Rejuvenate the eyes by removing excess skin and puffiness.
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.
InquireUpper blepharoplasty is performed through an incision precisely placed within the natural supratarsal fold. Redundant skin and a conservative strip of orbicularis oculi muscle are excised. Medial fat compartment prolapse is addressed by cautious debulking under direct visualization. Lower blepharoplasty is most often approached via a transconjunctival incision, which avoids external scarring and reduces the risk of lower lid retraction. Herniated orbital fat is redistributed into the nasojugal groove rather than simply excised, providing a smooth, youthful transition between the lower lid and cheek. Skin redundancy, if present, is addressed with a conservative skin pinch technique.
Blepharoplasty is a good fit for people whose upper lids look heavy or whose lower lids stay puffy even when they are rested. Upper blepharoplasty candidates typically have dermatochalasis - excess skin that encroaches upon the visual field or obliterates the supratarsal fold. Lower blepharoplasty candidates present with pseudoherniated orbital fat causing persistent under-eye bags unrelated to sleep or fluid retention. Candidates must have healthy ocular function and no active dry eye syndrome.
The first 72 hours usually bring the most significant swelling and bruising. Cold compresses and head elevation dramatically reduce edema during this period. Sutures are removed at five to seven days. Most patients feel comfortable appearing in public with sunglasses by one week, and makeup can be applied at ten to fourteen days. Contact lens wearers typically resume use at two weeks. Final results usually show up around six to twelve weeks.
Swelling and bruising most pronounced. Cold compresses and elevation recommended. Sutures removed by day 5–7.
Bruising resolves. Most patients return to work and social activities. Makeup may be applied after 10–14 days.
Residual swelling resolves. Incisions fade. Final rested, refreshed appearance becomes evident.
Scars nearly imperceptible. Full rejuvenating effect visible. Results last many years with proper sun protection.
Blepharoplasty is generally very safe in experienced hands. Potential risks include temporary dry eye or tearing, asymmetry, ectropion, lagophthalmos, and hematoma. Permanent vision impairment is extremely rare but has been reported in cases of retrobulbar hematoma. Thorough preoperative ophthalmologic assessment and conservative tissue resection minimize these risks significantly.
Mild upper eyelid hooding related to brow descent rather than excess lid skin may be better treated with a brow lift. Botulinum toxin can provide a modest brow lift effect and reduce crow's feet but cannot address excess skin or fat herniation. Dermal fillers in the tear trough can soften under-eye hollows but will not remove true fat pseudoherniation or skin redundancy.
Performed by Dr. Ruben Castro in Newport Beach, California