With over 70 years of collective experience, our board-certified plastic surgery team is known for their unwavering commitment to personalized care. Our facial rejuvenation surgeries are performed with precision, insight, and artistry, revealing your most refreshed, youthful appearance while preserving your unique beauty.
Blepharoplasty revitalizes the eye area by removing sagging skin and excess fat, and tightening the underlying muscles. The upper and lower eyelids can both benefit from blepharoplasty, depending on the patients' needs. Say goodbye to sagging lids and under-eye bags with VIP-level care tailored to you.
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Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery or an eyelid lift, is a surgical procedure designed to rejuvenate the appearance of the upper eyelids or lower eyelids. A quick outpatient surgery, blepharoplasty involves removing excess skin and fat, tightening the muscles, and repositioning the tissues around the eyes. Patients can choose to undergo an upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or both, depending on their specific needs and goals. By reversing common signs of aging in the eye area, you can enjoy a refreshed and rested look that enhances your entire appearance.
Upper Blepharoplasty
Upper blepharoplasty (also known as an upper eyelid lift or upper eyelid surgery), utilizes precise surgical techniques to remove excess skin, muscle, and sometimes fat from the upper lids, effectively addressing drooping and sagging. During surgery, fine incisions are made in the natural creases of the eyelids where they are well concealed. An upper eyelid lift provides a more youthful and refreshed appearance, may improve vision obstructed by sagging eyelids, and enhances overall facial harmony.
Lower Blepharoplasty
Lower blepharoplasty (also known as a lower eyelid lift or lower eyelid surgery) reduces excess skin and fat under the eyes, sculpting away puffiness, bags, and wrinkles. Incisions are made just below the eyelash line or on the inside of the lower eyelid, ensuring an inconspicuous scar. The benefits of lower blepharoplasty include a smoother, more youthful under-eye area, reduced dark circles, and an overall rejuvenated facial appearance.
On the day of your blepharoplasty surgery, you will receive anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. For upper blepharoplasty, the surgeon will remove excess skin and fat through a fine incision along the crease of the eyelid. For lower blepharoplasty, incisions are typically made just beneath the lash line or inside the lower eyelid. The surgeon then precisely removes or repositions excess fat, tightens underlying muscles, and removes any excess skin. The procedure typically takes one to two hours to perform depending on whether you are having upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or both. After your procedure, you will be monitored in a recovery area before returning home with a friend or family member to drive you.
Blepharoplasty effectively addresses several common conditions, including:
Wondering whether blepharoplasty is a good fit for your needs? The best way to learn about your options for surgical rejuvenation is to schedule a consultation with one of our plastic surgeons. At this initial appointment, you will discuss your goals, have all of your questions answered, and receive personalized treatment recommendations based on your needs. Your surgeon will also learn about your medical history to determine whether it is safe for you to undergo cosmetic surgery.
In general, blepharoplasty candidates should meet the following qualifications:
Some patients wonder, do I need blepharoplasty or a brow lift? A brow lift is addresses sagging eyebrows, deep forehead wrinkles, or frown lines, providing a more youthful and refreshed upper face. In contrast, blepharoplasty addresses drooping or puffy eyelids and under-eye bags. For some patients, combining these procedures can enhance the overall results, lifting the brow while also rejuvenating the eyelids.
At Plastic Surgery Associates of Santa Rosa, our experienced providers will help you design a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
After eyelid surgery, it is crucial to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions to ensure optimal healing and results. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are normal parts of early recovery and can be managed by taking prescribed medications and following all aftercare instructions. Keeping your head elevated, using cold compresses, and avoiding excessive sun exposure aid in the healing process. Most patients are able to return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks. Strenuous activities should be avoided for at least 3-4 weeks.
Blepharoplasty results are long-lasting, providing optimal rejuvenation for many years. You can help maintain your results by protecting your skin from the sun, not smoking, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. A rejuvenated eye area can significantly enhance your entire appearance, boosting your confidence and helping you look as vibrant on the outside as you feel on the inside.
The results of blepharoplasty can last for many years, often 10 years or more. Although the natural aging process will continue, you can ensure long-lasting results by using sun protection, maintaining healthy habits, and following a good skincare routine.
Our experienced surgeons make incisions in discreet locations, such as the natural crease of the upper eyelid or inside the lower eyelid, to minimize visible scarring. Most scars will fade significantly over time and become barely noticeable.
Yes, blepharoplasty can be combined with other procedures such as a facelift , brow lift , or other facial procedures to achieve more comprehensive rejuvenation.
Upper blepharoplasty focuses on removing excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids, while lower blepharoplasty addresses puffiness, bags, and excess skin under the eyes.
Most patients can start wearing makeup to cover any bruising or redness about 1-2 weeks after the procedure, but it’s important to follow your surgeon’s specific guidelines.
Non-surgical treatments like Botox, dermal fillers, and laser treatments, can provide temporary improvements, but they do not offer the same long-lasting and comprehensive results as eyelid surgery.
There is no specific age for blepharoplasty; it depends on individual needs and the degree of aging. Most patients seek eyelid surgery in their 40s to 60s, but it can be performed on younger or older individuals based on their skin condition.
Most blepharoplasty patients can resume normal activities within 1-2 weeks. Patients will need to avoid strenuous activities for about a month to ensure proper healing. Your surgeon will advise you on when you can resume activities like exercise based on your individual healing. Some residual swelling may be present for a few months after surgery. During this time, your results will continue to become more refined and harmonious.
Yes. Patients with significant sagging of the upper eyelids can achieve both cosmetic and functional benefits from upper eyelid surgery. Sagging skin of the upper eyelid is reduced, restoring a fuller field of vision.
At your consultation, your surgeon will provide instructions on preparing for your procedure. To ensure good healing and an optimal result, patients who smoke should quit for several weeks before and after surgery. You may also need to temporarily stop taking certain medications that have blood-thinning properties. Finally, blepharoplasty patients will need to arrange for a family member or friend to drive them home after their procedure.
Interested to find out which treatment is right for you?