.
Medical & Cosmetic Botox
Expert Care for Both Function & Appearance
Botox is one of the most trusted and versatile treatments in oculoplastic medicine. While many people know Botox for its ability to soften fine lines and wrinkles, it also plays an important role in treating medical conditions that affect the eyes, eyelids, and surrounding facial muscles.
At Ideal Eye Surgery, every Botox treatment is performed with precision and purpose. Our oculoplastic specialists have advanced expertise in the delicate anatomy surrounding the eyes, allowing us to create personalized treatment plans that prioritize both function and natural-looking results. Whether you’re seeking relief from muscle spasms and tension or hoping to achieve a refreshed appearance, our goal is to help you look and feel your best.
Medical Botox May Help Treat
When muscles around the eyes and forehead contract excessively, they can cause more than unwanted movement—they may also contribute to discomfort, facial tension, and headaches. Botox works by temporarily relaxing these muscles, helping many patients experience meaningful relief while preserving natural movement and expression.
Medical Botox may be recommended to help treat:
- Eyelid spasms (blepharospasm)
- Excessive blinking
- Facial muscle spasms
- Brow and forehead muscle tension
- Tension-related headaches in appropriate patients
- Select conditions affecting eyelid comfort and function
Following a comprehensive evaluation, your specialist will determine whether Botox is an appropriate treatment based on your symptoms, goals, and overall eye health.
Cosmetic Botox Can Help Improve
Botox is also a simple, effective way to soften facial lines while maintaining the expressions that make you uniquely you. Rather than creating a “frozen” look, our approach focuses on subtle enhancements that leave you looking refreshed, rested, and naturally confident.
Cosmetic Botox can help improve:
- Crow’s feet
- Forehead lines
- Frown lines (“11s”)
- Brow heaviness
- Fine lines around the eyes
Treatment is quick, requires little to no downtime, and most patients return to their normal routine immediately after their appointment.
Why Choose an Oculoplastic Specialist for Botox?
The area around the eyes is one of the most delicate and expressive parts of the face. Choosing a provider with specialized training in eyelid and facial anatomy can make a meaningful difference in both your results and your experience.
As oculoplastic specialists, we have extensive expertise in the muscles, nerves, and structures that influence both eyelid function and facial aesthetics. This specialized training allows us to perform Botox with exceptional precision—whether the goal is relieving a functional condition, enhancing your appearance, or both.
From your initial consultation through every treatment, we’re committed to delivering personalized care, natural-looking results, and a treatment plan designed specifically for you. Our focus isn’t on changing how you look—it’s on helping you look refreshed, feel comfortable, and move through life with confidence.
Droopy Eyelid Surgery (Ptosis Repair)
Improve Vision & Restore a More Open Appearance
Drooping upper eyelids, known as ptosis, can interfere with daily activities and make patients appear tired or older than they feel. In many cases, ptosis can obstruct vision, making reading, driving, and other everyday tasks more difficult.
Ptosis repair is designed to elevate and reposition the eyelid, restoring a more natural eyelid position while improving visual function and appearance.
Symptoms of Ptosis May Include:
- Drooping upper eyelids
- Obstructed or reduced peripheral vision
- Eye strain or forehead fatigue
- Difficulty reading or driving
- A tired, heavy appearance
Our surgeons carefully evaluate the cause and severity of ptosis to create a personalized treatment plan that restores both function and confidence.
Entropion + Ectropion Repair
Restore Comfort & Protect Eye Health
The eyelids play a critical role in protecting and lubricating the eyes. When the eyelids turn inward or outward, they can no longer function properly, often causing chronic irritation, excessive tearing, discomfort, and damage to the surface of the eye.
Our oculoplastic specialists perform advanced eyelid malposition procedures designed to restore normal eyelid function and improve long-term eye health.
Entropion Repair
Entropion occurs when the eyelid turns inward, causing the eyelashes and skin to rub against the surface of the eye. This constant friction can lead to irritation, tearing, light sensitivity, and potential corneal damage if left untreated.
Symptoms of Entropion May Include:
- Eye irritation or redness
- Excessive tearing
- Foreign body sensation
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision from corneal irritation
- Recurrent eye infections or discomfort
Ectropion Repair
Ectropion occurs when the lower eyelid turns outward and away from the eye. This can prevent tears from properly coating the surface of the eye, leading to excessive tearing, dryness, redness, and discomfort. Without treatment, ectropion can leave the eye exposed and vulnerable to chronic irritation and corneal damage.
Symptoms of Ectropion May Include:
- Excessive tearing or watery eyes
- Eye redness and irritation
- Dryness or burning
- Sensitivity to wind and light
- Difficulty fully closing the eye
- Chronic eye discomfort
Permanent Eyelash Removal
Long-Term Relief From Misdirected Eyelashes
When eyelashes grow inward toward the eye, they can cause ongoing irritation, tearing, redness, and discomfort. Left untreated, misdirected eyelashes may scratch the surface of the eye and contribute to long-term corneal damage.
For patients with recurring lash misalignment, permanent eyelash removal can provide lasting relief and improved eye comfort.
Symptoms May Include:
- Eye irritation
- Excessive tearing
- Foreign body sensation
- Redness
- Sensitivity to light
- Recurrent corneal irritation
Our team carefully evaluates each patient’s condition to determine the most effective treatment approach for long-term results.
Eyelid Lesion Removal & Biopsy
Expert Evaluation of Eyelid Growths & Lesions
Lumps, bumps, cysts, skin tags, and other eyelid lesions are common and can affect both appearance and eye health. While many eyelid lesions are benign, some may require additional evaluation to rule out more serious conditions.
Our specialists provide expert assessment, removal, and biopsy of eyelid lesions when appropriate. Every procedure is performed with careful attention to both medical outcomes and cosmetic appearance.
We Commonly Evaluate:
- Eyelid cysts
- Skin tags
- Benign eyelid growths
- Pigmented lesions
- Suspicious or changing lesions
When necessary, biopsy testing can provide important information to guide treatment and ensure optimal care.
Dry Eye Treatment
Advanced Solutions for Lasting Relief
Dry eye disease is one of the most common eye conditions, affecting millions of people each year. Symptoms can range from occasional irritation to chronic discomfort that impacts daily life and visual quality.
Because healthy eyelids are essential for maintaining a stable tear film, many patients with eyelid conditions also experience dry eye symptoms.
Our specialists perform comprehensive evaluations to identify the underlying cause of dry eye and develop a personalized treatment plan focused on long-term relief.
Common Dry Eye Symptoms:
- Burning or stinging
- Redness
- Excessive tearing
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Eye fatigue
- Sensitivity to light
- Gritty or sandy sensation
Personalized Treatment Options
Treatment recommendations are tailored to each patient’s unique needs and may include prescription therapies, in-office treatments, lifestyle modifications, and management of underlying eyelid conditions.
Before & After
Patient results gallery coming soon — photos in progress with Dr. Bentivegna.
MEET YOUR EYELID SURGERY SPECIALIST
Rocio Bentivegna, M.D.
Specialized care for the eyelids — functional and cosmetic
Dr. Bentivegna is an ophthalmologist whose clinical focus includes eyelid surgery for droopy or malpositioned eyelids, both functional and cosmetic. She completed medical school and her initial ophthalmology residency in Argentina — where she was elected Chief Resident in Ophthalmology — before completing a second ophthalmology residency at Saint Louis University Hospital.
She is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Argentine Council of Ophthalmology, and cares for patients in both English and Spanish.
Fluent in English & SpanishAmerican Academy of OphthalmologyCreve Coeur, MO
When Should You See an Oculoplastic Surgeon?
Signs It May Be Time for a Specialist Evaluation
Many eyelid and tear-system conditions develop gradually, and patients often assume their symptoms are simply a normal part of aging. In many cases, these symptoms can be treated — improving comfort, appearance, and even vision.
If any of these sound familiar, a consultation with our oculoplastic team can determine the cause of your symptoms and the treatment options available — whether that means simple in-office care or a customized surgical plan.
You may benefit from an oculoplastic evaluation if you experience:
- Drooping or heavy upper eyelids that interfere with reading, driving, or peripheral vision
- Excess eyelid skin that makes your eyes look tired, even when well rested
- Eyelids that turn inward or outward, causing irritation or exposure
- Chronic eye irritation, redness, or the feeling of something in your eye
- Persistent watery eyes or excessive tearing
- Eyelashes that grow toward the eye and repeatedly cause discomfort
- A lump, bump, or lesion on the eyelid — especially one that is new, growing, or changing
- Ongoing dry eye symptoms that haven’t improved with over-the-counter drops
- A desire to refresh the appearance of your eyes with cosmetic eyelid surgery
What to Expect: Your Consultation, Procedure & Recovery
A Clear Path From First Visit Through Full Recovery
1
Your Consultation
Every oculoplastic treatment plan begins with a comprehensive evaluation. Your surgeon will examine your eyelids, eye health, and vision, discuss your symptoms and goals, and explain which treatment options are right for you. If eyelid drooping or excess skin is affecting your sight, visual field testing may be performed to document how your vision is impacted.
2
Your Procedure
Most eyelid procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you return home the same day. Many are done under local anesthesia with light sedation for your comfort. Your care team will walk you through exactly what to expect before your procedure — including how to prepare and what to arrange for the day of surgery.
3
Your Recovery
Recovery varies by procedure, but most patients experience mild swelling and bruising around the eyes for the first one to two weeks. Cold compresses, prescribed ointments, and simple activity restrictions help keep you comfortable while you heal. Most patients return to normal daily activities within one to two weeks, with final results continuing to refine over the following weeks. Your surgeon will provide detailed aftercare instructions and follow-up visits to monitor your healing.
Insurance & Medical Necessity
When eyelid conditions affect your vision or eye health — such as ptosis, entropion, ectropion, or excess eyelid skin that blocks your visual field — surgery may be considered medically necessary and covered by insurance, including Medicare. Cosmetic procedures are typically not covered. Our team will help you understand your coverage and, when appropriate, provide the documentation and testing insurers require.
Why Choose Ideal Eye Surgery?
At Ideal Eye Surgery, we combine advanced surgical expertise, specialized ophthalmic training, and personalized care to help patients achieve healthier eyes and natural-looking results. Patients choose our team for:
- Specialized oculoplastic expertise
- Functional and cosmetic treatment options
- Advanced eyelid surgery techniques
- Comprehensive dry eye care
- Personalized treatment plans
- A patient-centered experience from consultation through recovery
Whether you are seeking treatment for a medical eyelid condition, chronic dry eye symptoms, or cosmetic concerns around the eyes, our team is committed to helping you look and feel your best.
Schedule Your Consultation
Take the next step toward healthier eyes and renewed confidence. Schedule your consultation today to learn more about your personalized treatment options.