Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
The eyes are among the most prominent and noticeable facial features, but unfortunately, they are also one of the first areas to display your true age. The fragile skin and tissues that surround and support your eyes are especially prone to the effects of the aging process. Genetics, sun exposure, gravity and the passage of time can cause eyelid skin to sag and wrinkle, contributing to an aged appearance and even the impairment of peripheral vision. Fat pads located beneath the eyes may also begin to protrude, resulting in a puffy or swollen appearance under the eyes that can make you look more tired or older than you feel.
At Daines Plastic Surgery, located in Newport Beach of Orange County, double-board certified Dr. Steven Daines offers blepharoplasty surgery to his patients in the Newport Beach and Orange County areas. Using precise and personalized blepharoplasty procedures, Dr. Daines can eliminate excess eyelid skin on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both for a refreshed appearance that lasts you well into the future. If you have droopy, aged eyes that no amount of beauty sleep or makeup restore, blepharoplasty surgery at Daines Plastic Surgery may be the right solution for you.
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery or an eye lift, is a highly customizable procedure that can be designed around your individual goals and concerns as necessary. Your eyelid surgery plan can focus solely on the upper eyelids, removing any excess skin and tissue to eliminate drooping and improve your field of vision. The lower eyelids can also be targeted, as Dr. Daines will remove excess skin and fat that leads to puffiness and fine lines beneath the eyes. Lower blepharoplasty may also be recommended for patients that experience significant sagging of the lower lid, which can reveal the whites of the eyes underneath the iris.
Your blepharoplasty surgery can be performed on the upper or lower eyelids or combined to address a broad range of aesthetic and functional concerns, including:
- Permanent under-eye bags and wrinkles
- Upper eyelid hooding
- Sagging pads of fat under the eyes
- Impaired vision caused by overhanging skin
- A constant tired, angry or worn appearance
While many patients choose to undergo blepharoplasty surgery to target cosmetic issues around the eyes that have developed due to aging, blepharoplasty can also work to improve your vision by removing overhanging skin. As no two blepharoplasty procedures will be exactly alike, Dr. Daines will create a personalized for your needs and goals.
EYELID SURGERY OPTIONS & TECHNIQUES
Blepharoplasty can be performed in a few different ways depending on the concerns you’re looking to address. The three main options include upper, lower and quadruple eyelid surgery, but your procedure may contain additional steps to help you reach your goals.
UPPER EYELID SURGERY
Upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin and sometimes fat to make the eyes look more open, alert and refreshed. Extra skin can be bothersome as it creates a heaviness that causes the eyelids to droop or sag, contributing to an aged appearance. It can also lead to vision problems if the eyelids hang too low and obstruct your line of sight. To address these concerns, a small incision is made in the natural crease of the upper eyelid, giving Dr. Daines access to the underlying tissues with minimal scarring. Skin and sometimes muscle or fat are then trimmed and repositioned to tighten up the eyes and provide a more youthful contour.
LOWER EYELID SURGERY
Lower blepharoplasty is used to address bags, creases and dark circles that form beneath the eyes, causing patients to look older or more tired than they feel. This is accomplished by meticulously removing excess fat from the area to create a more refreshed appearance. Incisions may be placed immediately below the lower eyelashes or on the inner surface of the eyelid. Fat grafting is also a good solution for dark circles or visible tear troughs, which is a winning combination when included as part of a lower eye lift.
QUADRUPLE BLEPHAROPLASTY
Quadruple blepharoplasty involves treating the upper and lower eyelids of each eye. After undergoing either an upper or lower eye lift, it’s common for many patients to regret not having both areas addressed simultaneously. Quadruple blepharoplasty provides full eyelid rejuvenation in a single procedure for more comprehensive results, with the added benefit of just one recovery period. The upper eyelid portion of the surgery targets loose, excess skin that gives the eyes a tired appearance, while the lower eyelid portion addresses fat and volume loss beneath the eyes to improve bags and shadows. Often, Dr. Daines will transfer or graft fat to the hollows under the eyes and upper cheeks creating a smoother and more youthful eyelid-cheek junction that enhances your final results.
BROW LIFT
A brow lift is a separate surgical procedure that can be performed before, during or after your blepharoplasty. Sometimes, persistent hooding or sagging can remain in the upper eyelids and cause fullness or creasing even after surgery due to the position of the brows. These concerns can be addressed with a brow lift that elevates the brows to a more youthful position, eliminating heaviness and drooping that gives your eyes an aged appearance. Dr. Daines performs a number of brow lift techniques that can be tailored to meet your goals, including a traditional brow lift, an endoscopic brow lift and the minimally invasive temporal brow lift. If other concerns are present, Dr. Daines will utilize the best brow lift option to provide optimal tightening and improve wrinkles, frown lines and sagging.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
Good candidates for blepharoplasty are patients who wish to address concerns with aging around their eyes with long-lasting, dramatic results. Patients interested in an upper, lower or combined eyelid surgery should have excess skin or puffiness on the upper and/or lower eyelids that they would like to remove for cosmetic or functional reasons. Blepharoplasty will not address crow’s feet at the corners of the eyes or a sagging brow and forehead wrinkles, so patients hoping to target those areas of concern may be better candidates for other cosmetic procedures.
You may be a suitable candidate for upper or lower blepharoplasty surgery at Daines Plastic Surgery if the following applies to you:
- Excess skin obscures the natural fold of your upper eyelids
- Loose upper eyelid skin impairs your vision
- You have constant under-eye bags or puffiness
- You have excess, wrinkled skin beneath your eyes
- You are in good overall health
- You have no pre-existing eye conditions
- You have realistic expectations about the results you can achieve
Dr. Daines will evaluate your eyelids and help to determine if blepharoplasty is right for you during an in-person consultation at our office. Many patients who have concerns about an aged appearance can also benefit from pairing their blepharoplasty procedure with additional surgical or nonsurgical treatments for the most optimal anti-aging results. You may wish to combine your blepharoplasty with a brow lift to eliminate sagging forehead skin that often exacerbates the appearance of hooded upper eyelids. A facelift also pairs well with blepharoplasty for addressing wrinkles and loose skin on the lower portion of the face for comprehensive facial restoration.
Nonsurgical treatments, such as Botox, dermal fillers or skin resurfacing procedures, are ideal options for patients who desire to improve the tone and texture of their skin without adding any additional downtime to their recovery. Dr. Daines will explain all of the options available to you during your initial appointment and recommend which treatments will yield the best results for you and your goals.
COMBINING EYELID SURGERY WITH OTHER PROCEDURES
If you have a number of aging-related concerns in the face, eyelids and brow, you may wish to combine your blepharoplasty with a brow lift to eliminate sagging forehead skin that often exacerbates the appearance of hooded upper eyelids. A facelift also pairs well with blepharoplasty for addressing wrinkles and loose skin on the lower portion of the face for comprehensive facial restoration and balanced, harmonious results.
Nonsurgical treatments, such as Botox, dermal fillers or skin resurfacing procedures, are also ideal options for patients who desire to improve the tone and texture of their skin without adding any additional downtime to their recovery. These treatments can also help prolong the results of your blepharoplasty, brow lift or other surgical procedure. Dr. Daines will explain all of the options available to you during your initial appointment and recommend which treatments will yield the best results for you and your goals.
YOUR EYELID SURGERY CONSULTATION
When you step into Dr. Daines’ office for a blepharoplasty consultation, it’s more than just an appointment — it’s the beginning of a transformative journey to achieving your aesthetic goals. Dr. Daines places great emphasis on understanding your specific needs, so he’ll start by discussing your desired outcomes. He will then meticulously review your medical history, taking into account any prior surgeries or medications to ensure the best results.
Next, Dr. Daines will perform a thorough physical examination of your eyelids and overall eye health. He will also ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of the procedure, highlighting the most suitable techniques for your case and walking you through every step of the treatment process. As an advocate for patient knowledge, he will transparently discuss the risks and benefits associated with blepharoplasty and address any concerns you may have.
In addition to this, Dr. Daines will delve into the post-operative expectations, recovery timeline and aftercare. Finally, your consultation will provide clarity on the financial aspects of the procedure, including discussions about insurance coverage if your eyelid surgery has a medical indication. Dr. Daines encourages questions at any point during the consultation, ensuring that you leave his office feeling confident and comfortable moving forward.
“Dr. Daines is bar none, hands down one of the most exceptional facial plastic surgeons. Not only is his experience, knowledge and bedside manner admirable, but his results speak for themselves! I have referred several friends and family to him and they all agree without hesitation…You will not regret consulting with this incredible human.”
– Rachael L.
Your Blepharoplasty Procedure
Blepharoplasty is commonly performed as a comprehensive procedure that addresses both the upper and lower eyelids for total rejuvenation of the eyes. The upper eyelids are typically treated first during a combined procedure. Blepharoplasty may be completed under local anesthesia, twilight or general anesthesia depending on the extent of the procedure and your personal preference. The procedure will typically take two hours to complete. Dr. Daines will go over all aspects of your surgery in advance to ensure you feel comfortable and prepared on the day of your procedure.
Upper Blepharoplasty
After you have been numbed and sedated, Dr. Daines will make small incisions in the skin folds of the upper eyelids. All incisions are kept within the natural skin creases of the eyes to ensure scars remain completely inconspicuous and do not distract from your results. Dr. Daines will manipulate, trim and reposition the muscles of the upper eyelids to tighten the underlying support and create long-lasting results. He will then trim away any excess or overhanging skin before stitching the incisions closed.
Lower Blepharoplasty
In addition to targeting wrinkled and aged lower eyelid skin, a lower blepharoplasty also addresses under-eye bags caused by sagging fat pockets and weakened muscular support. After administering the anesthesia, Dr. Daines will begin the procedure by making incisions below the lash line in the natural skin creases of the lower eyelids. Incisions may also be placed on the inside of the lower eyelid, if necessary. Through the incisions, Dr. Daines will then trim away any small pockets of fat and make adjustments to the underlying muscles. After reducing the bulging pockets of fat and creating a stronger support structure for the eyelids, Dr. Daines will trim away the excess skin and close the incisions.
Recovering from Your Surgery
Blepharoplasty is a straightforward minimally-invasive procedure that allows for a relatively quick and comfortable recovery process for most patients. Following your eyelid surgery, you will be allowed to return home that same day to begin resting and healing. Dr. Daines will provide you with detailed post-operative aftercare instructions to ensure you have a healthy and successful recovery journey.
Common side effects after blepharoplasty can include mild to moderate swelling, bruising and discomfort. During the first 48 hours of your recovery, you may also experience watery eyes, blurred vision, dry eyes or sensitivity to light. These symptoms will generally resolve on their own within a few days; however, you can use ice packs to help minimize swelling and over-the-counter pain medications to manage any discomfort during this time. Patients should also wear sunglasses while outdoors to avoid irritation from the elements and protect the eyes from sun exposure.
While you can start to gradually resume your regular daily tasks after a couple of days, most patients feel comfortable going out in public or returning to work after one week or when most of the initial swelling and bruising have subsided. Dr. Daines will remove your sutures during an in-office appointment five to seven days after your procedure and answer any questions you may have about your recovery. Most patients can comfortably return to light exercise within a week of their surgery; however, more strenuous activities will need to be avoided for about two to three weeks or when Dr. Daines advises it is safe to resume them.
You are free to apply makeup to your eyes or resume wearing contact lenses again after your stitches have been removed and your incisions have healed completely. If you wear glasses, it is safe to wear them immediately after your surgery. While your incisions will take a few weeks to heal completely, any scarring will be concealed within the natural folds of your eyelid skin to ensure you attain the most natural-looking results.
Download our post-eyelid surgery patient instruction handout here here.
Your Blepharoplasty Results
You can begin to appreciate the results of their blepharoplasty once their incisions have started to heal and bruising and swelling have subsided. Around two weeks after your procedure, a more alert and refreshed appearance should be apparent. Scars, which will already be inconspicuous due to their placement, will continue to fade over the next 12 to 18 months. Patients who have undergone a blepharoplasty report a noticeable reduction of sagging and puffiness, improvement in facial expression and improvement to their field of vision. Blepharoplasty can restore youthfulness to your complexion and enhance your self-confidence in professional and social settings.
Though the procedure cannot stop the effects of time and gravity, the results of eyelid surgery are very long-lasting. Factors that influence how long your results last include genetics, lifestyle and how well you care for your skin. You can also use nonsurgical procedures such as laser treatments and injectables in the years following your eyelid surgery to extend its rejuvenating effects for as long as possible.
Will Insurance Cover My Blepharoplasty Procedure?
Most health insurance providers have strict guidelines when it comes to coverage of blepharoplasty surgery. Insurance carriers do not cover cosmetic surgery or any subsequent complications. If your eyelid surgery is performed only for aesthetic reasons, it is not likely that your health insurance will cover any of the cost.
However, if the purpose of your blepharoplasty is to restore function to your field of vision, reconstruct deformities or repair defects caused by trauma, your procedure could be deemed medically necessary and qualify you for partial or complete insurance coverage. Your insurance provider may require photos and vision field tests before approving a functional blepharoplasty for coverage. You can contact your health insurance carrier to verify the specifics of your policy.
The office of Daines Plastic Surgery offers financing options for qualified patients through Care Credit or Alphaeon Credit. If your insurance provider has decided not to cover your procedure or you are interested in financing plan options for your procedure, we would be more than happy to assist you with the application process.
Choosing the Right Surgeon for Your Blepharoplasty
With years of experience as a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Daines has possesses both the expertise and precision to deliver results that exceed your expectations. Dr. Daines is double-board certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and head and neck surgery. By employing the latest techniques in eyelid rejuvenation and drawing on his distinguished background in plastic surgery, Dr. Daines can help you to achieve a youthful, refreshed appearance that you’ll love.
Dr. Daines understands the importance of natural-looking enhancements for his patients that preserve their natural beauty and unique appearance. That is why he takes great care to ensure all incision lines are either completely invisible or well-camouflaged to restore a rejuvenated, bright appearance to your eyes with no evidence of having cosmetic surgery.
Helping You Look Your Best at Daines Plastic Surgery
Blepharoplasty surgery can take decades off of your appearance and help you to restore lasting, youthful energy to your eyes and face. At Daines Plastic Surgery, our eyelid surgery patients are frequently amazed that such a simple, minimally-invasive procedure can make such a dramatic difference in their appearance and self-confidence. If you are troubled by the appearance or functionality of aging eyes, call Daines Plastic Surgery today and come in for an appointment.
Double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Daines will sit down with you during a one-on-one consultation to listen to all of your concerns and offer his professional guidance and expert recommendations. With a wide range of facial plastic surgery and nonsurgical treatments at his hand, Dr. Daines can deliver satisfying and long-lasting results for patients of all needs. From consultation to aftercare, he will ensure that you are comfortable and completely thrilled with your results. Call us today at 949-397-6499 to find out if blepharoplasty surgery is the right solution for you.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CAN BLEPHAROPLASTY BE COMBINED WITH ANOTHER PROCEDURE?
In many cases, blepharoplasty is paired with other surgical procedures to provide the most comprehensive results, such as a brow lift, fat grafting or facelift. Eyelid surgery can also be combined with injectable treatments to further enhance your appearance. Depending on your needs, Dr. Daines will discuss the treatment options available and recommend the best procedure, or combination of procedures, to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
WHEN CAN I DRIVE AFTER EYELID SURGERY?
Blepharoplasty may cause blurred vision, light sensitivity and watery eyes, all of which can interfere with your ability to drive. Fortunately, these side effects are temporary and will subside within a few days after your surgery. You may be prescribed ointment that can impair your eyesight, so you should refrain from driving until cleared to do so by Dr. Daines.
DOES BLEPHAROPLASTY PRODUCE VISIBLE SCARS?
After blepharoplasty, scars are generally minimal due to strategic incision placement within the natural creases of the eyelids. Initially after surgery, these incision lines might appear pink or slightly raised, but they typically fade over time, especially with proper skin care and scar reduction techniques. Fortunately, the delicate skin of the eyelids often heals well. After your procedure, Dr. Daines will provide you with detailed post-op instructions to minimize visible scarring.
HOW LONG WILL MY RESULTS LAST?
While surgery cannot stop the natural aging process, you can expect the results of upper blepharoplasty to last for many years. In some cases, lower blepharoplasty is considered permanent. You may notice the signs of aging begin to reappear over time, but you can slow this process by regularly applying sunscreen and practicing good skin care. Dr. Daines also offers many nonsurgical treatments that can help prolong your results.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF EYELID SURGERY?
While generally considered a safe procedure, eyelid surgery does involve some risks. This includes infection, scarring, dry or watery eyes, temporary or permanent vision changes, difficulty closing eyes and anesthesia complications. During your consultation, Dr. Daines will discuss the risks and benefits of blepharoplasty to help you make an informed decision.
*Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Steven M. Daines has written information about eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) that has been carefully reviewed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us using our form.
Dr Daines did a wonderful job with my eye surgery. I look 10 years younger! Dr D always takes the time to ask what I want, explains what he recommends, and what to expect. Price-wise, I feel what I got was worth more than what I paid – very reasonable for the great job he did. I highly recommend Dr Daines for any cosmetic procedure – you will not be disappointed! – Suzanne F.