Blepharoplasty
Rejuvenate the eyes by removing excess skin and puffiness.
What Is a Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty lifts heavy lids and reduces under-eye bags for a fresher look. By carefully removing excess skin and repositioning fat, we open up the eyes for a brighter, more rested appearance without altering your natural expression.
Request a Private ConsultationThe Ideal Candidate
- Heavy or hooded upper eyelids
- Under-eye bags or puffiness that persist despite rest
- Extra eyelid skin that hides the natural crease, and in some patients affects vision
- A tired look that appears to come from the eyelids rather than only the brow
- Anesthesia
- IV sedation
- Estimated Duration
- 1–2 hours
- Downtime
- 7–10 days
- Return to Work
- Most patients get back to office work within seven to ten days. Those in public-facing roles typically wait until bruising has resolved at ten to fourteen days.
Surgical Technique
Upper eyelid surgery is performed through an incision hidden in the natural upper eyelid crease. Extra skin, and sometimes a small amount of muscle or fat, is removed conservatively so the eyes look refreshed rather than hollow. Lower eyelid surgery is often performed from inside the lower eyelid, which avoids an external scar and helps reduce the risk of pulling the lid downward. Fat beneath the lower eyelid can be repositioned into the hollow between the eyelid and cheek instead of simply removed. If extra lower eyelid skin is present, a small skin pinch may be added.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a good fit for people whose upper eyelids feel heavy, hide the natural crease, or interfere with vision, as well as those with persistent lower-eyelid bags. Candidates should have healthy eyes, stable medical conditions, and no uncontrolled dry-eye symptoms. If the heaviness comes mainly from a low brow, a brow lift may be more appropriate.
Recovery
The first two to three days usually bring the most swelling and bruising after eyelid surgery. Cold compresses and head elevation help reduce swelling during this early period. Sutures are typically removed around five to seven days. Many patients feel comfortable going out with sunglasses after about one week, and makeup is usually allowed around ten to fourteen days once the incisions are ready. Contact lens wearers often resume lenses around two weeks. Final refinement usually appears over six to twelve weeks.
Acute Phase
Swelling and bruising most pronounced. Cold compresses and elevation recommended. Sutures removed by day 5–7.
Social Recovery
Bruising resolves. Most patients return to work and social activities. Makeup may be applied after 10–14 days.
Refinement
Residual swelling resolves. Incisions fade. Final rested, refreshed appearance becomes evident.
Final Result
Scars nearly imperceptible. Full rejuvenating effect visible. Results last many years with proper sun protection.
Blepharoplasty Risks & Considerations
Blepharoplasty is generally a safe procedure when carefully planned and performed, but risks include temporary dry eye or tearing, asymmetry, ectropion, meaning the lower lid pulls downward, lagophthalmos, meaning the eyelids do not fully close, and hematoma, which is a collection of blood. Permanent vision impairment is extremely rare but has been reported, usually in the setting of bleeding behind the eye. A careful eye history, conservative tissue removal, and prompt attention to unusual pain or vision changes help reduce risk.
- Dry eye or eye irritation
- Asymmetry
- Lagophthalmos (incomplete eyelid closure)
- Ectropion (lower lid pulling downward)
- Scarring
- Hematoma (blood collection)
- Vision changes (rare)
Alternatives to Blepharoplasty
Upper-eye heaviness caused mainly by a low brow may be better treated with a brow lift, sometimes with Botox for a temporary lift effect. Under-eye hollows can sometimes be softened with filler or fat grafting, but those options do not remove extra skin or true lower-eyelid bags. The right plan depends on whether the tired look is coming from the brow, eyelid skin, fat, volume loss, or a combination.
Blepharoplasty Patient Guides
Medical Sources
Blepharoplasty - Frequently Asked Questions
- When can I wear makeup after eyelid surgery?
- Patients can usually begin wearing eye makeup again ten to fourteen days after the procedure, once the incisions have fully closed.
- Will my eye shape change?
- The goal is to rejuvenate and open the eyes, not to change their fundamental shape or your natural character.
- How long is the surgery?
- A blepharoplasty typically takes one to two hours depending on whether you are treating the upper lids, lower lids, or both.
- Are the scars visible?
- Scars are hidden within the natural fold of the upper lid or just below the lower lash line, making them extremely difficult to see.
- Can this correct dark circles?
- If dark circles are caused by shadows from hollows or fat bags, a lower blepharoplasty with fat repositioning can significantly improve them.
Ready to talk through your options?
Every plan begins with a conversation about your anatomy, your goals, and whether this is genuinely the right procedure for you.
Schedule a ConsultationPerformed by Dr. Ruben Castro in Newport Beach, California