Lift, Brighten, and Renew with Blepharoplasty
Understanding Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery for a More Rested, Youthful Look
Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a popular cosmetic procedure designed to correct drooping upper eyelids and reduce puffiness or bags under the eyes. As we age, the skin around the eyes begins to lose elasticity, fat shifts, and muscle tone weakens. These changes can cause the eyelids to sag or become puffy, affecting not just appearance, but in some cases, vision as well.
Eyelid surgery can help restore a more refreshed, youthful look by removing excess skin and fat and tightening the underlying support structures. The result is a smoother, more alert appearance that enhances the natural beauty of your eyes.
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that rejuvenates the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. Depending on your unique concerns, your surgeon may recommend:
- Upper Blepharoplasty – Removes excess skin and fat from the upper eyelid, improving sagging that can make you look tired or impair your field of vision.
- Lower Blepharoplasty – Targets under-eye bags and puffiness by removing or repositioning fat and tightening the skin for a smoother under-eye contour.
While often performed for cosmetic reasons, upper blepharoplasty can also be medically necessary for patients experiencing vision obstruction due to drooping eyelids.
Why Consider Eyelid Surgery?
Blepharoplasty is one of the most effective ways to address visible signs of aging around the eyes. Patients often seek the procedure to:
- Reduce sagging or hooded upper eyelids
- Eliminate puffiness or under-eye bags
- Restore a more youthful and rested appearance
- Improve vision that may be partially blocked by drooping skin
For many, it’s not just about aesthetics, it’s about feeling more confident and alert.
Blepharoplasty Before and After Gallery
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Ideal candidates for blepharoplasty are generally healthy, nonsmokers, and have realistic expectations about their results. This procedure may be right for you if you notice:
- Heavy or drooping upper eyelids
- Loose skin that hangs over your eyelashes
- Puffiness or fat deposits in the upper or lower eyelids
- Tired or aged appearance that doesn’t reflect how you feel
Your surgeon will evaluate your health history, eye function, and aesthetic goals to determine whether you’re a good fit for the procedure.
What to Expect During a Blepharoplasty Consultation
During your consultation, your surgeon will perform a full assessment of your eyelid anatomy and review your medical history. This typically includes:
- A physical exam to evaluate your skin, muscle tone, and overall facial structure
- A vision test, especially if sagging eyelids are affecting your peripheral vision
- Photographs of your eyes to aid in planning and documentation
This is also your opportunity to discuss your goals and ask questions about the procedure, recovery, and expected results.
Discover What’s Possible
How the Procedure Works
Blepharoplasty is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. The approach will depend on whether you are having upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or both.
- Upper Blepharoplasty – An incision is made in the natural crease of the upper lid. Through this, excess skin and fat are removed, and the muscles may be tightened.
- Lower Blepharoplasty – An incision is made just below the lash line or inside the lower lid (transconjunctival approach). Fat is removed or repositioned, and excess skin may be trimmed.
Incisions are placed strategically to minimize visible scarring and follow the natural contours of the eyelids.
Recovery and Results
Recovery after blepharoplasty is typically well-tolerated, with most patients experiencing swelling and bruising for 1 to 2 weeks. While visible healing occurs relatively quickly, full results may take several weeks to a few months to fully settle.
Improvements from upper eyelid surgery are often noticeable within days. Lower blepharoplasty may take a little longer as the skin continues to smooth and adjust. Scarring is minimal and typically hidden within the natural folds of the eyelid, fading significantly over time.
Some specialized facial plastic surgery practices, including ours, use photobiomodulation (light therapy) to help accelerate healing and reduce swelling and bruising.
This non-invasive technology supports tissue regeneration and may shorten recovery time, helping patients return to normal activities sooner.
Blepharoplasty results are long-lasting. Upper eyelid improvements can last 10 years or more, while fat removed from the lower lids is rarely redeposited. With proper care and sun protection, most patients enjoy a refreshed, youthful look for many years.
Experience the Artistry of Precision Eyelid Surgery
At Balikian Plastic Surgery, blepharoplasty is more than just skin removal. Dr. Richard Balikian takes a personalized, detail-oriented approach to each eyelid procedure, focusing not only on aesthetics but also on preserving function and harmony with your natural features.
As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Balikian customizes every surgery based on your anatomy, skin quality, and overall goals. His techniques often involve subtle fat repositioning, precise muscle tightening, and minimal incisions for faster recovery and long-lasting, natural-looking results.
The goal is not to change the way you look, but to help you look like yourself, only more refreshed.
If you’re considering upper or lower eyelid surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Balikian to explore your options and see if blepharoplasty is the right fit for your facial rejuvenation goals.
Brighter Eyes Start Here
Learn More About Surgical and Non-Surgical Procedures
Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Richard Balikian is a renowned facial plastic surgeon known for his dedication to patients throughout Southern California.
With more than two decades of experience and double board certification in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, he brings together surgical precision and an artist’s eye.
Dr. Balikian is among a select group of specialists whose advanced training is devoted entirely to procedures of the face and neck.
Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Balikian Facial Plastic Surgery: Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
Tyler Frew, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
